Dedication of the W.E.B. Du Bois
Monument in Great Barrington, MA
Dedication of the
W.E.B. Du Bois Monument
in Great Barrington, MA
Unveiling: Saturday, July 19, 2025 • 2:00 pm
The Unveiling:
Saturday, July 19, 2025 • 2:00 pm
Three years ago, an independent group of local citizens began raising funds to celebrate Great Barrington’s most famous native son by erecting a monument to him in front of the Mason Public Library.
In partnership with the town, the group has repaired the library’s crumbling steps, added a custom-made, curved marble bench for community events, and will now place a life-size statue of W.E.B. Du Bois on that bench, where visitors from all over can pay homage to him.
Du Bois’ bronze likeness has been captured by nationally acclaimed sculptor Richard Blake. The community will gather for an unveiling and dedication ceremony at 2 pm on Saturday, July 19, 2025. All are welcome.
Below, you’ll find the schedule for the Unveiling & Dedication and related events throughout the weekend. Details will be added, so please check back regularly. For more information, contact co-chair Julie Michaels at 413-429-1385 or julie@webduboissculpture.org.
Richard Blake with clay model of the Du Bois statue
Richard Blake with clay model of the Du Bois statue
Schedule
Unveiling and dedication ceremony and related events
Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Cocktail Party, Mason Public Library
A private sneak peek at the statue for donors and the press.
Friday, July 18, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
The Creation and Casting of the Du Bois Statue,
Chesterwood (Stockbridge, MA)
Sculptor Richard Blake will offer a “show and tell” about designing the Du Bois monument— from initial maquette to full-scale clay to casting the bronze.
Friday, July 18, 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Fourth Annual Du Bois Forum Roundtable & Celebration
at Jacob’s Pillow (Becket, MA)
Our unveiling coincides with the Roundtable & Celebration. This special event will feature a roundtable conversation with leading writers and artists, a performance by Red Clay Dance Company, and a private dinner curated by James Beard Award-winning chef and author, Bryant Terry. For more details visit the Jacob’s Pillow Events page.
Saturday, July 19, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Unveiling and Dedication (Great Barrington, MA)
Join us in front of the Mason Public Library on Main Street for the unveiling of the Du Bois monument. Speakers will include former Governor Deval Patrick and David Levering Lewis, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography W.E.B. Du Bois: A biography 1868-1963.
Sunday, July 20, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Panel Discussion, Chesterwood (Stockbridge, MA)
W.E.B. Du Bois: Scholar, Artist, and Architect of
the Civil Rights Movement
A panel discussion with sculptor Richard Blake, Boston University scholar Dr. Chad Williams, artist and activist Delano Burrowes, MCLA professor Dr. Frances Jones Sneed, and Executive Director of the National Sculpture Society, Gwen Pier.