A bill co-sponsored by Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) would create a Women’s Rights History trail across the commonwealth that will “highlight and uplift important and diverse women’s rights activists and historical sites.”
The bill was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker in Worcester on Friday, and Lovely said she was “deeply honored” that the legislation is now the law of the land.
“Massachusetts has been home to countless historical moments that have defined our nation—particularly in terms of women’s equality. However, we know that history is often told through the lens of men, leaving forgotten the rich and important history of women’s contributions to the Commonwealth and the country,” Lovely said in a statement.
Locations along the trail are not specified in the bill, which calls for the creation of a task force to determine what should be included along the new path. The task force would consist of legislators from across party lines from both the house and the senate as well as members of the Massachusetts Historical Society, the Commission on the Status of Women, and the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators.
Lovely, who serves as the co-chair of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, said “our nation and Massachusetts would not be what they are today without the contributions of women.”
Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury), a bill sponsor and Caucus Board & Executive Committee member, said the new trail puts Massachusetts at the forefront of acknowledging the important role women have played throughout history.
“With the Women’s Rights History Trail, Massachusetts will be a leader in correcting this significant historical oversight by honoring the many great and diverse women who have contributed to our history,” Kane said. “The trail will also increase tourism and will foster economic opportunity throughout the state.”
Rep. Pat Haddad (D-Somerset), a co-chair of the Caucus, said the trail will inspire young women and girls to get involved in their communities.
“Learning about the women of the past—often left out of textbooks and historical recollections—will show young people what is possible when women band together for good,” Haddad said.
Charlie McKenna can be reached at [email protected]
