Orinda Library Exhibit Celebrates the Statue of Liberty at 140

ORINDA, CA — This October marks the 140th anniversary of one of America's most recognizable symbols: the Statue of Liberty.

To commemorate the anniversary, the Acalanes Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, is presenting "Liberty at 140 — A Gift from France," a new exhibit at the Orinda Library.

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Dedicated in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States. France provided the Statue, while Americans raised the funds to build its pedestal. Together, the two nations created an enduring symbol of liberty and friendship.

The exhibit follows Lady Liberty's remarkable journey from an idea proposed by French political thinker Édouard de Laboulaye in 1865 to sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi's colossal figure and its construction in Paris. After completion in France, the Statue crossed the Atlantic packed in 214 wooden cases before being reassembled on what was then Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor.

Another part of the exhibit tells the story of Emma Lazarus and The New Colossus. Lazarus wrote the poem in 1883 to help raise money for the Statue's pedestal. Its famous words were not part of the Statue's original conception and were not added to the pedestal until 1903. Over time, the poem helped transform Lady Liberty into a powerful symbol of welcome for generations of immigrants arriving in America.

Visitors may be surprised by the story of the October 28, 1886 dedication. Although Liberty herself was represented as a woman, women were largely excluded from the official ceremony. Suffragists responded by chartering a boat and protesting from New York Harbor.

A life-size Lady Liberty brings a bit of fun to the history and gives visitors a chance to pose for a photo. Free commemorative "Statue of Liberty at 140" bookmarks are available while supplies last.

Stop by the Orinda Library to discover the remarkable story behind Lady Liberty, take a photo with her, and pick up a free commemorative bookmark to take home.