Franklin celebrated the culmination of a vision on Saturday with the presentation of “Sowing the Seeds of the Future,” a sculpture celebrating the contributions of the women of Macon County from diverse cultural backgrounds. The sculpture was placed in East Franklin near the Greenway and will be known as Women’s History Park.
The ceremony was held Saturday morning and began with music by Blue Jazz and Delphine Kirkland. An invocation was given by Rev. Janet Jacobs Greene.
Members of the Women’s History Trail leadership team, sculptor Wesley Wofford and his wife, Odyssey, along with other dignitaries conducted the actual unveiling. Mary Polanski declared, “It is with great honor that we present to the Town of Franklin this historic piece of public art for all to enjoy, ‘Sowing the Seeds of the Future,’ designated as the Trailhead for the Women’s History Trail.”
Town of Franklin Mayor Jack Horton was given a miniature resin replica of the statue for display at Town Hall. Theresa Ramsey introduced Wofford and his wife, citing his dedication to the project and his passion for his craft. Ramsey relayed that new plaques for the Women’s History Trail would feature Margaret Ramsey. Marty Greeble spoke of a plaque for Barbara McRae to be placed on the trail.
Anne Hyder declared, “Let’s meet the women,” and introduced Former Chief Joyce Dugan to speak on Na-Ka Rebecca Morris. Ann Miller Woodford spoke of Salley, and Kate Jones representing the Siler family commented on Harriet Timoxena Siler Sloan.
The ceremony concluded with dancing by Jada Bryson and dance co-op members, along with post celebration entertainment from Ubuntu Chorus, Susan Pepper & Laila Messer; Cherokee Storyteller Kathi Littlejohn, conversations with Wofford Studios and special offerings from Franklin businesses.
The 1,500-pound, $400,000 sculpture was commissioned in late 2018 and was conceived and extensively researched by historian Barbara McRae. An additional $200,000 for park site development, installation and landscaping was raised via fundraisers and town and county contributions.
