Framingham 325th, 150 Concord Street, Framingham, MA (2026)

03/24/2026

Public invited to 2nd Annual Women's History Month Exhibit ceremony Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Building. FREE admission.
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Framingham 325th Committee Announces 10 Inductees To Women’s History Month Exhibit
FRAMINGHAM - The Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, in conjunction with the City of Framingham and the Framingham Women, Children & Families Commission, announced the 10 women selected for induction into the Second Annual Women’s History Month Exhibit, which honors individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped shape the Framingham community.
In 2025, the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee unveiled its inaugural Women’s History Month exhibit, recognizing 20 individuals whose impact on the City spanned from the 1700s through the present day.
Building on the success of that first exhibit, the Committee invited the community to nominate additional women whose leadership, achievements, and service have strengthened Framingham across a wide range of fields including arts and culture, education, science and innovation, government and public service, community service, business, health and wellness, social justice and advocacy, media, and youth leadership.
This year, 22 women were nominated by members of the community.
Following careful review and voting by the chairs of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, the City’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, the 325th Committee’s treasurer, and the leadership of the Women, Children & Families Commission, 10 individuals were selected for induction into the 2026 exhibit. Three of the honorees will be recognized posthumously.
The 2026 inductees, listed alphabetically by last name, are:
* Liliane Costa
* Karen Foran Dempsey (posthumously)
* Vanda Figueiredo
* Debra Freed
* Judy Grove
* Dorothy “Rusty” McLean (posthumously)
* Isabella Petroni
* Maria D. Robinson
* Karen Spilka
* Miriam Van Waters (posthumously)
“The exhibit not only honors their individual accomplishments but also highlights the collective impact women have had on our City’s history and future,” said Anna Tucker, Director of the Framingham History Center and co-chair of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee. “The exhibit reflects the community’s strong response to recognizing local history through the achievements of women.”
“Last year’s inaugural exhibit demonstrated how deeply the community values the stories of women who have made a difference in Framingham,” said Framingham 325th Celebration Committee co-chair Susan Scully Petroni said. “This year’s inductees represent remarkable dedication to public service, community leadership, advocacy, and innovation. It is an honor to celebrate their contributions and ensure their legacies are remembered for generations to come.”
The inductees will be formally recognized during an induction ceremony and reception on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Nevins Hall at the Memorial Building, where community members will gather to celebrate the honorees and their lasting impact on Framingham.
As the City continues to celebrate its history and diversity, this exhibit ensures these stories remain part of our civic narrative.
When the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee concludes its work this year, the exhibit will continue under the stewardship of the City’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Jesse Edwards and the Framingham Women, Children & Families Commission so future generations can learn from and celebrate these inspiring women.”
The inaugural 2025 Women’s History Month Exhibit honorees were:
* Rep. Deborah D. Blumer
* Sarah Clayes
* Josephine Collins
* Dolores Coots
* Nancy Dowd
* Carol Jane Getchell
* Rep. Barbara E. Gray
* Esther Arville Hopkins
* Annie E. Johnson
* Theodora Alice Ruggles Kitson
* Claire F. Lavin
* Lydia Learned
* Margaret Eloise Knight
* Christa Corrigan McAuliffe
* Dr. Leslie Woods Milne
* Louise Parker Mayo
* Edna Dean Proctor
* Helen Pruyn
* Maura Sticco-Ivins
* Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller
You can read the biographies of the inaugural class on the City’s website at Women's History Honorees | City of Framingham, MA Official Website
The March 25 ceremony and reception are funded in part through a $500 grant from the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee and $500 from the Framingham Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Community members are invited to attend the ceremony and view the exhibit recognizing these outstanding women and their lasting contributions to the City of Framingham.
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FOR ADA compliance: graphic promotes a “Framingham Women’s History Month Exhibit.” At the top, the word “Framingham” appears in large decorative red lettering, followed by “Women’s History Month Exhibit” in a similar style. The background is a soft light pink with small, scattered floral shapes. In the center, there are overlapping side-profile silhouettes of women’s faces in varying shades of pink, red, and maroon, symbolizing diversity and generations. On the left side, there is a circular Framingham 325th anniversary logo, and below it, the official City of Framingham seal. On the right side, the event details read: “Wednesday, March 25, 6 P.M., Nevins Hall.”

