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HD 1667

An Act directing the superintendent of state office buildings to install a permanent memorial in the Massachusetts State House in honor of Mercy Otis Warren

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kip Diggs

The bill would authorize a permanent Mercy Otis Warren memorial in the Massachusetts State House funded by a private gift and placed with approval of the State House Art Commission

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Bill Summary · HD 1667

Summary: House Bill HD 1667 — Mercy Otis Warren Memorial in the Massachusetts State House

Overview

HD 1667 is a proposed act in the Massachusetts General Court that would authorize and direct the state to install a permanent memorial honoring Mercy Otis Warren in the Massachusetts State House. The memorial would be placed in a conspicuous location chosen by the State House Art Commission and maintained by the superintendent of state office buildings. The memorial is to be funded by a private gift from Cape Cod artist David Lewis.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize Mercy Otis Warren’s contributions as a leading author, playwright, satirist, and patriot whose essays influenced the development of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights and whose History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution is noted as the first published history of the American Revolution.
  • Enhance the State House with a permanent commemorative work reflecting Warren’s historical significance in Massachusetts and American history.

Key Provisions

  • The superintendent of state office buildings must install and maintain a permanent memorial in the State House honoring Mercy Otis Warren.
  • The memorial’s size and content require approval by the State House Art Commission.
  • The Art Commission will select a conspicuous location within the State House for the memorial.
  • The memorial is a permanent installation.
  • The gift and all costs associated with creation, transportation, and installation will be borne by Cape Cod artist David Lewis.

Location, Content, and Approval

  • Placement is at the sole discretion of the State House Art Commission, subject to its approval of size and content.
  • The memorial must be conspicuously displayed in the State House in a location chosen by the Art Commission.

Financial and Administrative Details

  • The artist David Lewis will cover all costs related to design, fabrication, transportation, and installation.
  • The superintendent of state office buildings is responsible for installation and ongoing maintenance.

Beneficiary and Honorary Focus

  • Mercy Otis Warren of Barnstable, Massachusetts, recognized for her roles in literature, satire, patriotism, and contributions to foundational American works.

Background and Context

  • The bill cites Warren’s significance to Massachusetts and national history, highlighting her role in early American literary and political thought.
  • A related matter previously filed in a prior session (House No. 3013 of 2023-2024) indicates ongoing interest in commemorating Warren.

Status and Timeline

  • Status: Proposed bill (introduced in the 2025-2026 session; filed in January 2025; introduced date listed as November 29, 2025 in the provided data).
  • No enacted provisions or effective date are indicated; as a proposed act, it would require passage by both chambers and the governor’s signature to become law.

Potential Impact

  • Creates a formal, publicly funded–free memorial installation within the State House, funded by a private donor.
  • Elevates recognition of Mercy Otis Warren in Massachusetts’ public spaces and educational discourse.
  • Involves ongoing collaboration between the superintendent of state office buildings and the State House Art Commission to ensure appropriate placement and presentation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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