save the statue

CPS is conducting a fundraising campaign for the conservation and long-term care of the historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the Charlestown Training Field.

There's a tree growing from the top of the massive statue, and weeds and moss are sprouting all over. But those are just the most obvious problems.

A professional conservation assessment shows that the statue also needs granite repair, re-pointing and cleaning at an estimated cost of almost $50,000.

The statue is worth saving. It's the work of Martin Milmore, a leading Victorian sculptor who established the prototype of countless commemorative statues erected just after the Civil War. You can see more of his work on the Boston Common and in the Forest Hills and Mt. Auburn Cemeteries.

The next phase of the campaign includes approaching private foundations, community businesses and private contributors.