BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey pitched a multiyear celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence as a likely economic driver for Massachusetts that could see people flock to the state from around the world.
Both the Bay State and Boston are set to bask in the limelight as festivities continue for the next two years after starting last December with the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. The potential spike in interest in Massachusetts could provide a boon for local businesses, Healey said.
Healey said she has spoken with the governors of Virginia and Pennsylvania — two states whose history is also integral to the founding of the United States — who also know the “game is on” to attract tourists during the 250th anniversary.
“Everybody in their states knows what an economic boon it is to their states and so that’s a piece of this certainly,” she said. “It’s going to be significant in terms of the economic benefit it’s going to bring into so many activities, so many events — hospitality, restaurants, our hotels. All across the state, it’s going to be really, really significant. And part of the launch today is to make sure we get ahead of this because we are the birthplace.”
After a Paul Revere reenactor delivered a warning to Healey that British regulars were approaching Boston, the governor said her administration planned to provide $1.5 million in funding for 37 different celebratory projects across the state.
Dollars for anniversary-related initiatives will go to events covering historical moments like the “Shot Heard Around the World,” the Battle of Bunker Hill, and Paul Revere’s ride, according to the Healey administration.
Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said the celebrations will be an opportunity “for us to lead and also to create a ton of economic development for our state.”
“So, you’re welcome, America,” she said. “Come and visit us. Come spend money with us. Come help all of our creative economy.”
But the anniversary also arrives as Massachusetts is grappling with its own challenges, including what some have argued is the loss of people to other states because of the high cost of living and housing. State officials are also dealing with costly crises like the influx of migrants.
One report released Tuesday morning by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, a progressive think tank, pushed back on the idea of outmigration, though it said lower- and middle-income households are leaving the state.
“Policymakers need to continue to focus on the real challenges that many young people and young families face. These include reliable access to quality, affordable housing, child care, education, transportation, and more,” MassBudget Senior Policy Analyst Kurt Wise said in a statement.
Still, Healey said the anniversary of the founding of the United States and the war against Britain to secure independence will shine a light on the technological advancements made in Massachusetts.
That includes the first public school, public library, and public park and Massachusetts’ efforts to become the first state to legalize gay marriage.
“We’re a state that led in the past and now invents in the future, the state that cures diseases, develops vaccines, and heals the world. We’re leading the clean energy revolution to grow great jobs and heal our planet,” Healey said. “We’re standing up for and protecting the very rights, liberties, and freedoms that folks came together 250 years ago to fight for and establish right here in Massachusetts.”
