Painting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Birthplace of the US Coast Guard | NMHS First Thursdays

In November 2025, Russ Kramer's mural Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Birthplace of the US Coast Guard was installed at the Massachusetts State House — the culmination of a commission more than two decades in the making. This 102" × 96" oil on canvas commemorates the three 18th-century organizations that merged to form the modern US Coast Guard: Boston Light (the oldest lighthouse in the United States), the revenue cutter Massachusetts (one of the first ten cutters authorized by Alexander Hamilton), and a Humane Society of Massachusetts surfboat crew pulling survivors from a stormy sea. Russ joins us to share the full journey — from a competitive selection process among accomplished marine painters, through extensive historical research, to completing the work in a temporary studio in Mystic, Connecticut. The mural was featured on the cover of the Spring 2025 issue of Sea History magazine. 📌 CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome & Introduction — Cathy Green, President, NMHS 1:28 Presentation — Russ Kramer 44:31 Q&A 🎨 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Russ Kramer is an award-winning marine artist known for large-scale depictions of dramatic scenes at sea, particularly scenes from history's greatest yacht races. He is a fellow and past president of the American Society of Marine Artists. Learn more: https://www.russkramer.com ⚓ ABOUT NMHS The National Maritime Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting America's maritime heritage. 🗓️ JOIN US FOR FUTURE SEMINARS First Thursdays seminars are free to attend. Register at: https://www.seahistory.org 💙 SUPPORT THE SERIES Consider a $10 seminar guest donation: https://seahistory.org/donate_today/ 🌐 FOLLOW NMHS Website: https://www.seahistory.org Facebook:   / nationalmaritimehistoricalsociety   Instagram:   / nmhs_seahistory   #MaritimeHistory #USCoastGuard #MaritimeArt #NMHS #FirstThursdays