HERstory Exhibit Opening Fridays for Public Viewing Starting April 18
Photo display honoring Massachusetts women will welcome visitors every Friday
(BOSTON—4/17/2025) HERstory: Volume III, a photo exhibit honoring 91 trailblazing women who have shaped the history of Massachusetts and the nation, will open its doors to the public every Friday, beginning April 18, 2025.
The exhibit will be open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on Fridays, in Senate President Karen Spilka’s ceremonial office on the third floor of the Massachusetts State House, directly outside the Senate Chamber.
In the State House, where there are a number of paintings, sculptures and murals depicting men throughout history, HERstory was conceived to commemorate the often-forgotten stories of the bold and influential women and women of color who shaped Massachusetts. Each photo in the HERstory display covers a portrait of a past Senate President, who were all men until 2007.
“Massachusetts residents have always been dynamic and diverse, but our State House art has failed to fully represent them,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “It is our responsibility to make sure every resident can see themselves in the halls of power, regardless of their background. I hope that when women walk into this office, they know that they have a place in this building—and in shaping Massachusetts’ future. I’m so excited to be able to share this with residents, visitors, and staff who come to the State House.”
About HERstory: Volume III
HERstory Volume III: Trailblazers and Disruptors honors women who either hail from Massachusetts or have had a profound impact on the state by shattering glass ceilings and seeing beyond accepted limits. The exhibit stands as a powerful and long-overdue expansion of representation—a space where every visitor can see themselves reflected.
The exhibit highlights 91 women through original photographs displayed in the Senate President’s ceremonial office. Among these distinguished figures are:
Phillis Wheatley, the first African American author of a published book of poetry and a strong supporter of America's fight for independence.
Frances Perkins, workers' rights advocate and first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet.
Elberta Futrelle Copeland, first woman publisher of the State House News Service and first woman to step foot on the floor of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Kitty Dukakis, longest-serving First Lady of Massachusetts and advocate for mental health and Holocaust awareness.
Margaret H. Marshall, anti-apartheid activist and first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
This installation, following last year’s addition of Frederick Douglass’ bust in the Senate chamber and the portrait of Abigail Adams in the Senate lobby, is the latest step in Senate President Spilka’s ongoing effort to expand representation in the State House.
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