The Boston Women's Memorial on Commonwealth Ave.Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Nominations are now open for the inaugural class of the Massachusetts Women’s Hall of Fame.
The selection committee is seeking ideas from historians, scholars or everyday citizens “who have contributed monumentally and benefited Massachusetts, the country and/or the world, and, by so-doing, advanced the role of women in society,” according to the Massachusetts Women’s History Center.
The center states that the inaugural class will be made up of two groups, historic and living groups, organizations or movements, with the historic class being limited to the Revolutionary Era.
Local women had a good amount of ideas for who could be inducted.
“As a poetry lover — Emily Dickinson. She invented modern poetry, No. 1 on the list,” said one local resident.
Other names thrown around include Sylvia Plath of Jamaica Plain.
When it comes to women still living, locals noted Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley.
“[Healey’s] definitely a notable woman , making a lot of changes in Massachusetts I think are very positive and I think she should be in the hall of fame,” said another local resident.
The selection committee says they’re looking for nominees who have inspired women and girls or have the potential to inspire women through increased recognition.
Locals seemed to agree with this message, no matter who they wanted to be nominated.
“I think it would provide a lot of young girls out there — and even people middle-aged like me — role models to look up to,” said another local resident.
You can enter your nomination here until Sept. 25.
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.