Monument to Women Memorial Garden, Bronze statuary monument in Nauvoo, Illinois, US
The Monument to Women Memorial Garden is a two-acre site featuring twelve bronze sculptures created by Dennis Smith and Florence Hansen that explore different dimensions of women's lives. Brick walkways connect the various installations throughout the landscaped grounds, allowing visitors to move between each composition.
The garden was dedicated in 1978, replacing an earlier 1933 Relief Society monument during a period when the nation was reassessing women's societal roles. This timing reflected broader conversations happening across the country about how to recognize and honor women's contributions.
The sculptures depict motherhood, education, personal growth, and service in women's lives. Walking through the garden, you encounter different moments and roles that shaped women's experiences across generations.
The site is located behind the Historic Nauvoo Visitors Center and is accessible on foot from the main tourist area. The brick pathways are well-maintained and allow you to view the sculptures from various angles without steep inclines or obstacles.
The 1978 dedication ceremony drew approximately 7,200 people, making it the largest gathering of women in Nauvoo since the 1840s. This remarkable turnout showed how deeply the community valued recognizing women's stories and contributions.
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