Women’s History Trail takes steps to complete sculpture project
The FHAMC/WHT Leadership Team and Town of Franklin representatives, held a groundbreaking event on Oct. 27 to officially mark the beginning of installation work at the sculpture site located near the bridges on Franklin’s East Main Street. Donated photo
The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 27 after completing a five-year grassroots campaign to raise funds for its Women’s History Trail sculpture.
The statue will represent three Macon County women — a Cherokee woman, Na-ka Rebecca Morris; an African American slave, Salley; and a pioneer woman, Timoxena Siler Sloan, whose lives and cultures intersected.
These women are all connected by a specific piece of property that was on the Little Tennessee River across from the Nikwasi (Noquisiyi) Mound. This statue — titled Sowing the Seeds of the Future — was created by nationally renowned figurative sculptor Wesley Wofford.
“It represents these historical women but also symbolizes each group of women and their cultural contributions,” said Wofford.
Although the sculpture itself has been fully funded, FHAMC is still seeking donations as it works with the Town of Franklin to finalize installation and site prep to complete the project.
Representatives at the groundbreaking ceremony included WHT leadership team members who also serve on the FHAMC board of directors: Marty Greeble, Mary Polanski, Anne Hyder, Theresa Ramsey and Claire Suminski. Franklin officials attending were Mayor Jack Horton, Alderwoman Rita Salain, Town Manager Amie Owens, Town Planner Justin Setser and Macon County Commissioner Gary Shields.
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To kick off the groundbreaking ceremony, Horton welcomed all to the site and future home of “Sowing the Seeds of the Future,” and Shields gave tribute to the late Barbara McRae and other strong women leaders who have paved the way.
Anne Hyder thanked the Horton, town employees and town council for partnering on this project with FHAMC. FHAMC’s goal, said Hyder, is to provide living history experiences to educate, demonstrate and preserve the heritage of Macon County, and she expressed appreciation for all the work that has been done so far, thanking those donors who have helped make this dream a reality.
Greeble focused on the WHT Walk in Her Steps Trail which officially opened five years ago making it the first walking trail in the state that honors women’s historic contributions.
“This sculpture of these three diverse women, plus two young children, will become the trailhead of our project and will be one of 16 current stops on the WHT,” she said.
“May the lives and interactions between the ladies in this sculpture grouping be an inspiration to our community members and guests to treat each other with kindness and mutual respect and to strive to work together for the good of all,” Suminski said.
Ramsey discussed the importance of Macon County’s heritage.
“The Sowing the Seeds of the Future sculpture will forever stand on this site as a reminder that our roots do run deep as we link our past to our future and strive to keep our heritage alive,” she said.
Polanski closed the groundbreaking event by sharing words about Barbara McRae, WHT’s visionary and founder.
“The Women’s History Trail sprang from her vision to share the history of important strong women from our past who stepped up to significant challenges,” she said. “And so today, we are here to break ground at this site, continue our work, and help create a beautiful park for the sculpture.”
Visit folkheritageassociation.org to find out more information or how to get involved.
