WORCESTER - The City Council has set into motion an effort to erect a monument/statue to honor Abby Kelley Foster, a nationally prominent 19th-century abolitionist and women's rights advocate who grew up and lived in the city for many years.

The council Tuesday night asked City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. to work with the Worcester Women's History Project and the Center for Nonviolent Solutions to establish a commission/working group for a statue.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty, who introduced the order, said such an honor for Abby Kelley Foster (1811-1887) in the city that was her longtime home is long overdue.

He said erecting a statue to honor her would show where Worcester stands and is also a good way of remembering its roots.

"Abby Kelley Foster represented Worcester so well," Mr. Petty said. "She was an abolitionist who also fought for women's rights. This is an important effort and a good cause. It might take several months to do, but I think it's important."

Pamela Bobay, president of the Worcester Women's History Project, spoke in support of Mr. Petty's order, which ended up being co-sponsored by all 11 council members.

She said Abby Kelley Foster was "a woman of bravery, thought, action and creativity" and embodied the best of men and women by believing in equality for all, regardless of color and race.

"She believed that women should have the vote and was the framer of one of the first national women's conventions, held in 1850 here in Worcester," Ms. Bobay said. "She was a product of Worcester, and I believe a statue of Abby Kelley Foster would be a way of recognizing the city, a product of the city and a product of the time."

Councilor-at-Large Khrystian E. King called Abby Kelley Foster a "defender of Worcester and its people."

He said erecting a statue or monument to honor her would show that Worcester is a welcoming city to all people.