Healey-Driscoll Administration Urges Preparedness Ahead of Anticipated Winter Storm and Bitter Cold

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Urges Preparedness Ahead of Anticipated Winter Storm and Bitter Cold 

Weekend storm is expected to bring snow across much of Massachusetts, followed by hazardous cold and wind chills early in the week  

BOSTON – In anticipation of the winter storm expected to bring widespread snow across Massachusetts, followed by frigid temperatures early in the week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration advises that residents plan ahead and review winter weather safety tips. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of western, central, and northeast Massachusetts, with these areas expected to see the most significant snowfall. The heaviest snow is expected during the evening and overnight hours on Sunday, with total accumulations between 4 to 8 inches. The National Weather Service is also predicting bitter cold temperatures early in the week, with wind chills between 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit Monday through Wednesday night.   

“As we continue to monitor this storm, we want everyone to be prepared and plan accordingly, especially residents and visitors that may have plans to travel over this holiday weekend,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We advise you to use extra care on the roads Sunday into Monday morning and take the time to check in on your neighbors to make sure everyone stays warm and safe.”  

“We’re no strangers to the cold, but with these extreme temperatures, it’s important to take caution to avoid conditions like hypothermia and frostbite, which can occur during even short amounts of exposure,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Bundle up in layers of clothing, limit time outdoors and try to stay active while you’re inside.”  

How Residents Can Prepare  

Plan ahead and take care when traveling on the roads. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, hood and roof before driving. Utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions. Don't crowd the plow or maintenance vehicles. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. Prepare for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and any essential electronic devices before the storm. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets.   

Manually check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries. During and after the storm, check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice.   

Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.  

Additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm can be found at Mass.gov/Snow.   

“The State Emergency Operations Center is operating at Steady State Monitoring and we remain in close coordination with our partners at the National Weather Service,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “We are prepared to facilitate any requests for assistance that may arise from communities impacted by this winter storm and encourage residents to stay informed of the latest conditions.”  

MassDOT  

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers that snowfall is expected to impact travel in many regions of the state, from Sunday evening through Monday morning. Travelers should allow for extra travel time and check forecasts for their routes and destinations. With widespread snowfall amounts of 1-6” forecast, MassDOT crews will be pretreating roadways in advance of the storm and will be deploying snow removal staff and equipment as necessary across the Commonwealth.  

“Safety is first and foremost, especially during severe weather,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.  “Plan and prepare for winter storms as conditions vary from region to region, and storms can lead to road hazards, power outages, and fallen trees and utility wires. Make decisions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.” 

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:       

• Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.                
• Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.      
• Follow @MassDOT on X, (formerly known as Twitter), to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.    
• 
  

MBTA For service updates immediately before, during, and after a storm, we strongly urges riders to ⁠subscribe to text or email T-Alerts before snowfall for real time notifications about service disruptions. We also encourage riders to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for information. During and after winter storms, the Commuter Rail and bus routes may need to reduce service and operate on storm schedules. The MBTA will update the Commuter Rail schedules and ⁠bus schedules to match. Riders can also visit the T’s Winter Travel Guide at mbta.com/winter.  

Crews will work to clear snow and ice throughout the system, but riders are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops.  

Massport 

Logan International Airport will remain fully operational throughout the storm. Passengers should anticipate delays or possible cancellations, and check with their airline for the most up to date information about their flight. With snowfall and potential slick

roadways, passengers should allow extra time to get to and from Logan. 

For any additional questions, passengers can contact othe Passenger Service team via our website, by calling 1-800-23-LOGAN or the FlyLogan app. 

Department of Conservation and Recreation   

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is monitoring the forecast and preparing its snow removal equipment for its roadways and properties in anticipation of a plowable event. The agency anticipates activating its statewide storm center on Sunday.  

With the frigid temperatures, DCR is also warning visitors to be safe near ice, know how thick the ice is and stay away from any cracks or melting ice.  

Learn more from DCR on how to can make your own more environmentally friendly liquid salt brine. Liquid salt brine – a mix of salt dissolved in water – serves as an anti-icing agent to prevent snow and ice from binding to the road surface, allowing for easier removal, fewer applications and faster return to a clean paved surface. This snow removal technique is more cost effective and environmentally friendly for municipalities, state agencies and consumers.     

Department of Public Utilities   

The Department of Public Utilities and the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) continue to monitor the weather forecast. The DPU and EDCs remain in close communication as the storm develops. The EDCs conduct daily storm planning calls, provide regular updates to the DPU regarding storm preparation activities, and the companies will put in place their Emergency Response Plans if and when necessary to swiftly address any potential outages.   

