By Bob Katzen

Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) announced the opening of HERstory, a photo exhibit honoring 91 trailblazing women who have shaped the history of Massachusetts and the nation. The exhibit will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, in Spilka’s ceremonial office on the third floor of the Massachusetts Statehouse, directly outside the Senate Chamber.

Photos include 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 the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet; Elberta Futrelle Copeland, the first woman publisher of the State House News Service and first woman to step foot on the floor of the Massachusetts House of Representatives; Margaret Marshall, anti-apartheid activist and the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court; Kitty Dukakis, longest-serving First Lady of Massachusetts and advocate for mental health and Holocaust awareness; and Therese Murray the first woman to be elected Senate president.

These photos replace the current hanging photos of past Senate presidents going back to 1780. The most recent presidents still have their portraits hanging in the Senate Reading Room including former Senate Presidents Therese Murray, Bill Bulger, Tom Birmingham, Kevin Harrington and Bob Travaglini.

“Massachusetts residents have always been dynamic and diverse, but our Statehouse art has failed to fully represent them,” said Spilka. “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 Statehouse.”