Mary Dyer's 350th Anniversary Commemoration

Friends plan to commemorate Mary Dyer's martyrdom on June 1, 1660 by visiting her statue in the Massachusetts State House steps Tuesday June 1, 2010. She was an English Puritan

turned Quaker who was hanged in Boston for repeatedly defying a law banning Quakers from the colony. She is considered the only woman in the United States to die for religious freedom.

Sylvia Shaw Judson's statue was erected at the State House in Boston by the Art Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from the Legacy of Zenas Ellis of Fair Haven Vermont

and dedicated on June 9, 1959. Its inscription reads:

"Mary Dyer, Quaker, Witness for Religious Freedom, Hanged in Boston Common 1660, " My life not availeth me in comparison to the liberty of the truth.""

Using public Transportation wherever possible, Friends will make their way to the Beacon Hill Friends House, 6 Chestnut St by 11:45am and proceed to the statue where we will stand in silent vigil until 1:00pm. After the vigil, we will return to Beacon Hill Friends House for lunch. Reservations requested (35 maximum) for the lunch.

Contact Pam Cole * pamelajcole@hotmail.com * by Wednesday May 26th.

Non refrigerated food items are welcomed. Children under 18 are requested to bring photo release signed by parent/guardian...in the event of a media photo.