Event Announcement

CH26 Event Information and Logistics

Thank you for your interest in attending our upcoming Commonwealth Heroines 2026 Celebration at the Massachusetts Statehouse. Information on parking, where to find the event, and more is available below.

View the Class of 2026 Commonwealth Heroines

Time

  • 10:30am: Doors open to the public 
  • 10:30am – 11:30pm: Check-in and Registration / Photo Call Time 1
  • 11:30pm – 12:00pm: Welcome & Opening Remarks 
  • 12:00pm – 1:45pm: Award Ceremony  
  • 1:45pm – 2:00pm: Closing Remarks 
  • 2:00pm: Photo Call Time 2: Class of 2026 Group Photo, Grand Staircase 
  • 2:15pm – 3:00pm Reception w/light hors d’oeuvres in Great Hall of Flags 

Event Information & Additional Logistics:  

Due to room capacity, only two guests are allowed for each Commonwealth Heroine. We kindly ask that this limit be respected, as it will be strictly enforced to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all attendees. 

  • Unable to Attend? For Heriones who are unable to join us in person, please let us know by emailing MCSWPrograms@mass.gov. If you provide your mailing address, we’ll be happy to mail your award to you!  
  • Food: Please eat breakfast before you arrive. After the event, we’ll be hosting a reception with finger foods and light hors d’oeuvres. 
  • Watch Online: This event will be livestreamed via our YouTube and Facebook channels – share with friends and family unable to join you in the room!  
  • Dress Code: We welcome everyone to please come dressed in whatever makes you feel beautiful and empowered.  
  • Photos: There will be two opportunities for photo call times for legislators and their awardees.  
    • Photo Call Time 1 is from 10:30 – 11:30am: This photo call time is for legislators who want to pop by before the ceremony begins, but might not be able to stay for the award ceremony itself.  
    • Photo Call Time 2 is from 2:00 – 3:00pm: This photo call time is for after the event. After the Class of 2026 group photo is taken on the Grand Staircase, legislators are welcome to join the photo or stay for individual photos with their nominees.  

Parking & Accessibility Information:  

  • There is no parking available directly at the Massachusetts State House, although there are plenty of nearby parking options listed here under “Parking.”
  • Things to note: The general entrance for the Massachusetts Statehouse is at the Hooker Entrance. The Ashburton Park Entrance on Bowdoin Street is the handicap accessible entrance for the Statehouse. Find more accessibility information regarding restrooms and entrances here under “Accessibility.”
  • An ASL interpreter will be present at the event. Please indicate your need upon registration if you require additional language or interpretation services.

Where to go once inside the Statehouse:  

  • After you go through security at the Hooker Entrance, turn right and head to the basement to find the Gardner Auditorium (level GA on the elevators). 
  • Signage and MCSW ushers will be placed throughout the Statehouse to assist – just ask!  

For more information on the MCSW 2025 Commonwealth Heroines Celebration, visit our website or email MCSWprograms@mass.gov.