Senate Art Committee selects Elizabeth Freeman for bust, endorses portrait of Doris Bunte

The Senate Art Committee voted unanimously March 19 to recommend placing a bust of Elizabeth Freeman in an alcove of the Senate chamber and to endorse efforts to place a Statehouse portrait of former state representative Doris Bunte.

The recommendation, made by Senator Fox and seconded by Linda Hartigan, followed a deliberation of a ranked top-10 list drawn from more than 300 nominations. Committee members discussed historical significance, connection to Massachusetts, diversity, symbolism and recognition when weighing nominees. The motion passed by roll call with all voting members present recording “yes.” The committee chair called the result “very unanimous” and said the outcome was “very exciting.”

Why it matters: The committee is charged with advising on artworks that represent Massachusetts history under the Golden Dome. A bust in the Senate chamber is a high-visibility placement intended to join the statuary and portraits that decorate the Statehouse; a decision to recommend Elizabeth Freeman reflects the committee’s priority for a figure with legal and historical significance tied to the state.

Discussion: Committee members said Elizabeth Freeman topped the ranked list after members applied selection criteria to a narrowed “top 40.” Several senators and committee members emphasized Freeman’s legal victory in 1781 and her role in setting a precedent toward abolition in Massachusetts. Senator Lydia Edwards said of Doris Bunte, who several members argued was particularly influential for contemporary legislators, “That’s literally the reason why I’m able to be a state senator.” Other nominees discussed included Lucy Stone, Abigail Adams, Sojourner Truth, Anna Gardner, Abby Kelley Foster, Judge Jennie Loitman Barron, Ellen Garrison and an indigenous leader listed in materials as Sanskva of Mystic; committee members debated prominence, statewide connection and whether some candidates already have Statehouse recognition.

Decision and next steps: The motion directs staff to draft a letter of endorsement and to support pending legislation and resolutions to recognize Doris Bunte in the Statehouse. The committee confirmed a follow-up in-person meeting with the Senate president on Wednesday, March 26 at 4 p.m. to announce the recommendation and to move forward on commissioning the bust and related work. The committee also agreed to support outreach on the pending resolution referencing Doris Bunte and to coordinate with Senate Council and State House staff on placement and commissioning details.

Vote at a glance: Motion to recommend a bust of Elizabeth Freeman in the Senate chamber and to endorse a Statehouse portrait of Doris Bunte — mover: Senator Fox; second: Linda Hartigan; roll-call yes votes recorded for Senator Tarr, Senator Lydia Edwards, Senator Payano, Linda Hartigan, Susan Cross, Maggie Scott and Julian Cyr; LaMerchie Frazier was recorded as not present. The motion carried unanimously among members voting.

Context and logistics: Committee members noted the committee’s selection process began with over 300 nominations, reduced to a top 40 and then a top 10 using agreed criteria. Staff said the packet included biographies, images where available, and a reading-room mockup showing possible placement. The meeting was streamed and recorded; members said existing representations in other Statehouse locations (for example, prints or panels referencing Abigail Adams and Lucy Stone) informed some preferences to favor figures not already prominently depicted. The committee also flagged the need to consult relevant communities (including indigenous communities) if those communities are the subject of recognition.

What’s next: The committee will circulate the draft letter of endorsement and pursue the commissioning process for the recommended bust. The March 26 meeting with the Senate president will include an announcement; additional committee meetings were proposed to manage commissioning, placement and any complementary recommendations such as portraits or courthouse namings.