News & Events

News regarding the Garden of Peace can be found below.

To be kept informed about Garden news, please join our email distribution list by emailing your name to gardenofpeace@mass.gov. We never share contact information. If you have a personal connection to a Commemorated Victim or the Garden, we would appreciate knowing that too.

Table of Contents

Recent News & Events

January 22, 2021 - Garden of Peace Increased Engraving Capacity Update

MOVA and the Garden of Peace Advisory Committee began a process to plan for an increase in engraving capacity in the Garden in early 2020 as a result of the Legislature's commitment of $500,000 for this purpose.

Since June, MOVA has been working diligently with a landscape architect to create a design that will enhance the current abilities to continue engraving. In late December, the Victim and Witness Assistance Board voted on the approval of the proposed new design. This addition to the Garden will complement the current design while upholding the original intent.

The construction process will begin in the coming months, and updates will be shared as they become available.

 

Notable News & Events

December 17, 2019 - Mass. Legislature Invests $500,000 in the Garden of Peace

On Dec. 11, 2019, the Mass. Legislature enacted a supplemental budget bill to close out surplus FY 2019 funding, which included a one-time $500,000 allocation for the Garden of Peace Trust Fund for the specific purpose of increasing the Garden's capacity for engravings. The governor made it official by signing the bill on Dec. 13.

This dedicated funding will provide an opportunity to begin the planning and design phases of this work this fiscal year, and eventually modifications that will enable the Garden to accommodate new engravings in the years ahead.

 

May 21, 2019 - Victim & Witness Assistance Board Appoints First Advisory Committee

The Victim & Witness Assistance Board (VWAB) and MOVA are pleased to announce the first Garden of Peace Advisory Committee: Christine Abrams, survivor and former Garden of Peace Board member; Danielle Bennett, survivor and program coordinator with Louis D. Brown Peace Institute; Chris Dempsey, survivor; Lisa McCue, survivor and director of victim services for Berkshire County District Attorney's Office; and Beatrice Nessen, former Garden of Peace Board member. 

The Committee will provide ongoing advice to the VWAB on matters such as maintenance, capital improvements, and potential modifications to increase the Garden's capacity for additional engravings; outreach, education, and community engagement; fundraising; and other issues as determined by the VWAB.

All Committee meetings will be open to the public. Meeting dates and agendas will be posted here.

 

January 31, 2019 - Garden of Peace Transfers to MOVA

The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) formally assumed responsibility for the Garden. 

More information: January 31, 2019 - Garden of Peace Transition

 

July 31, 2018 - Garden of Peace to Transfer to MOVA

The Governor signed into law a bill that transfers the administration and maintenance of the Garden to the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)

More information: July 31, 2018 - A message from the Garden of Peace and MOVA

 

Archived News & Events

November 20, 2020 - Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month

2020 Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month: Nov. 20 - Dec. 20

 

November 20, 2019 - Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month

2019 Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month: Nov. 20 - Dec. 20

 

March 18, 2019 - Garden of Peace Advisory Committee

Seeking applications for Garden of Peace Advisory Committee

 

December 12, 2013 - Garden of Peace Board of Directors

Garden's new Board of Directors elected

 

July 24, 2013 - Lowell Community Health Center Visits the Garden

Teen Leaders from the Lowell Community Health Center visit Garden

 

July 19, 2013 - Franklin Summer Urban Program Visits the Garden

Middle school students from the Franklin Summer Urban Program visit Garden

 

June 13, 2013 - Overlook Middle School Raised Money for the Garden

Overlook Middle School raised $2,375 for Garden with Walk for Peace

 

January 23, 2013 - Remembering Garden Board Member Dave MacLellan

Dave's humor, friendship, and kindness will be deeply missed

 

December 17, 2012 - Statement Following Murders in Newtown, CT

Garden of Peace statement in aftermath of murders in Newtown, CT

 

June 27, 2011 - WBUR Story

Those Caught In Bulger’s Trail Look For Peace

 

April 21, 2011 - MOVA's Victim Rights Conference

Garden on display at MOVA's Victim Rights Conference

 

September 27, 2009 - Lowell Sun Article

At Lowell ceremony, relatives of murder victims share the pain

 

November 10, 2008 - Boston Metro Article

Somerset Street from Beacon to Cambridge streets

 

Contact   for News & Events

Phone

MOVA and the Garden of Peace are currently working remotely. We will return your voicemail upon receiving it.

Address

64-98 Somerset Street, Boston, MA 02108

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