On Monday, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey made history by signing an executive order that establishes the state’s first Poet Laureate position. This significant move honors the long-standing role of poetry and poets in the cultural and historical fabric of the state.

“Poets and poetry have had a profound role in our state’s history,” Governor Healey stated before signing the executive order in a ceremonial office. This sentiment reflects the deep connection Massachusetts shares with some of the most iconic poets in American history, including Emily Dickinson, Phillis Wheatley, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Sam Cornish, and Robert Frost.

Healey further expressed admiration for the poets who shaped Massachusetts’ literary legacy. She reflected on the life of Phillis Wheatley, a woman who was kidnapped and enslaved but used poetry to speak out and assert her humanity. Wheatley’s powerful words left an indelible mark on American literature. Healey also highlighted the importance of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose verses about American legends continue to resonate globally. The governor also paid tribute to Sam Cornish, who brought the civil rights movement into the arts, influencing future generations through his work.

The introduction of the Poet Laureate role in Massachusetts is especially noteworthy since it makes the state one of the last to establish the position. According to the Library of Congress, Massachusetts was one of only three states without a poet laureate, joining New Jersey and Pennsylvania in this distinction.

The executive order signed by Governor Healey on Monday creates an advisory Poet Laureate Nominating Committee. This committee will review applications for the position and submit recommendations for the governor’s approval. The individual selected as Massachusetts’ Poet Laureate will also be eligible for a stipend from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The duties of the new Poet Laureate will include writing poems for ceremonial occasions, advising the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on poetry outreach programs for schools, attending public readings, and participating in statewide literary and cultural events. The overarching goal of the position is to encourage the appreciation of poetry and foster creative expression throughout the state.

“This beautiful announcement affirms that poetry, this beautiful and powerful art form, is for everyone,” said Michael Bobbitt, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. He expressed excitement about the positive impact the poet laureate will have on future generations.

This announcement marks a new chapter in the celebration of poetry in Massachusetts, a state with a rich literary tradition. With the creation of this new role, the influence of poetry will continue to thrive in public life and education, inspiring new voices in the arts and culture for years to come.

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