Wilmington’s Statue of Liberty replica to celebrate 75th anniversary

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A piece of downtown Wilmington history will be celebrated this weekend as the city’s Statue of Liberty replica marks its 75th anniversary.

The Stamp Defiance Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a community program Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. at the statue in Innes Park, next to Thalian Hall.

The replica was dedicated in 1951 as part of the Boy Scouts’ nationwide “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty” program, which placed replicas of the Statue of Liberty in communities across the country.

According to organizers, Wilmington’s statue is the only Statue of Liberty replica in North Carolina.

This year also marks the 140th anniversary of the dedication of the original Statue of Liberty.

Saturday’s ceremony will feature the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, community speakers and musical performances by the UNCW Seabelles.

The program will also include proclamations from the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County recognizing the anniversary.

Following the ceremony, guests are invited to a reception inside Thalian Hall sponsored by the Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

The event is open to the community.