- State House Art Commission
On April 21, 2026, the State House Art Commission accepted the gift of the newest addition to the permanent Art Collection: Massachusetts: Birthplace of the United States Coast Guard pays tribute to the service, courage and sacrifice made by men and women of the Coast Guard in protecting lives and safeguarding our shores since the 1700s. It depicts the three maritime services that were merged in the early 20th century to form the modern Coast Guard, all three of which were founded in Massachusetts:
Boston Light, built on Little Brewster Island in 1716, is the oldest lighthouse in the country, and was the first to become part of the U. S. Lighthouse Service in 1789.
The Humane Society of Massachusetts, symbolized by the storm-tossed surf boat responding to victims of a shipwreck, was formed in 1785 to assist mariners in distress. Their search and rescue efforts became the core mission of the U. S. Lifesaving Service in 1781.
Revenue Marine was formed in 1790 to perform maritime law enforcement for the new republic. The nation’s first armed commissioned ship, the Revenue Cutter Massachusetts, seen in the background, was built in Newburyport and homeported in Boston.
After a limited competition, the 9 x 9’ painting was commissioned from Russ Kramer of Mystic, CT in 2023, and dedicated on April 21, 2026. It is a gift of the State House Coast Guard Memorial Committee and was funded entirely by grants and private contributions. It is our honor to accept this tribute for the collection. Visitors may view the painting on the second floor, near Great Hall. Semper Paratus