Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Wedding Outfit worn by the Honorable Mary E. Hurley, Mayor of Springfield |
Artist |
Unknown |
Date |
1991 |
Object Name |
Outfit, wedding |
Material |
Satin/sequin/lace/net |
Description |
Wedding Dress and Bridal Hat worn by the Honorable Mary E. Hurley for her Marriage to Michael Marks, August 17,1991 Dress of ivory satin with spaghetti straps, v-neck, lace, sequins covering bodice. Skirt is plain satin with train. Jacket is long sleeved, ivory satin with lace insets on lower sleeves and back. Deep v-neck, single satin button. Hat is satin with dome top, small upturned brim, net veil. Born in Springfield and educated in local schools, Mary E. