As America marks its 250th anniversary, the America250 initiative invites us to celebrate the places where American democracy was born and the women who helped define what it could become. At the Commonwealth Collection Boathouses, proud members of the Adventures Unbound family, we are honoring Women’s History Month by celebrating four women whose voices, from the founding era to the present day, have shaped Massachusetts and the nation.

Four Voices, One Unbroken Thread

Long before women had a formal role in American governance, Abigail Adams was shaping it through her ideas and influence. As a trusted advisor to President John Adams and a strong advocate for women’s rights, education, and the abolition of slavery, she understood the importance of the American experiment. Her call to remember the ladies continues to resonate today.

In that same revolutionary period, Phillis Wheatley made history in another powerful way. Brought to Boston as an enslaved child, she became the first African American author to publish a book of poetry in 1773. Her work explored themes of faith, freedom, and identity, helping assert her voice in a time when it was often denied.

That legacy continues in modern Boston. In 2021, Michelle Wu became the 54th mayor of Boston, the first woman and first person of color elected to the role, and one of the youngest mayors in the city’s history. Her leadership reflects the continued progress of a city shaped by generations of change.

At the state level, Maura Healey became the 73rd Governor of Massachusetts in 2023, the first woman and first openly LGBTQ person elected to the position. Her leadership continues a long tradition of public service and forward thinking policy in the state.

Get Out on the Water They Call Home

This Women’s History Month, the Charles River flows through a city shaped by women who played an important role in its history. We invite you to get on the water and experience that connection for yourself. To learn more about how we are celebrating the full arc of America’s heritage, visit America250 at Adventures Unbound and explore further at the National Park Service.