Place

Serenity Statue

A marble statue of a woman sitting in a chair. The statue is surrounded by trees.
Serenity Statue

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Public Transit, Wheelchair Accessible

The sculpture was erected as a gift to the American people from Charles Deering in memory of William Henry Scheutze. William Henry Scheutze (1853-1902), a naval officer who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1873, went on to serve as navigator on the U.S.S. Iowa during the Spanish American War and was active in the U.S. Naval White Squadron in Chicago. The gift was accepted under an Act of Congress (43 Stat. 21) on March 12, 1924.

Cost: The statue cost Charles Deering $4500. It was erected at no cost to the American Public.

Dedicated: July 1925

Sculptor: Jose Clara

Memorial Description

The Serenity statue is a seated figure of a woman made of white carrara marble. It sits on a small granit base. The face of the statue has been damaged. Serenity no longer has a nose.

Inscriptions

SERENITY
IN REMEMBRANCE OF WILLIAM HENRY SCHEUTZE
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER UNITED STATES NAVY
MDCCCLIII-MCMII

For more information about Meridian Hill Park, visit the Meridian Hill Park Landing Page on the Rock Creek Park Website.

Rock Creek Park

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Last updated: November 12, 2024