03/04/2026

The Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, in conjunction with the City of Framingham, will host a reception to unveil the Framingham 325th Juried Photography Exhibition on Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The reception will take place at the Memorial Building, lowest level, where the exhibit is on display.

About three dozen photographs are included in the exhibition and will be displayed along the walls outside the conference room. The exhibition will remain on view through May 2026.

In celebration of Framingham’s 325th anniversary, photographers were invited to visually interpret what the City means to them today. The response was enthusiastic, resulting in a wide range of styles, subjects, and perspectives that together tell a rich story of Framingham as it is lived and experienced now.

The works on view capture the people, landscapes, and moments that define the community, from vibrant holiday celebrations and striking sunsets to quiet, everyday scenes.

Each photograph offers a personal lens into Framingham’s culture and history, reflecting both shared experiences and individual points of view.

“We were inspired by the creativity and thoughtfulness of the submissions,” said Anna Tucker, co-chair of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee. “These photographs show Framingham as a living, evolving city, seen through the eyes of artists who clearly care deeply about this community.”

“This exhibition is especially meaningful because it brings together so many different visions of home,” said Susan Scully Petroni, Framingham 325th co-chair and an avid photographer.
“Photography has a unique way of preserving moments in time, and these images collectively tell a powerful story about who we are as a City at 325 years.”

There are 35 photographs from 23 amateur and professional photographers in the exhibit.

“We are grateful to all of the photographers who submitted work and to the Arts & Culture Subcommittee members who carefully reviewed dozens of entries,” said Jessica Roscio, co-chair of the Framingham 325th Arts & Culture Subcommittee and Director of the Danforth Art Museum. “The final selection highlights both artistic excellence and the diverse character of Framingham.”

Photographers in the exhibit include:
• Arnav Bhatia
• Rachael Dubinsky
• Lynne Damianos
• Mary Kate Feeney
• Scott Strong Hawk Foster
• Nicholas Fulham
• Sharon Machlis Gartenberg
• Melinda Melina List
• Chuck Matzker
• Sarah McKeon
• Tracey McCrea
• Janet Morrow
• Brian O'Connor
• Isabella Petroni
• Shannon Pierson
• Brian Roche
• Alan Steacy
• Paula Ferazzi Swift
• Connor Thompson
• Joe Tuttle
• Eric Gunnar Weikert
• Sumner Weisman
• Joel Winett

Community members are encouraged to spend time with the exhibition and reflect on what Framingham means to them as they experience these images on the walls.

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For ADA compliance: graphic promotes the “Framingham 325th Juried Photography Show” in large blue text at the top. Below the title is a three-by-three grid of images, including the Framingham 325th anniversary logo, a baseball team celebrating with a trophy, a modern glass building at sunset, a pink and blue sunset reflected on water, a black-and-white close-up of a person holding a vintage camera, a red Framingham Fire Department truck, a brightly lit Saxonville storefront at night, a colorful close-up of a dragonfly on a flower bud, and the City of Framingham seal. The background is light beige with a subtle textured pattern. At the bottom, gray capital letters read: “Opens March 18 at 6 P.M. Memorial Building Framingham.”

03/01/2026

TONIGHT, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline to submit nominations

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The City of Framingham, in partnership with the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, is inviting residents to submit nominations for the 2026 Women’s History Month Exhibit, which honors women who have made lasting and meaningful contributions to the Framingham community.

In 2025, the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee unveiled its inaugural Women’s History Month exhibit, recognizing 20 individuals whose impact on the City spans from the 1700s through 2025. The inaugural class includes:

Theodora Alice Ruggles Kitson
Esther Arville Hopkins
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller
Josephine Collins
Louise Parker Mayo
Margaret Eloise Knight
Annie E. Johnson
Rep. Deborah D. Blumer
Rep. Barbara E. Gray
Claire F. Lavin
Dolores “Dede” Coots
Helen Pruyn
Christa Corrigan McAuliffe
Lydia Learned
Edna Dean Proctor
Sarah Clayes
Maura Sticco-Ivins
Dr. Leslie Woods Milne
Carol Jane Getchell
Nancy Dowd
Building on the success of the inaugural exhibit, the Committee is now accepting nominations for new individuals to be added to the exhibit in 2026.

The chairs of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, and the leadership of the Women, Children, & Families Commission will jointly review submissions and select six to eight individuals for inclusion. Not all nominations will be accepted.

“Framingham’s history is shaped by extraordinary women whose leadership, creativity, and service often went unrecognized in their own time,” said Susan Scully Petroni, co-chair of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee. “By inviting the community to nominate the next group of honorees, we are ensuring these stories are preserved, shared, and celebrated as part of Framingham’s living history.”

Beginning in 2027, responsibility for the Women’s History Month exhibit will transition from the 325th Celebration Committee to the City’s DEI Office, in cooperation with the Women, Children, & Families Commission, with the goal of adding five to six new individuals each year.

Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals who currently live in Framingham, have lived in Framingham for a significant period, graduated from a Framingham school, or have made a meaningful impact on the Framingham community. Nominations may be submitted in one or more of the following categories: Arts & Culture; Science, Technology & Innovation; Education (K–12 and Higher Education); Sports & Leisure; Community Service; Government & Public Service; Health & Wellness; Business & Entrepreneurship; Social Justice & Advocacy; Faith & Spiritual Leadership; Media, Journalism & Communications; and Youth Leadership.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Link to nominate - https://framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Boards-Committees-Commissions-39/2026-Womens-History-Month-Exhibit-Nomina-198

02/23/2026

The City of Framingham, in partnership with the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, is inviting residents to submit nominations for the 2026 Women’s History Month Exhibit, which honors women who have made lasting and meaningful contributions to the Framingham community.

In 2025, the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee unveiled its inaugural Women’s History Month exhibit, recognizing 20 individuals whose impact on the City spans from the 1700s through 2025. The inaugural class includes:

Theodora Alice Ruggles Kitson
Esther Arville Hopkins
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller
Josephine Collins
Louise Parker Mayo
Margaret Eloise Knight
Annie E. Johnson
Rep. Deborah D. Blumer
Rep. Barbara E. Gray
Claire F. Lavin
Dolores “Dede” Coots
Helen Pruyn
Christa Corrigan McAuliffe
Lydia Learned
Edna Dean Proctor
Sarah Clayes
Maura Sticco-Ivins
Dr. Leslie Woods Milne
Carol Jane Getchell
Nancy Dowd
Building on the success of the inaugural exhibit, the Committee is now accepting nominations for new individuals to be added to the exhibit in 2026.

The chairs of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, and the leadership of the Women, Children, & Families Commission will jointly review submissions and select six to eight individuals for inclusion. Not all nominations will be accepted.

“Framingham’s history is shaped by extraordinary women whose leadership, creativity, and service often went unrecognized in their own time,” said Susan Scully Petroni, co-chair of the Framingham 325th Celebration Committee. “By inviting the community to nominate the next group of honorees, we are ensuring these stories are preserved, shared, and celebrated as part of Framingham’s living history.”

Beginning in 2027, responsibility for the Women’s History Month exhibit will transition from the 325th Celebration Committee to the City’s DEI Office, in cooperation with the Women, Children, & Families Commission, with the goal of adding five to six new individuals each year.

Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals who currently live in Framingham, have lived in Framingham for a significant period, graduated from a Framingham school, or have made a meaningful impact on the Framingham community. Nominations may be submitted in one or more of the following categories: Arts & Culture; Science, Technology & Innovation; Education (K–12 and Higher Education); Sports & Leisure; Community Service; Government & Public Service; Health & Wellness; Business & Entrepreneurship; Social Justice & Advocacy; Faith & Spiritual Leadership; Media, Journalism & Communications; and Youth Leadership.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Link to nominate - https://framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Boards-Committees-Commissions-39/2026-Womens-History-Month-Exhibit-Nomina-198

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For ADA Compliance: The graphic announces “Accepting Nominations for Women’s History Month Exhibit” in decorative dark red text at the top. The background is a soft light pink with small floral accents scattered throughout. Centered on the image are layered silhouettes of women’s profiles facing right, shown in overlapping shades of pink, red, and deep burgundy to represent diversity across generations. The silhouettes vary in hairstyle and size, creating a sense of inclusion and history. At the bottom left is the official seal of the City of Framingham. At the bottom right is a circular Framingham 325th Celebration logo with a heart at its center.

02/13/2026

The City of Framingham, through its Framingham 325th Anniversary Committee and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office, will host its second annual Black History Month Honors event, recognizing nine outstanding individuals whose contributions have shaped, and continue to shape, the Framingham community.
Held in observance of Black History Month, the event celebrates contemporary leaders and historical figures with strong ties to Framingham.
A selection committee reviewed numerous nominations and selected honorees whose work reflects excellence and impact across a wide range of fields, including Arts and Culture; Science, Technology, and Innovation; Education (K–12 and Higher Education); Sports and Leisure; Community Service; Government and Public Service; Health and Wellness; Business and Entrepreneurship; Social Justice and Advocacy; Faith and Spiritual Leadership; Media and Communications; and Youth Leadership.
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Historic Nevins Hall, Memorial Building, 150 Concord Street
In conjunction with the event, a special exhibit featuring posters and biographies of Black history makers will be on display in Nevins Hall through the end of February.
This year’s honorees are:
* Rev. Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd of Greater Framingham Community Church.
* Dr. Emmett G. Price III of Berklee College of Music
* Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker
* Safiyat Hamiss of Tasty Harvests
* Kayla Goodridge, student at Loyola University Chicago
* Dr. Lorretta Holloway of Framingham State University
* Damon Araujo Sr. of I Believe Academy
* Edwina Weston-Dyer (1932–2012)
* Rick Utaegbulam of Community Vibes Framingham.
“When history is at risk of being erased, intentional remembrance becomes all of our responsibilities.” said Jesse Edwards, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the City of Framingham. “Honoring Black history ensures that American history is recognized, preserved, and woven into the full narrative of our City.”
This event is free and open to the public. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend and join the City in celebrating these remarkable individuals and their lasting impact on Framingham’s past, present, and future.
The Framingham 325th Celebration Committee and the Framingham Cultural Council, through a grant, contributed in part to the exhibit and the celebration.

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For ADA compliance - English (and Spanish & Portuguese) graphic promotes “Framingham Black History Month Honors” with bold white text on a black banner at the top. On the right side, three overlapping profile portraits of Black individuals face left, rendered in vibrant splashes of blue, red, orange, and teal paint, symbolizing diversity, creativity, and leadership. On the left side, event details read: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The location is listed as the Poster Exhibit at the Memorial Building, Nevins Hall, 150 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702. The City of Framingham seal and a Framingham 325th celebration logo appear on the left. A black banner at the bottom reads, “History in Focus: Images of Black Innovation, Excellence and Leadership.”

02/01/2026

- February 1, 1676.

February 1, 2026, marks 350 years since an event long remembered in Framingham’s colonial-era past as the “Eames Massacre.” On February 1, 1676, during the height of King Philip’s War, an armed encounter took place on what is now Mount Wayte between the family of settler Thomas Eames and a group of Nipmuc men. The confrontation resulted in multiple deaths, kidnappings, and the destruction of the Eames homestead.

For generations, the story has been told primarily through the lens of the Eames family’s tragedy. Two historical markers in Framingham — one along the Mount Wayte trail and another near the presumed site of the Eames home — reflect this perspective, describing how Eames’ wife and five of their children were killed and four children taken captive while he was away seeking help.

Yet the full story is more complex.

Recent research, including the Framingham History Center's digital exhibit Watched & Worried Men: King Philip’s War in Framingham, invites a broader understanding of this event within the larger context of King Philip’s War (1675–1676), a devastating conflict between Native peoples and English colonists across New England.

The Nipmuc people, whose ancestors had lived in this region for countless generations, faced immense disruption as colonial expansion transformed their lands, reduced food sources, and threatened traditional ways of life. In the winter of 1675–1676, a group of Native men, led by figures such as Netus, sought to reclaim stored corn they believed had been taken by settlers, including Thomas Eames. Amid hunger, displacement, and escalating tensions, the confrontation at the Eames homestead unfolded.

Historians now view this event not as an isolated act of violence, but as part of a broader struggle shaped by years of colonial encroachment, competition over resources, and the forced displacement of Native communities.

Today, the Mount Wayte sign erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the stone marker near the Eames site stand as reminders of both the tragedy and the evolving ways history is told. The Mount Wayte marker was originally placed at this location in 1930 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission. Missing for many years due to disrepair and road construction, it was later recovered, restored, and returned to its original site in 2020.

As Framingham reflects on this 350th anniversary, the community is encouraged to look beyond a single narrative and consider the multiple perspectives that define this shared past.

By acknowledging both the suffering and resilience of all who lived through this turbulent time, Framingham honors a more complete and truthful understanding of its history, one that recognizes the intertwined stories of Native and settler communities whose lives were forever changed on Mount Wayte 350 years ago.

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For ADA compliance - The graphic commemorates the 350th anniversary of the February 1, 1676 attack on the home of Thomas Eames in Framingham, Massachusetts. It features two historical plaques: one Massachusetts Bay Colony marker describing the attack and another bronze plaque placed by Eames’ descendants in 1900. The top left shows the state marker with text about the attack and the loss of Eames’ family. The bottom left shows the bronze memorial plaque with similar wording. The right side of the image includes the City of Framingham seal and the text “350th Anniversary, February 1, 1676” on a teal background. The design honors a significant historical event in Framingham’s early history.

02/01/2026

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the history, achievements, and lasting contributions of Black Americans.

Throughout the month, the City of Framingham joins communities across the nation in reflecting on the individuals whose leadership, talent, and dedication have helped shape our own community.

In recognition of Black History Month, the Memorial Building will be illuminated in red, gold, and green, colors that hold deep cultural and historical significance, serving as a visible symbol of honor and celebration.

Last year, the City’s 325th Anniversary Committee created a Black History Month exhibit highlighting notable Black leaders and changemakers connected to Framingham.

This year, the Framingham 325th Committee, in partnership with the City’s DEI Officer, is expanding the exhibit to recognize additional honorees and further share the stories that are part of our community’s history.

An event celebrating the new inductees into the exhibit will be held on Tuesday, February 17. More details about the event will be shared by the City later.

The Celebration is paid for by the City of Framingham, The Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, and a grant from the Framingham Cultural Council.

The inaugural members of the Black History Month exhibit include:

Abel Benson
Brandale Randolph
Crispus Attucks
Daniel Louis Giro
Dr. Frank A. Crossley
Dr. Esther A. H. Hopkins
Larry Garron
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller
Nicole Obi
Olli Gadson
Patrick Nizarudeen St. Pierre
Peter Salem
Ron Burton
Royal L. Bolling Sr.
Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller
Todd Russell Hill
Dr. Yvonne Spicer

To learn more about the inaugural honorees and read their biographies, visit the City’s Black History Honorees page: https://framinghamma.gov/3953/Black-History-Honorees

As we begin Black History Month, the City of Framingham proudly honors the leaders and community members whose contributions continue to strengthen, inspire, and shape our community.

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For ADA compliance - Graphic features the City of Framingham seal in white on a dark gray background. Below the seal, large white text reads “BLACK HISTORY MONTH.” At the top left, red, yellow, and green hands form a circle around a red heart, symbolizing unity and love. The city’s website, “www.framinghamMA.gov,” appears at the bottom in white text. The design uses bold colors and simple shapes to convey celebration and inclusivity.

01/24/2026

On this day (January 24) in 1776, Colonel Henry Knox arrived at the headquarters of the Continental Army in Cambridge after completing one of the most remarkable military feats of the American Revolution.

The young Boston bookseller had led a small team on a grueling 300-mile journey from Boston to Fort Ticonderoga in New York. There, they retrieved heavy cannon captured from the British and, in less than two months, hauled 60 tons of artillery across frozen lakes, rivers, and snow-covered terrain back to Massachusetts.

The artillery was secretly moved through towns including Framingham. In Framingham, the cannons were transported down Nixon Road to Edmands Road, then turned right onto Grove Street. They were concealed in barns along Belknap Road between Grove Street and Edgell Road, while the oxen were sheltered in the Balch barn on nearby Brook Street.

The historical marker on Edgell Road near the Edgell Memorial Library stands about half a mile from the actual hiding places.

The artillery remained hidden in Framingham until February 1776, when the first pieces were deployed to Cambridge. Soon after, the cannons and mortars were positioned on Dorchester Heights, aimed at the British fleet anchored in Boston Harbor. When the cannon appeared on Dorchester Heights in early March, British commander William Howe realized his position was untenable.

The fleet withdrew from Boston Harbor on March 17, now celebrated as Evacuation Day, a pivotal moment in the fight for American independence.

Now, 250 years later, Framingham will commemorate this historic journey and the courage of those who made it possible.

Knox Trail Commemoration
Sunday, February 8 | 2–4 p.m.
Framingham Centre Common

Experience the Revolutionary era with:
• Horse- and ox-pulled sleds
• Fife & drum music
• Artillery demonstrations
• Living history colonial reenactors
• Rare Revolutionary War artifacts
• “Stitching Revolution” quilt
• Speaking portion inside Historic Village Hall

Mark the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s legendary mission and the road to American independence.

01/11/2026

TODAY, January 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. is the last day to submit a nomination for the Black History Month exhibit.

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Deadline to submit is January 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

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FRAMINGHAM - The Framingham 325th Celebration Committee and the City of Framingham are inviting residents to nominate individuals for the 2026 Black History Month exhibit, which honors community members who have made significant contributions to Framingham.

In February 2025, the City’s 325th Celebration Committee unveiled the inaugural exhibit recognizing 17 notable individuals spanning 1700 to 2025:

Abel Benson
Brandale Randolph
Crispus Attucks
Daniel Louis Giro
Dr. Frank A. Crossley
Dr. Esther A. H. Hopkins
Larry Garron
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller
Nicole Obi
Olli Gadson
Patrick Nizarudeen St. Pierre
Peter Salem
Ron Burton
Royal L. Bolling Sr.
Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller
Todd Russell Hill
Dr. Yvonne Spicer

For 2026, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Office and the 325th Celebration Committee plan to select 6–8 additional honorees to be featured.

The 2026 Black History Month exhibit is scheduled to open in mid-February 2026 at Historic Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building.
Community members may nominate individuals who currently live in Framingham, have lived in Framingham for a significant period, graduated from a Framingham school, or have made a meaningful impact on the community.

Nominations may be submitted in the following categories:
Arts & Culture
Science, Technology & Innovation
Education (K–12) & Higher Education
Sports & Leisure
Community Service
Government & Public Service
Health & Wellness
Business & Entrepreneurship
Social Justice & Advocacy
Faith & Spiritual Leadership
Media, Journalism & Communications

Beginning in 2027, the DEI Office will assume responsibility for the exhibit with a goal of adding 5–6 individuals each year.

Deadline for nominations: Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

To submit a nomination, please complete the Black History Month Nomination Form here and provide information about the nominee’s connection to Framingham, contributions in the selected categories, and any additional information reflecting their impact on diversity and inclusivity in the community. Supporting documents may also be uploaded in Word or PDF format.

To nominate an individual visit -- https://framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Boards-Committees-Commissions-39/2025-Black-History-Month-Nomination-Form-194

12/29/2025

FRAMINGHAM - The Framingham 325th Celebration Committee and the City of Framingham are inviting residents to nominate individuals for the 2026 Black History Month exhibit, which honors community members who have made significant contributions to Framingham.

In February 2025, the City’s 325th Celebration Committee unveiled the inaugural exhibit recognizing 17 notable individuals spanning 1700 to 2025:

Abel Benson
Brandale Randolph
Crispus Attucks
Daniel Louis Giro
Dr. Frank A. Crossley
Dr. Esther A. H. Hopkins
Larry Garron
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller
Nicole Obi
Olli Gadson
Patrick Nizarudeen St. Pierre
Peter Salem
Ron Burton
Royal L. Bolling Sr.
Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller
Todd Russell Hill
Dr. Yvonne Spicer

For 2026, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Office and the 325th Celebration Committee plan to select 6–8 additional honorees to be featured.

The 2026 Black History Month exhibit is scheduled to open in mid-February 2026 at Historic Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building.

Community members may nominate individuals who currently live in Framingham, have lived in Framingham for a significant period, graduated from a Framingham school, or have made a meaningful impact on the community. Nominations may be submitted in the following categories:

Arts & Culture
Science, Technology & Innovation
Education (K–12) & Higher Education
Sports & Leisure
Community Service
Government & Public Service
Health & Wellness
Business & Entrepreneurship
Social Justice & Advocacy
Faith & Spiritual Leadership
Media, Journalism & Communications

Beginning in 2027, the DEI Office will assume responsibility for the exhibit with a goal of adding 5–6 individuals each year.

Deadline for nominations: Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

To submit a nomination, please complete the Black History Month Nomination Form here and provide information about the nominee’s connection to Framingham, contributions in the selected categories, and any additional information reflecting their impact on diversity and inclusivity in the community. Supporting documents may also be uploaded in Word or PDF format.

To nominate an individual visit -- https://framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Boards-Committees-Commissions-39/2025-Black-History-Month-Nomination-Form-194

Framingham 325th

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