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Egg-and-dart molding, broken scroll pediments, fluted pilasters, and wreaths and swags—all references to the neo-classical Bulfinch capitol—are teamed with floral and foliate decoration, creating richly patterned vistas throughout. The Senate President's office is within a suite of rooms of the later nineteenth-century Brigham extension. From 1898 it served as the Senate Reading Room and library for members until it was adopted as the ceremonial office of the Senate President in 1970. Also within the suite are the president's small private office, the former Senate Clerk's office, and the Coolidge Room, a small office that was used by Calvin Coolidge during his term as president, and which has been preserved intact. While shelter leaders are concerned about the possibility of families being forced out before they have someplace new to go, they support the lawmakers’ efforts to find ways to address the situation as the system continues to buckle. Homeless shelter providers in Massachusetts are raising concerns as lawmakers move to pass legislation that would limit stays to nine months for the first time in the 40-year history of the state's "right to shelter" law.
Senate
The challenging nature of their work is expressed in the quiet concentration of the figures. One of the oldest working constitutions in the world, it served as the model for the constitution of the United States in 1788. The Federal Constitution, which was modeled on that adopted by the Commonwealth in 1780, was drafted in Philadelphia in 1797 and required the approval of nine states for ratification. When taken up by the Massachusetts Convention in January 1788, many members opposed this version of the document as it lacked a Bill of Rights that would protect citizens from a strong central government. The Bill of Rights, which was probably drafted by Theophilus Parsons, was submitted to the assembly not as conditions for ratification, but as amendments to be considered by the first Congress. Upon ratification by Massachusetts in 1788, key states later also ratified the Constitution with the understanding that a Bill of Rights would be the first item of business considered by the new government.
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Carved out of the original nineteenth-century light-well, the new meeting hall, as a contemporary space, was to be designed "in concert with, rather than re-creating, the surrounding Italian Renaissance revival spaces" of the Brigham extension. Prospective artists were encouraged to consider not only design and function, but also "the distinctive historic, symbolic and artistic character" of the State House. Originally installed in Doric Hall, they were moved to the large marble niches in Memorial Hall in January 1900. Over the years, the tattered and stained flags remained symbols of steadfast devotion and reminders of the heroic service and sacrifice of 140,000 dead and living sons of Massachusetts, as well as allegories of the fragility of life. They were kept on display for eighty-seven years until placed in archival storage in the State House, along with flags of other military engagements, where they continue to be monitored and preserved. The emotional scene of the return of the battle flags, still vivid in many minds at the turn of the century, was a logical choice for the fourth mural in Memorial Hall.
Bulfinch Front
If you’re planning a visit to the Massachusetts State House, one of the best ways to explore its rich history and significance is through a guided tour. These free tours provide visitors with insights into the traditions, political rivalries, and the development of American democracy that have shaped the state’s history. Known best for his radical views on British sovereignty over the colonies, Adams was a popular figure whose notoriety spread quickly through his political appointments, fiery essays and his clandestine engagements. Although never a wealthy man like his colleagues John Hancock, Thomas Cushing and James Bowdoin, he rose to positions of power and influence in nearly every major political event until the end of his life. As Senate President he signed, with Governor Hancock, the Charter of the first Bank of Massachusetts in 1783, which included the first provisions requiring bank examinations.
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Dozens of these versatile mahogany chairs, which combined serviceable leather upholstery with elegant nail head accents and featured both scrolled and reeded arm supports, were purchased for the reception and committee rooms. Other examples include the small mahogany swivel desk chairs constructed with leather-paneled backs and nail head trim, and a suite of larger lounge chairs and settees, all upholstered in leather. A second convention held in 1779 appointed John Adams—lawyer, diplomat, author of Thoughts on Government (1776), and future president of the United States—and two colleagues to gather the myriad ideas into a fair, balanced, workable document.
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With its golden dome clearly visible atop Beacon Hill, the Massachusetts State House sits at the western edge of the Boston Common. Charles Bullfinch designed this monumental building, which completed construction in 1798. The Massachusetts State House serves as the home for the State Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor’s Office.
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Designed by Charles Bulfinch, it showcases elements of the Neo-Classical style popular in Europe, such as Doric columns and Palladian windows. The building’s golden dome, covered in 23 karat gold, is an iconic feature of the Boston skyline. Inside, visitors can explore the Hall of Flags, which houses a collection of over 400 flags, and the Great Hall, which features town flags from across the state. The State House is open to the public on weekdays, and free guided tours are available in multiple languages. The current Senate Chamber, located directly beneath the gold dome in the Bulfinch portion of the State House, served as the Chamber of the House of Representatives for nearly one hundred years. Although this was remodeled several times during the mid-nineteenth century, most notably with ""block"" rustication on the lower level, the room retains much of Bulfinch's intricate plaster ceiling decoration with other original elements on the second floor.
He worked for a short time with Thomas Cushing (later the first Senate President), and in the family malt house, but his business skills were found as lacking as his political interests were strong. He was elected to his first post in 1747, clerk of the Boston Market, thus beginning a long career in the political limelight. Born into a prominent Boston family, Cushing graduated from Harvard in 1744, practiced law, and worked in his father's accounting firm where he became acquainted with the slightly older Samuel Adams. Elected to the General Court in 1761, he served as speaker during the tumultuous years leading up to the revolution, often being perceived by the British as the face of the colonial dispute. After dissolution of the assembly by Governor Gage in 1774 he was elected to the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, and served as a delegate to both the First and Second Continental Congresses.
It is characterized by a continuous upholstered back and closed sides, and usually has a loose cushion on its deeper-than-usual seat. Only one remains here, and is among the earliest documented pieces of furniture in the collection. The other chairs were dispersed among members of the legislature during the mid-nineteenth century—most are now in museums, including the Bostonian Society, Historic New England, and Winterthur.
Richard Whitney received the commission for this portrait through Vose Galleries of Boston, and painted it at Mr. Harrington's home in Salem over the course of three months. Whitney recalled that the commission was for a three-quarter length portrait, and he was greatly concerned over how to paint the 6 ft. 6 in. A chair from the Senate was brought to Salem for which Harrington was undoubtedly grateful, since the sittings often lasted as long as six hours each.
All rooms would have been completed with green, blue, ochre and gold to harmonize with the color schemes of the Brigham extension. Great Hall was constructed in 1990 within the original open-air light well of the nineteenth century extension to provide additional meeting and event space for the State House. Designed by Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson and Abbott, the original walls and windows were retained, and the new room capped by a sixty foot-long skylight in order to continue to bring light to the interior offices and hallways. Geometric floor patterns seen throughout the Brigham addition are echoed in Italian marble with a contemporary design and simplified color scheme. Below, two floors of hearing rooms were added to accommodate legislative committee business. Massachusetts is the only state to provide families and pregnant women with a right to shelter, which has existed since 1983.
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