Statue of Samuel Eliot Morison

The statue shows Samuel Eliot Morison, a historian, standing on a large granite boulder while holding binoculars. The stone is decorated with bronze casts of sea creatures, including crabs and starfish.

The sculptor Penelope Jencks created this statue in 1982 to honor Morison's work as a naval historian. It was built when Boston was adding more public art to remember important local figures.

The statue sits near universities and libraries, where it connects to how Boston shaped Morison's work as a writer. His books changed how people think about naval history and exploration.

The memorial is located on Commonwealth Avenue Mall and is easy to reach on foot from other public monuments nearby. A visit fits well into a walk along the avenue to see multiple artworks in one morning or afternoon.

The binoculars in Morison's hands are not just decoration but symbolize how he observed history as a witness to events. This detail shows how the artist wove his role as a historian into the monument itself.

Location: Boston

Inception: 1982

Creator: Penelope Jencks

Made from material: bronze

Website: https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/our-parks/the-mall

GPS coordinates: 42.35118,-71.08083

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:42