For years, Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty were packed away inside.
Now, the pair of Einsel kinetic sculptures — Walter’s tips his hat, and his eyes light up; his wife Naiad’s torch shines, and her heart pulsates — have been moved from the Westport Historical Society’s cobblestone barn, onto the Avery Place lawn.
The public is invited to take selfies with “Sam” and “Betsy.” (No, I don’t know why the Statue of Liberty bears Betsy Ross’ name — maybe it’s her flag dress?).
Photos can be posted to the statues’ Instagram account: Betsy_and_Sam. Each week, the WHS will give a prize from its gift shop for the funniest, most creative selfie.
Please respect Sam and Betsy. Don’t climb on them. After all, they were born in the 1800s.
I originally commissioned Miss Liberty and Uncle Sam as part of a miniature golf course that I envisioned for my backyard…which is why they were programmed to move when a golf ball was hit through the hole in the base. There were to be 9 figures in all, but only these two were completed before I realized what an overwhelming project it was…so I gave them to the Westport Historical Society, where they greeted visitors on the porch for many years. I never would have imagined they would have their own Instagram account, and I know it would have pleased Naiad and Walter Einsel…❤️