By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would call for renowned Cape Cod artist and sculptor David Lewis to construct, at no expense to the state, a memorial display in the likeness of Mercy Otis Warren, an important and underrepresented historical woman of the American Revolution from Barnstable. The bust would be displayed in the Massachusetts Statehouse.

“Mercy Otis Warren was a leading writer and patriot in colonial Massachusetts,” said co-sponsor Rep. Kip Diggs (D-Barnstable). “Yet, she remains a little-known figure to the public. I sponsored this legislation because what better way to educate the public about this Cape Cod woman and her remarkable influence on Massachusetts and American history than to place a memorial of her, created pro bono by an artist from her hometown, within the Statehouse for visitors to see and learn about? I am very glad to see the House agree by advancing this legislation to honor the contributions of Mercy Otis Warren.”

“I am very glad to see this legislation advance in the House,” said co-sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D -Truro). “Art is powerful, and people across the commonwealth should see art that reflects the impactful contributions that women have made to this state and the nation from its very beginning. Mercy Otis Warren is a notable historical figure hailing from West Barnstable who pushed social norms as a poet and playwright during the American Revolution. Installing a bust of the writer in the Statehouse celebrates the legacy she left us.”