The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state located in the
New England region. It was 1 of the original 13 colonies.
The state was named after the indigenous population,
the Massachuset.
It has been translated variously as "near the great hill" -
"by the blue hills" -
"at the little big hill" -
"at the range of hills".
Massachusetts was the 6th state
in the
USA; it became a state on Feb 6, 1788.
Although officially a commonwealth,
this designation has no practical implications.
Massachusetts has the same position and powers within
the United States as other states and operates
a similar form of regional government.
Massachusetts is bordered on the north
by New Hampshire and Vermont;
on the west by New York;
on the south by Connecticut and Rhode Island;
and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
The Boston area is well known
for the famous "Boston Tea Party" and "Boston Massacre".
Events which contributed to the American Revolution and
the War of Independence from Great Britain.
Massachusetts was the 1st state to abolish slavery and
became a center of abolitionist
activity in the years leading to the American Civil War.
Today, Massachusetts is the most populous
of the 6 New England states and its population density ranks 3rd
in the
United States.
WEATHER
Although Massachusetts is a relatively
small state, there are significant differences between its
eastern and western climates.
The entire state has cold winters and moderately warm summers,
but the west has both the coldest winters and
the coolest summers.
The normal January temperature is 22° F (–6° C),
while the normal July temperature is 68° F (20° C).
The interior lowlands are several degrees warmer in both winter and summer;
the normal July temperature is 71° F (22° C).
The coastal sections are the warmest areas of the state;
the normal January temperature for Boston is 30° F (–1° C),
and the normal July temperature is 74° F (23° C).
Precipitation ranges from 39~46 in (99~117 cm) annually,
with an average of 42 in (108 cm) in Boston.
The average snowfall is 42 in (108 cm),
and the average wind speed is 13 mph (21 km/hr).
The state has its share of extreme weather,
and is prone to severe winter storms.
Summers can bring thunderstorms,
averaging around 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year.
The western portion of Massachusetts is vulnerable
to tornadoes,
while coastal areas in the east are more vulnerable to hurricanes.
ECONOMY
The Massachusetts Chamber of Business and Industry
serves as the voice for business throughout the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts by providing information, education, advocacy and organization
of a grassroots coalition.
The Chamber presents prestigious,
timely and informative programs designed to
give members access to the top state and
federal policy~makers that make decisions
impacting every business's bottom line.
Originally dependent on agriculture and trade with Europe,
Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center
during the Industrial Revolution.
Migration of factories to the lower~wage Southern states
caused economic stagnation during the 1st half of the 20th century.
The economy of Massachusetts was revived after World War II,
and today is prominent in higher education, bio~technology, finance, health~care,
financial services and tourism.
High technology remains an important sector,
though few of the largest technology companies are based here.
Agricultural outputs include seafood, nursery stock, dairy products, animals & animal products,
fruits, tree nuts, tobacco, vegetables, and berries, especially cranberries.
Massachusetts is the second largest cranberry producing state in the USA
(after Wisconsin).
Industrial outputs are machinery, electrical and electronic equipment,
scientific instruments, printing, and publishing.
SCHOOLS
Massachusetts has a long history of strong commitment to education.
It was the 1st state to require municipalities to appoint a teacher
or establish a grammar school with the passage of the
Massachusetts Education Law of 1647;
this mandate was later made a part of the state constitution in 1789.
In 1852, Massachusetts became the 1st state to pass
compulsory school attendance laws.
In addition, Massachusetts is home to the country's
oldest high school (Boston Latin School: 1635),
America's 1st publicly funded high school (Dedham, Massachusetts: 1643),
oldest college (Harvard University: 1636),
1st racially integrated school (Nantucket),
and the oldest municipally supported free library
(Boston Public Library: 1848).
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is charged
with the responsibility of ensuring improved teaching and
learning in all of the Massachusetts
public schools.
The Mission Statement:
"To improve the quality of the public education system so
that students are adequately prepared for higher education,
rewarding employment, continued education, and responsible citizenship,
in partnership with Massachusetts school districts and other
organizations that provide educational programs and services.
Students, parents, teachers, educators, elected officials,
business and community leaders, and the public all are stakeholders
in the work of the Department to improve schools and raise
student achievement."
The Massachusetts Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
supports instructional and curriculum leaders -
school and college teachers, department heads, principals,
curriculum directors, assistant superintendents and superintendents.
For more details please contact the
Massachusetts Department of Education.
HOSPITALITY
Hike, picnic, or swim at the Cape Cod National Seashore,
where you'll find long sandy beaches, bike paths,
and plenty of activities for land and sea,
along with the
traditional Cape Cod trimmings
(go karts, mini~golf, and ice~cream stands).
Embark on a whale~watching or fishing charter 1 day,
trek through miles of winding mountains and trails the next.
Don't limit your golfing to the miniature kind;
there are more than 25 golf courses throughout the Cape.
Massachusetts is your playground.
There are countless attractions, activities and events
to cherish, all year long.
For winter in Massachusetts
head to the slopes for a day of family skiing or snow~boarding,
you can find great skiing all over the state.
Try cross~country skiing or snow~shoeing in 1 of the
state forests or parks.
Other winter activities include sleigh rides and even dog sledding.
If the cold is too much, there are many museums and theaters to visit.
Fall is a great time to be outdoors in Massachusetts.
There's nothing like the taste of a fresh picked apple
and there are orchards all over the state.
Enjoy a classic country fair, it's a great way to spend a crisp
autumn day.
Summer sun brings blooms and beauty throughout the state.
By sunlight or starlight, catch a cultural outdoor performance,
pop, classical, folk, country, swing, or big~band concert
set in 1 of many open~air theaters.
The Cape and Islands are dotted with lighthouses that have protected
generations of seafarers. These honor
Cape Cod's rich maritime history.
For more details please contact
Massachusetts State Tourism.
NEWS
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