FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 03/13/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
City of Framingham Hosts Inaugural Women's History Month Exhibit: Celebrating 20 Remarkable Women from Framingham’s Past and Present
FRAMINGHAM - In honor of Women’s History Month, the City of Framingham, in partnership with the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, is proud to present an inaugural exhibit celebrating the lives and legacies of 20 remarkable women who have shaped the community from the Town’s incorporation in 1700 to its present day as a City.
The exhibit, which will be open to the public on Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m., honors Framingham's rich history and the significant contributions of women from various walks of life.
These honorees were chosen for their achievements in fields ranging from politics, education, and science to social justice, art, and civic engagement, and more.
Women honored in the exhibit include:
- Annie E. Johnson
- Carol J. Getchell
- Christa Corrigan McAuliffe
- Claire F. Lavin
- Dolores “Dede” Coots
- Edna Dean Proctor
- Esther A. Hopkins
- Helen Pruyn
- Josephine Collins
- Lydia Learned
- Louise Parker Mayo
- Margaret E. Knight
- Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller
- Maura Sticco-Ivins
- Nancy Dowd
- Rep. Barbara E. Gray
- Rep. Deborah D. Blumer
- Sarah Clayes
- Theodora Alice Ruggles
- Dr. Leslie Woods
Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka is the keynote speaker for the opening of the exhibit on Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building.
The ceremony will also include remarks from Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, and the co-chairs of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, Susan Scully Petroni and Anna Tucker.
A special reading of a poem by one of the honorees, Edna Dean Proctor, will also be part of the event. Proctor, an accomplished poet, wrote "Framingham," which was written for the community’s bicentennial celebration in 1900. Isabella Petroni, Library Trustee and the youngest elected official in Framingham's history, will read the poem in honor of this historical milestone.
“This exhibit is a powerful reminder of the indelible mark women have left on Framingham throughout our history. We are proud to highlight their incredible contributions and celebrate their legacy during Women’s History Month,” said Mayor Sisitsky, who added the exhibit will become an annual event in the City.
“This exhibit reflects the strength, resilience, and diversity of the women who have shaped Framingham. From the past to the present, these women have been pioneers, leaders, and changemakers, and their stories deserve to be told and celebrated,” said Co-Chair of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee Susan Scully Petroni.
“Our goal is not only to celebrate the achievements of these 20 remarkable women but also to inspire future generations of young women to continue to break barriers and make a difference in their communities,” said Framingham 325th Celebration Committee Co-Chair Anna Tucker.
The exhibit will remain in Nevins Hall through March 31. The public may view the exhibit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The exhibit may be viewed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and 8;30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Memorial Building, 150 Concord Street.
The opening night event is free and open to the public. Pastries and punch will be served.
The 325th Celebration Committee, led by co-chairs Anna Tucker and Susan Scully Petroni, includes a diverse group of City residents including Alana Branco Dundon, Courtney Suncar, Alison Eliot, Eileen Davis, City Historian Frederick Wallace, Tercentennial Committee Chair George P. King Jr., James Paolini, Jesse Edwards, Maria McHugh, Meghan Todd, Nancy Novo O'Connor, Nick Paganella, Phil Ottaviani Jr., Reyad Shah, Robin Kaye, Sherry Miscia, Susan Silva, Willian Sell, and Nicole Horton-Stimpson. Non-voting Committee members include Framingham Superintendent Bob Tremblay, Library Director Dawn Dellasanta, Danforth Art Director Jessica Roscio, and City Recreation Superintendent Elaine Prue.
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