Department of Environmental Protection   

To address the handling of excessive snowfall amounts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides Snow Disposal Guidance to local governments and businesses. The online guidance assists with snow disposal site selection, site preparation and maintenance, and emergency snow disposal options that are protective of wetlands, drinking water, and waterbodies. MassDEP also has an online mapping tool to help communities identify possible snow disposal options locally. 

CITY OF BOSTON AWARDED $3.16 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CRITICAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE PROJECTS

 CITY OF BOSTON AWARDED $3.16 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CRITICAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE PROJECTS

BOSTON - Friday, January 17, 2025 - Today, City of Boston officials joined Federal and State leaders to announce new funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for key coastal resilience projects. These projects, totaling more than $3 million in federal, state, and local investments, will help safeguard waterfront neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and affordable housing developments from the impacts of climate change. This funding will advance the design and permitting for the Lewis Street and Carlton Wharf area in East Boston and the Moakley Park area of South Boston.

“Boston’s neighborhoods need strong, sustainable protections from the increasing risks of intense storms and flooding,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These projects are clear examples of how Boston is leading the way for safe, prepared communities, and we’re grateful to FEMA for partnering to show what’s possible for a resilient future. Together, we protect residents, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure a more sustainable city for generations to come.”

"These funds will make critical improvements to housing, transportation, and infrastructure to better protect our communities from the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We're grateful for the strong partnership of Mayor Wu, our Congressional delegation, and FEMA to secure these transformative awards." 

"As we continue to see extreme weather events take place across the country, our administration has been working hard to support our communities in their efforts to shore up infrastructure against the threats of climate change," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "These awards will help us do just that, and I'm grateful for the work of MEMA, the MBTA, and our partners at FEMA for supporting our work to make Boston a more resilient, future-ready city."

In East Boston, the Lewis Street and Carlton Wharf project will elevate sections of the Harborwalk to protect the Blue Line, residential areas, and Maverick Square. FEMA has awarded $1,987,500 through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to advance the design and permitting of this project, which will be matched by $662,500 in City funding. This is the first phase of funding towards this project with a second potential phase of funding for construction. 

The MBTA was also awarded a separate Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC) grant of $9.9 million from FEMA to fund the construction of Blue Line Airport tunnel portal protection and resilience improvements. This grant will support the construction and installation of flood doors that will close off the two tunnel portal openings during a flood event. The total project cost is $20.8 million, with $1 million in funding for design from the state’s ResilientMass Implementation Funding and the remainder funded through the MBTA’s Capital Investment Plan. Together, these projects will help protect critical neighborhood and regional infrastructure from coastal flooding.

The Moakley Park project, part of a larger park improvement initiative, focuses on building flood resilience infrastructure to protect affordable housing developments, neighborhood areas, and key transportation systems in South Boston. This effort has been awarded $1,170,000 from FEMA to advance the design and permitting. Similar to the Lewis Street project, this is the first phase of funding towards this project with a second potential phase of funding for construction. Through this initial funding, the City will be refining the design of the project in collaboration with residents and other stakeholders.

“Today, we celebrate more than $50 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and millions from the City and the Commonwealth to build a Boston where the places we love most—our homes, our local businesses, our public parks, and our public transit—are protected from flooding that is becoming more extensive and more frequent due to the climate crisis, as sea levels rise and storms intensify,” said US Senator Edward J. Markey. “I was proud to advocate for the federal funding to invest in coastal resiliency projects across the City of Boston—from Moakley Park to East Boston and Dorchester—to shore up our neighborhoods, community spaces, and critical transportation infrastructure.”

“This event underscores the unwavering commitment of the City of Boston and our entire region to prepare our communities for the pressing challenges of climate change,” said FEMA Region 1 Deputy Regional Administrator Jarrett W. Devine. "It highlights the power of collaboration among federal, state, and local partners, working alongside communities to create innovative solutions that enhance our resilience."

"Today's awards are the result of close collaboration across municipal, state, and federal government to safeguard our infrastructure and residents proactively," said Director of Federal Funds Quentin Palfrey. "Thank you to Region FEMA 1 Administrator Lori Erlich, Deputy Administrator Jarrett Devine, and all of our federal partners for helping us make the necessary investments to ensure our infrastructure is resilient to future challenges."

“MEMA partners with communities to reduce our state’s vulnerability to weather events through hazard mitigation, which creates safer, more resilient communities, reduces loss of life and property, and reduces the cost of recovery to individuals, cities and towns, and the state,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director for Recovery and Mitigation Simon van Leeuwen. “The approval of these grant applications is a testament to the sustained, collaborative efforts between the city, FEMA Region 1, and the state and we believe this success sets a strong example and paves the way for other Massachusetts communities to achieve similar success in the application process."

