Charlotte Forten Memorial Project

Project Overview

The City of Salem, Salem Public Art Commission, and the Charlotte Forten Memorial Project Advisory Committee have selected with input from the community, the artists/artist teams as semi-finalists to create a site-specific commemorative artwork. This piece with take shape in the form of a life-size, figurative bronze statue in the likeness of Charlotte Forten Grimké to serve as a memorial in honor of her life and legacy. Once completed, the work will be located in Charlotte Forten Park, 289 Derby Street, Salem, Massachusetts. This modern memorial will be a permanent piece of public art intended to provide the community with a sense of belonging and connectedness to the space while also sharing information about Forten’s life and her connection to Salem.

Learn more information about the Charlotte Forten Memorial Project here: https://bit.ly/CharlotteFortenMemorialProject

Who is Charlotte Forten?

Charlotte Forten Seated

Charlotte Louise Bridges Forten Grimke (1837-1914) was an abolitionist, poet, and educator who is celebrated as the first African American woman to graduate from Salem State University, then known as The Normal School, and to teach in Salem Public Schools. Charlotte Forten Park was dedicated to Charlotte Forten Grimke in 2019 in honor of her living legacy and life-long commitment to issues of social justice, education, and her connection to Salem.