“Today we are recognizing the valuable contribution that women made to our past,” said Mayor Menino, who, with his wife, Angela, has been a longstanding supporter of the project. “The memorial will be a constant reminder to future generations of women’s role in Boston’s history. I am proud that people from all over the city came together to honor the legacy of these important women.”

Created by artist Meredith Bergmann, who was chosen for the project by a panel under the direction of UrbanArts, Inc., a nonprofit public arts agency, the Boston Women’s Memorial consists of three bronze sculptures representing the women. The Women’s Memorial Task Force, created in 1993, chose Adams, Stone, and Wheatley for their strong Boston identities, places in national history, passion for social justice, and abilities to inspire and impact people through the written word.

The memorial was made possible though the generous support of several sponsors, including leadership gifts from The Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund, The Barbara Lee Family Foundation, and the Alan and Harriet Lewis Family, in addition to many other private and corporate sponsors.

Robert J. Fleming, the Executive Secretary of the City of Boston’s Treasury Department’s Trust Office, which manages the City Trusts including the Browne Fund, stated, “The partnership that has developed during the community process that lead to the design and fabrication of these stunning works of art is a fitting example of how communities can come together to bring about positive change. The memorial’s completion is a testament to the fortitude and resolve of women throughout Boston’s storied history.”

“The Boston Women’s Memorial is the perfect intersection of public art, community involvement and women’s empowerment; I am so pleased that we are paying public tribute to these three heroic women and their place in Boston’s rich history,” said Barbara Lee. “The Boston Women’s Memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of the impact that women have had on the quest for equality and justice, and will inspire countless generations of women to come.”

Communities from across Boston came together to make the memorial, the tenth monument to be placed on the mall, a reality. The Boston Women’s Memorial Committees brought together educators, historians, elected officials, Back Bay neighbors, area businesses and the Boston Women’s Commission, along with other city agencies.

“The memorial represents the best in public and private cooperation and community involvement. The community was included in every aspect of the project and we welcome it to Commonwealth Avenue Mall,” said Margaret Pokorny, a Back Bay resident and co-chair of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall Committee of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay.

“Daughters in the Back Bay will no longer have to ask, ‘Where are the women?’ They can now visit them every day.”