The Mercy Otis Warren Statue Committee was formed under the leadership of Louis Cataldo and then Barnstable Town Councilor Audrey Loughnane. Both felt that Mercy Otis Warren was as much a patriot of the American Revolution as her brother James Otis, Jr., whose statue had been previously placed on the lawn of the Barnstable County Superior Courthouse on July 4, 1991.
The Committee successfully brought about the creation and placement of the Mercy Otis Warren statue, which was placed next to her brother’s. The statue was dedicated on July 4, 2001. Cape Cod artist David Lewis sculpted both bronze statues. The Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year Selection Committee was formed a short time later.
Since 2002, a bronze Marquette sculpted by David Lewis in the likeness of Mercy Otis Warren is presented each year to a Cape Cod woman who has demonstrated leadership in the community and has made a significant contribution to the Arts, Education, Business, or Community Involvement while embracing the ideals of patriotism.
The Committee named its first honoree, historian Marion Vuilleumier, in 2002. Anneli Karniala was the first Chair of the Committee, and Alice George became the Chair of the Committee in 2003, continuing in that role until her retirement in 2013.
