Letter
Dear Ms. Nersesian:
In its public meeting of 18 September conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a site selection study for the Women’s Suffrage National Monument, to be located within the Reserve as defined in the Commemorative Works Act. The Commission approved the memorial sponsor’s preferred site, at the western end of Constitution Gardens, and provided the following comments.
Commending the thoughtfulness of the presentation, the Commission members agreed that the site, near the intersection of 19th Street and Constitution Avenue, would provide the strongest thematic connection to the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. They noted that the expansive multi-nodal diagram presented for this site, featuring a winding route, could appropriately allude to the circuitous path leading to the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment. However, recognizing Constitution Gardens as a park dedicated as a living tribute to the U.S. Constitution, they also noted that this park may be a compelling location to commemorate additional constitutional issues or other important national stories, and they advised reserving enough space for these stories to be told. In their support for Constitution Gardens as the site for the Women’s Suffrage National Monument, they discouraged the consideration of the Overlook Terrace at the eastern end of the lake, which they said would best be reserved for temporary and event-based commemoration.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing a concept design for this important new memorial, which will be a significant addition to the commemorative landscape of the nation’s capital. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Jen Nersesian, Director
Region 1 – National Capital Area
National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: Anna Laymon, Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation
Claire Sale, AECOM
Marcel Acosta, National Capital Planning Commission