State Historian of Massachusetts

State Historian of Massachusetts. The State Historian of Massachusetts is a gubernatorially appointed position responsible for promoting public understanding of the Commonwealth's rich historical legacy. The officeholder advises state agencies, engages in public outreach, and contributes to historical scholarship, serving as a key liaison between the academic community and the public. The position was formally established in 1994 and operates under the auspices of the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

History of the position

The formal creation of the position in 1994 by Governor William Weld marked an institutional recognition of the need for a dedicated public historian to interpret the state's complex narrative. This action followed decades of advocacy from organizations like the Massachusetts Historical Society and the New England Historic Genealogical Society, which emphasized the value of professional historical guidance for state programs. The establishment aligned with a broader national movement seen in states like Texas and Ohio, which also created similar official historian roles. The first appointee, William M. Fowler Jr., a noted scholar of Revolutionary-era naval history, set a precedent for the role being held by a distinguished academic.

List of State Historians

Since its inception, the position has been held by two prominent historians, each appointed by different administrations. William M. Fowler Jr., a professor at Northeastern University and former director of the Massachusetts Historical Society, served from 1994 to 2013 under Governors William Weld, Paul Cellucci, Jane Swift, and Mitt Romney. The current and second State Historian, Robert J. Allison, was appointed in 2013 by Governor Deval Patrick. Allison, a professor of history at Suffolk University and author of works on the American Revolution and Boston, has continued in the role through the administrations of Charlie Baker and Maura Healey.

Duties and responsibilities

The State Historian's primary duty is to serve as a public resource and advocate for Massachusetts history. This involves advising the Governor's office, the Massachusetts Legislature, and agencies like the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on historical matters and curriculum. The historian frequently gives public lectures, participates in events commemorating milestones like the American Revolution and the Salem witch trials, and contributes to media productions. A key function is collaborating with cultural institutions such as the Commonwealth Museum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and local historical commissions across the state to promote preservation and education.

Appointment and term

The State Historian is appointed by the sitting Governor of Massachusetts and serves at the governor's pleasure, without a fixed term, making the position subject to change with each administration. The appointment process typically involves consultation with the historical community, including institutions like the Massachusetts Historical Society and the University of Massachusetts Amherst history department. While the position is unpaid, it carries significant ceremonial and advisory weight. The office is administratively supported by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, an agency within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Notable contributions and publications

State Historians have significantly amplified public engagement with Massachusetts history through their scholarly and outreach work. William M. Fowler Jr. authored several influential books, including Empires at War: The French and Indian War and the Struggle for North America, and helped guide commemorations for the Boston Tea Party and the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Robert J. Allison has written extensively, with works like The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World and a biography of President John F. Kennedy, while frequently lecturing on topics from the Mayflower Compact to the Underground Railroad in Boston. Both historians have been regular contributors to public forums, newspapers like The Boston Globe, and documentaries produced by WGBH.