Lawmakers and Supporters Back Memorial to Mercy Otis Warren at State House
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Summary
Representative Kip Diggs and advocates testified in support of H.3315 to install a permanent memorial at the Massachusetts State House honoring Mercy Otis Warren, citing her writings and influence on early American politics and the Bill of Rights.
Representative Kip Diggs and supporters asked the Joint Committee on Oct. 8 to report favorably on House Bill 3,315 (also referenced as H.3315 in testimony), which directs the superintendent of state office buildings to install a permanent memorial to Mercy Otis Warren in the Massachusetts State House.
Speakers described Mercy Otis Warren as an influential writer during the American Revolution who authored plays, poems and a history of the Revolution and who advocated for protections later reflected in the Bill of Rights. A constituent and witness (identified in testimony as Mary LeClaire) read biographical material about Warren, noting her role as a pamphleteer, critic of the Constitution as originally drafted, and author of Observations on the New Constitution. Representative Kip Diggs and other members of the panel characterized the proposal as cost‑neutral to the Commonwealth, saying the memorial would be funded through private donations.
Why it matters: Supporters said the memorial would address underrepresentation of women in the State House’s historical displays and acknowledge Warren’s role in the Revolution.