Summer Pride History Stroll 2024
At the stroke of midnight on May 17, 2004, history was made as Cambridge City Hall opened its doors to become the very first municipality in the United States to issue marriage licenses to same-gender couples. The air was thick with anticipation, and jubilant celebration filled the front lawn of City Hall as couples gathered to embark upon a momentous journey together.
Step back in time and relive the magic of that historic night through the lens of photographer Marilyn Humphries. Capturing the essence of love, hope, and equality, Humphries’ lens immortalized the raw emotions and joyous celebrations as scores of couples took the courageous step towards legal recognition and acceptance.
Mayor E. Denise Simmons and the Cambridge Museum of History and Culture extend their gratitude to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, Boston Properties, Cambridge Arts, Google, the History Project, and MIT for their generous support in bringing this exhibition to life.
Outside of Cambridge City Hall, Jarrett Barrios confronts William Monahan, counsel for the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, following a press conference held by the mayor, city councilors, and state representatives for Cambridge districts where they voted to fight a lawsuit challenging an ordinance that recognized domestic partnership for gay couples. Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography
Julie Goodridge and Hillary Goodridge read the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision that under the Massachusetts Constitution, the state could not deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography
Plaintiff couple Gina Smith and Heidi Norton clasp hands at the GLAD press conference following the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision. Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography
Cambridge City Councilor Denise Simmons, with her granddaughter Tara Knight, speaks at the Rally for Family and Equality at Old South Meeting House hours after the court’s decision. Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography
On the first day of the constitutional convention—a joint session of the legislature called to consider amending the state constitution—supporters of same-sex marriage gather at the State House to oppose any amendment that would define marriage as “the union of one man and one woman.” Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography
Opponents of same-sex marriage—many of whom were bussed in from out of state—gather outside the State House to deliver their message. Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography
Marriage equality supporters Alex Westerhoff and Tom Lang alongside a heterosexual couple voicing their support in the State House during the second meeting of the constitutional convention. They stayed for 12 hours, hoping to convince legislators that they should not amend the constitution to take away their right to marry. Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography
GLAD attorney Mary Bonauto addresses the crowd at the MassEquality candlelight vigil as Rep. Byron Rushing, a longtime supporter of the gay community and a leader on the same-sex marriage issue, stands next to her. Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography
On the morning that the 2004 constitutional convention reconvenes, opponents to same-sex marriage unfurl a 40-foot fluorescent orange banner proclaiming “Jesus is the Lord” across the front of the State House. Image and description courtesy of Marilyn Humphries Photography