On November 22, 2022, over 50 people gathered at the MetFern Cemetery in Waltham to honor the creation of the Special Commission on State Institutions.
This first-of-its-kind legislation ensures that disabled people lead the human rights work to explore the story of the state institutions. The commission will locate documents and access issues relating to the history of state institutions, and issue a report on the whereabouts of unmarked and nameless graves. The commission will have 17 members and will make recommendations for memorialization and public education. The advocacy coalition that led efforts to pass this legislation has recommended a slate of candidates to serve in this work. (From the MetFern Event Flyer pdf)
Advocates travel to the cemetery
MetFern sign in front of cemetery
Scattered grave markers with simply a letter and a number carved onto them
(l-r) Charlie Fiske - Arc of MA, Nancy Gardner, Jonathan Gardner, Liz Fancher (MDDC)
Representative Sean Garballey (l), Nancy Alterio (ED of Disabled Persons Protection Commission)
Elected legislator
Group of advocates. Senator Brownsberger on the right
two advocates speaking
three advocates enter the cemetery
Maura Sullivan of the Arc MA
View of many advocates on the path and the cemetery
View of many advocates on the path and the cemetery
several advocates speaking
Two men
Secretary Marylou Sudders speaking to elected legislator
Maura Sullivan of the Arc of Massachusetts
View of many advocates on the path and the cemetery
Maura Sullivan of the Arc of Massachusetts
Maura Sullivan of the Arc of Massachusetts
Secretary Marylou Sudders of Health and Human Services
View of many advocates on the path and the cemetery
View of many advocates on the path and the cemetery
group of attendees listening including Leo Sarkissian of the Arc of Massachusetts
group of attendees listening including Alex Green