Historic Leda Statue to Undergo Restoration; Community Invited to Bon Voyage Ceremony

FREDERICK, Md., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Federated Charities is officially sending the historic Leda and the Swan statue and fountain in its front courtyard for cosmetic surgery (known as restoration in the art world). Standing in the Market Street front garden since the 1870s, Leda marks the changing of the seasons and is the centerpiece of the public space parklet supported by the organization. To mark the culmination of this preservation effort, a public removal ceremony and community bon voyage will be held on Monday November 9^th at 9:00am at 22 South Market Street. 

The event will feature an interactive temporary art installation, and serve coffee and donuts before watching art specialists wrestle the basin into a truck for transport. Weather and age have necessitated the restoration (approved by the Maryland Historic Trust and the Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission) and repair of cracks in the basin, removal of paint and overall cleaning. Plans for its eventual return will include the installation of a permanent concrete pad and placement of interpretive markers detailing its history and art significance in spring 2027.

The Leda statue and fountain is part of the Smithsonian's catalog of outdoor statuary but it's also a recognizable community feature on the property of the Federated Charities Nonprofit Center proving that the 'necessary' and the 'aesthetic' are inextricably linked. The Leda fountain is a piece of a rich historical narrative that spans at least last 150+ years. Its design and craftsmanship reflect the artistic sensibilities of its time and the place of the family who purchased it and it also reflects the time and place where we all live now.

"The Leda Statue is more than a pretty statue, it is a cherished landmark in our community, and it is part of our intentional preservation of the elements that make our center special," said Elin Ross, Executive Director at Federated Charities "This removal event isn't a farewell, but rather a crucial step toward protecting this piece of public art for generations to come."

The restoration will address structural stabilization, surface treatment, corrosion control, and repair of historical detailing. Led by expert conservators, the project aims to restore the statue's aesthetic integrity while implementing preventative measures to protect against future weathering. Funds to support the restoration were provided by the Delaplaine Foundation Inc., the Downtown Frederick Partnership (Façade Improvement Grant), The Ausherman Family Foundation and generous donors.

The Federated Charities Nonprofit Center (celebrating 115 years of continuous operation in Frederick) offers centrally located and subsidized operational space to 16 local nonprofits, ensuring that the safety net is available to all of us.

SOURCE Federated Charities