Press Release: 2025-01-17

PHOTO RELEASE: Governor Healey Unveils State House Archival Photography Project

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

1/16/2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Karissa Hand, Press Secretary

 Phone

Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025

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.