‘Make Way for Ducklings’ artist Nancy Schon unveils new playground sculpture

Artist Nancy Schon sits on the "Myrtle the Turtle" sculpture.Courtesy of New England Aquarium

Nancy Schon, the artist behind the Boston Public Garden’s iconic “Make Way for Ducklings” statues, unveiled her latest sculpture at Beacon Hill’s Myrtle Street Playground on Monday morning.

The statue, “Myrtle the Turtle,” is a model of the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, which is currently the world’s most endangered sea turtle. The Beacon Hill Garden Club funded the project for its 90th anniversary.

New England Aquarium trustee Barbara Eisenson spoke to visitors about the Kemp’s Ridley turtles that the aquarium rehabilitates, and how the statue can help kids learn about oceanic and environmental issues.

Children from the neighborhood rode the Myrtle statute after the unveiling. Schon, who’s now in her nineties, joined in on the fun.

Myrtle isn’t just named after the playground. The statue was also created in honor of the New England Aquarium’s 560-pound green sea turtle, Myrtle, who has lived at the aquarium since 1970.