“As we continue to improve and deliver safe, reliable service, climate resilience is vital to that goal. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is laser-focused on ensuring safety and quality of life for all residents and visitors in Massachusetts. Under their leadership, we in public transportation are doing all we can to safeguard everyone from climate-related impacts. The MBTA is thankful to FEMA, MEMA, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for all the support and critical role public transportation plays in Boston,” said General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We're excited to use this grant funding to continue supporting and collaborating with the City of Boston to protect infrastructure in local neighborhoods and within the MBTA system.”

These projects exemplify the City of Boston’s proactive approach to climate resilience under Mayor Wu’s leadership. The establishment of the Office of Climate Resilience last year marked a significant step forward, centralizing efforts to address the City’s adaptation efforts. This new office has already spearheaded initiatives such as the green roof retrofits for bus shelters and the citywide Deployables Day, which demonstrated the deployment of temporary flood protection measures. Additionally, Boston’s first Climate Council was convened to guide the next phase of the Climate Action Plan, ensuring an inclusive and community-driven approach to tackling climate risks.

Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting, “These investments represent the future of urban resilience—projects that not only protect people and infrastructure from increasing climate hazards but also enhance our public spaces and ensure equitable access to our waterfront. We are thrilled to take these next steps with FEMA’s support.”

Chris Osgood, Director of the Office of Climate Resilience, highlighted the collaborative nature of the work: “Climate resilience is a team effort, and these projects show the power of partnerships across local, state, and federal levels. Together, we’re delivering real solutions to address today’s challenges and tomorrow’s risks.”

In addition to these grant awards, the Commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Boston are pursuing a FEMA BRIC grant for Tenean Beach in Dorchester. The project will focus on raising portions of the park and roadway to reduce chronic flooding risks in an area that regularly floods today. The application is for $11.2 million in FEMA BRIC funding, with $3.7 million in combined contributions from the City and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). If awarded, Tenean Beach will receive $1.8 million for design and permitting funding, with a potential award for construction to follow.  

The City of Boston is committed to advancing climate-ready projects that protect residents, create opportunities for economic growth, and strengthen community resilience. These projects are vital components of Boston’s broader climate strategies and Green New Deal.

Governor Healey Establishes a Massachusetts K-12 Statewide Graduation Council

 Governor Healey Establishes a Massachusetts K-12 Statewide Graduation Council 

Council will recommend new vision for setting high school graduates up for success 

BOSTON – On the heels of her State of the Commonwealth, Governor Maura Healey has signed an Executive Order to establish a Massachusetts K-12 Statewide Graduation Council to be led by the Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Council will include a broad range of stakeholders, including students, parents/caregivers, educators, school counselors, labor, education advocacy organizations, higher education representatives, legislators, and the business community. The Council will be tasked with making recommendations on how Massachusetts can ensure that all students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic life, regardless of their background or location, and demonstrate these qualities through a consistent statewide set of expectations.   

“Massachusetts has the best schools in the country, and we want to stay that way,” said Governor Maura Healey. “To keep this high standard of excellence, I believe that students, families, schools and employers should know exactly what a diploma earned in Massachusetts represents. We’re excited to bring together a broad group of stakeholders to make recommendations for a new high statewide standard.” 

“We believe that a high, statewide standard for high school graduation is important to promote equitable education opportunities for all students in Massachusetts, particularly for historically marginalized students,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I look forward to the robust recommendations this Council of diverse stakeholders will develop to ensure that every student in our state graduates with the skills and knowledge to be successful.” 

“Massachusetts has an opportunity to bring the definition of what it means to graduate from high school to new heights, ensuring that all students are equipped for today’s workforce and postsecondary education opportunities,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I look forward to engaging with this Council, particularly students, to continue and expand our efforts to reimagine high school.”  

"Students, families and educators need a strong signal about whether students are ready for college and a career after high school," said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. "The work of this council will be critical to redefining a shared understanding of what that should look like." 

“Massachusetts must establish a standard graduation requirement to ensure that every student, no matter where they live, is prepared to succeed after graduation,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I'm grateful to Governor Healey for her focus on fostering equal access to quality education across the state, and I look forward to reviewing the Council's recommendations.” 

“A uniform graduation standard across districts ensures equitable learning opportunities for all students. I commend Governor Healey for establishing this council to ensure that the Commonwealth does not return to the pre-1993 days of low expectations for our high-needs students, and I look forward to reviewing its recommendations,” said Assistant Majority Leader Representative Alice H. Peisch (D-14th Norfolk). 

The Council will hold regional listening sessions to gather feedback directly from communities. Recommendations will be presented to the Governor and Legislature after engaging in the following key areas: 

• Review current practices across the country and assess existing local variations in graduation requirements.  

• Gather feedback from diverse stakeholders, including students, families, educators, administrators, higher education experts, the business community, and the public.  

• Consider what skills and knowledge Massachusetts students need to thrive in college, careers, and civic life, including exploring potential course requirements, examinations, and alternative methods of demonstrating student achievement. 

Council members, or designees, include: 

• Speaker of the House of Representatives 

• President of the Senate 

• Minority leader of the House of Representatives 

• Minority leader of the Senate 

• Massachusetts Teachers Association 

• AFT-MA 

• Boston Teachers Union 

• Massachusetts School Counselors Association 

• Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents 

• Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators 

• Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association 

• Massachusetts Association of School Committees 

• Massachusetts Charter Public Schools Association 

• Teacher representative 

• Public school student representative of Governor’s Youth Advisory Council 

• Public school student representative from State Student Advisory Council 

• Three additional geographically diverse public school students identified by the co-chairs 

• Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges 

• State Universities Council of Presidents 

• Commissioner of Higher Education 

• Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education 

• Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation 

• Massachusetts Business Roundtable 

• Non-profit organization whose work involves access to postsecondary opportunities 

• Five additional representatives appointed by the co-chairs on behalf of the Governor who shall represent a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, including experience with the education of students with disabilities and English learners 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES WINTER ART ACTIVATIONS ON CITY HALL PLAZA

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES WINTER ART ACTIVATIONS ON CITY HALL PLAZA Interactive art part of Downtown Boston Alliance’s WINTERACTIVE initiative

BOSTON - Friday, January 17, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu, in partnership with the Downtown Boston Alliance (DBA), today announced City Hall Plaza will host two winter art activations as part of the DBA’s WINTERACTIVE initiative, which features public art around Downtown Boston. The two interactive light installations, the “Sonic Runway” and the “Cycle,” were installed this week on City Hall Plaza and will be on display through the end of March. Both interactive light and sound art pieces come to Boston from Montreal-based Creos, a company that specializes in activating public spaces across the world, and both pieces have been featured at winter festivals throughout Canada. The installations build on Mayor Wu’s effort to make Downtown Boston and City Hall Plaza a vibrant and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike during the winter months. “City Hall is happy to partner with the Downtown Boston Alliance to host part of their 2025 WINTERACTIVE experience. Art brings joy and curiosity to public spaces that may otherwise seem cold and dark during the long winter months,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Opening up City Hall Plaza to host activations and public events contributes to the vitality of Downtown Boston as an exciting, family-friendly destination to gather year-round." "Winteractive 2024, which drew more than 650,000 visitors, offered a powerful economic and cultural boost to Boston in the heart of winter. Many visitors made or extended their trips to downtown specifically to experience the artworks and interactive play elements,” said Michael Nichols, President of the Downtown Boston Alliance. “The overwhelming response underscored the role public art plays in the vibrancy of our city, enriching the downtown visitor experience, supporting local businesses, and fostering community engagement. In bringing Winteractive back in 2025, a partnership with the City of Boston was important because, like the Downtown Boston Alliance, they believe in the power of art to draw people together. We’re thrilled to see how Winteractive continues to captivate residents and visitors alike while driving meaningful activity in the heart of Boston." The City Hall installations are part of a larger Downtown map of free, walkable activations planned by the Downtown Boston Alliance (DBA), formerly known as the Boston BID, designed to bring people and energy to Downtown and its businesses during the City’s coldest months. The inclusion of City Hall Plaza this year expands and builds upon DBA's inaugural 2024 WINTERACTIVE initiative, which featured 16 public art pieces throughout Downtown Boston. The second year of WINTERACTIVE is again inspired by the vibrant winter festivals and art exhibitions in the province of Québec, Canada.  “Activating City Hall Plaza and the larger downtown areas during the coldest, darkest months is always a challenge, which is why we are so excited to host these light installations in collaboration with Downtown Boston Alliance and as part of the larger WINTERACTIVE experience,” said Eamon Shelton, Commissioner of Property Management. “These installations are a pivotal part of our goal as a City to create welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic public spaces where visitors and residents alike come together.” The Sonic Runway, by Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant, is a light-art installation that converts audio signals into patterns of light that project down a long corridor of LED lined arches at the speed of sound. At the front of the Sonic Runway, observers see musical sound waves rippling away from them. Walking down the corridor, sound and light are always in sync. Looking back from the far end, walkers can see the sound waves coming at them, and hear the music as the pattern reaches them.

Cycle is an interactive installation inspired by the revolutions of the sun and the moon that illuminate open spaces and was created by Serge Maheu. Composed of a series of modules equipped with several music and light animation sequences, Cycle comes to life at the rhythm of bystanders’ interactions. Both Sonic Runway and Cycle are powered by Creos.

"We are beyond excited to see City Hall Plaza come alive with the magic and energy of this year’s WINTERACTIVE initiative," said John M Borders IV, Director of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment. "The 'Sonic Runway' and 'Cycle' installations are more than just captivating light and sound displays—they’re a celebration of art’s ability to transform our public spaces into destinations for connection, exploration, and inspiration. This partnership with the Downtown Boston Alliance underscores our shared vision of a vibrant and inclusive city where residents and visitors can gather, enjoy world-class art, and make lasting memories, no matter the time of year. By transforming City Hall Plaza into a hub for creativity and joy, we are making Downtown Boston a true winter destination." "It is a privilege to exhibit Cycle and Sonic Runway, both globally recognized installations, in this year’s WINTERACTIVE program. The hope is that these immersive experiences will encourage locals and visitors to embrace the cold and let curiosity drive their journey. We are grateful to contribute to this celebration of creativity and innovation in the heart of Boston,” said Alexandre Lemieux, Director of Business Development & Cofounder, Creos. As part of ongoing efforts to make the redesigned City Hall Plaza a welcoming destination all year round, the Plaza will host large-scale events with external partners in the next couple months. More on these winter events will be announced at a later date.  Additionally, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture will be bringing a vibrant lineup of free arts and cultural events to City Hall Plaza starting this spring. The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture is currently evaluating proposals submitted for the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, and will announce the lineup in early spring. These free events will highlight Boston’s diverse artistic community, offer essential support and performance spaces for local artists, and enhance City Hall Plaza as a vibrant and inclusive gathering spot for all residents. Last season featured a diverse array of events, from a dynamic hip-hop festival to an interactive light art installation, and a night of salsa. More photos of the new art installations on City Hall Plaza can be found here. Media outlets are welcome to use these photos with credit to “City of Boston”.

Governor Healey Unveils State House Archival Photography Project

Governor Healey Unveils State House Archival Photography Project   

BOSTON –Ahead of her second State of the Commonwealth Address, Governor Maura Healey unveiled a new photography display featuring archival film images of the State House from the 1920-1940s alongside equivalent modern-day film photographs. The images echo the path the Governor traditionally takes from her office to the House Chambers for the Address and are on display near their respective areas. 

 

 

“The Massachusetts State House has a storied, revolutionary history – from Sam Adams and Paul Revere laying the first cornerstone in 1795, to President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 address ahead of his inauguration, to Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 address at the height of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Governor Healey. “I’m thrilled to unveil this photography project, led by some of our most talented young people, which reminds us all of our obligation to honor the legacy of this incredible building while also striving to continue to deliver history-making progress for our residents.” 

“The State House has stood on Beacon Hill since 1798. Over the course of hundreds of years, this building has been witness to countless acts of history, and these photos offer only a snapshot into what has happened here,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As we enter our third year in office, we hope to continue to use art as a tool that brings us together and as a way to highlight the Massachusetts story.” 

“The photos in this collection allow visitors to the State House to see another aspect of the building, and to appreciate the history behind the architectural gem that has been the center of civic life in Massachusetts for over two centuries,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin. 

The three sets of photos feature the door leading to the Executive Suite, the rostrum in the House Chamber, and a display case in Memorial Hall. The archival film photos are credited to the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and are presumed to have been originally taken between the 1920s-1940s. This project was undertaken by the Governor’s Press Office, with modern-day photos credited to Digital Media Specialist Charlotte Hysen and Assistant Photographer Henry Shifrin. 

 

 

 

The full gallery of photos can be found here.  

About the Photographers 

Charlotte Hysen is a visual artist from the NYC area. She recently graduated from Northeastern University with a BA in Media Arts and Communication Studies. In 2023, she was a visual media co-op in the Governor‘s Office, and continues working there part-time as a digital media specialist. To see more of her work, visit charlottehysen.com  

Henry Shifrin is a 21 year-old photographer from Chestertown MD. After completing his first co-op at the State House Department of Tours, he then transitioned into his second co-op as a photographer inside the Governor’s office where he remains part time as an assistant photographer. He is currently a fourth-year student at Northeastern University studying journalism and political science. He has a particular interest in documentary and event photography. To see more of his work, visit henryshifrin.com.