Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators 
State House, Room 460 
Boston, MA 02133 
www.MAWomensCaucus.com 

October 6, 2021 

The Honorable Edward J. Kennedy, Senate Chair 
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development 
State House, Room 513 
Boston, MA 02133 
 
The Honorable Carole A. Fiola, House Chair 
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development 
State House, Room 236 
Boston, MA 02133 

Dear Honorable Chairs: 

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is pleased to submit testimony in support of H3379/S2249, An Act relative to the creation of a women’s rights history trail, filed by Senator Lovely, Rep. Kane, and Rep. Dykema. Following an extensive and thorough process, the Caucus selected this bill as one of just four legislative priorities this session. 

As you know, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is a bipartisan and bicameral caucus, this session with a record number 62 members, comprising 31% of the legislature. This session, the Caucus selected three strategic priorities to guide our work: COVID-19's Disparate Impact on Women, Health Access & Racial Disparities, and Empowering Women in Government. An Act relative to the creation of a women’s rights history trail fits squarely within our Empowering Women in Government priority, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for its passage. 

This bill would provide for the creation of a Women’s Rights History Trail in Massachusetts. Envisioned to be a collaboration between the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Department of Transportation, the Trail would promote education and awareness of the Massachusetts women who fought for equality. The bill also creates a Women’s Rights History Trail Task Force to make recommendations about sites and attractions to include. Last session, this bill unanimously passed the House of Representatives.  

We all know that Massachusetts has been home to countless historical moments that have defined our nation—and the same is true in the history of women’s equality. However, we also 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.  

This is a problem not unique to Massachusetts—a 2016 Smithsonian study1 found that nationally only 394 of the 5,193 public statues across the United States depicted women. None of the 44 sights maintained by the National Parks Service focus specifically on women. 

We believe that creating a Women’s Rights History Trail would make Massachusetts a leader in correcting this historical oversight and honor the many great and diverse women who have contributed to our shared history through advocating for women’s rights and suffrage. As the Caucus of Women Legislators, we see passing this bill as an opportunity to inspire young women and encourage them to get involved in their communities.  

By ensuring geographic diversity in potential trail sites, this bill also makes economic sense. By attracting tourists to sites across the state, a Women’s Rights History Trail will spur economic activity in every corner of the Commonwealth, which is more important now than ever as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As a legislative priority of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, we request that you give An Act relative to the creation of a women’s rights history trail a favorable report. Thank you for your review of this bill and your work on the many other critical matters before our Commonwealth.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, or if we can be of assistance.  

 Sincerely,   

Senator Joan B. Lovely 
Representative Patricia A. Haddad 
Co-Chairs, Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators