Revolutionary Spaces Hosts Follow the Cod on January 11, 2023
State officials will process the Sacred Cod to Commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Transition of Massachusetts Government
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Contact: Amanda Bertone
Download Press Release PDF >>
BOSTON — On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Revolutionary Spaces will host Follow the Cod to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the transition of Massachusetts government from the Old State House at 206 Washington Street to the current Bulfinch State House at 24 Beacon Street. Led by then-Governor Increase Sumner, the Massachusetts Legislature processed the ‘Sacred Cod’ from where it hung in Representatives Hall at the Old State House to its new home on Beacon Hill on January 11, 1798. More than 200 years later, Revolutionary Spaces will conduct a community-based reenactment of the procession of the Sacred Cod.
At 3:00 PM, the general public is invited to watch honored guests process a reproduction of the Sacred Cod from the Old State House to the new State House. Processional participants will include Members of the Massachusetts Legislature joined by state Constitutional Officers. The procession will be led by a group of Boston Public School students and a sextet from the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums.
The procession will begin in the plaza outside the Old State House and will proceed down Washington Street, turning up School Street, crossing Tremont Street, continuing up Beacon Street, turning on to Bowdoin Street, and concluding in Ashburton Park beside the new State House. The public is encouraged to gather on the sidewalks of any of these streets to observe the procession. Following the procession, the new State House will be open to participants for a closing reception with food and refreshments, along with guided tours of the House Chamber and a special opportunity to view the Sacred Cod in its present home.
In making the announcement, Revolutionary Spaces Director of Public Programs Gina Marie Jamieson said, “We are thrilled to kick off this year of reimagining commemoration through a celebration of civic engagement and a fun bit of niche Massachusetts history! We’re the only state where Following the Cod will deliver you to the doorstep of democracy!”
Revolutionary Spaces’ Civic Engagement Manager Ed O’Connell added, “During this time of renewed interest in civic education and much-needed engagement in civic life, Revolutionary Spaces is proud to play a role in celebrating democracy right here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We welcome the opportunity to join with the Massachusetts Legislature and our state constitutional officers in marking this auspicious date in our state government’s long and storied history.”
For more information regarding Follow the Cod, contact publicprograms@revolutionaryspaces.org. For press and media inquiries, please contact Director of Marketing & Communications Amanda Bertone at abertone@revolutionaryspaces.org.
—
ABOUT REVOLUTIONARY SPACES
Revolutionary Spaces stewards the historic Old South Meeting House and Old State House as landmarks, museums, and gathering spaces for the open exchange of ideas and the continuing practice of democracy. Viewing history as a powerful tool for today, Revolutionary Spaces brings people together to explore the American struggle to create and sustain a free society.
About the Old State House: The 1713 Old State House served as the seat of government for the province of Massachusetts during the Revolutionary era. Today, it is a museum and historic site offering tours, exhibits, and public programs exploring Boston’s Revolutionary-era history.
About the Old South Meeting House: The 1729 Old South Meeting House was a Congregational church and the largest gathering place for popular politics in Revolutionary Boston. Today it is a busy museum, treasured landmark, and active center for civic dialogue and free expression.
###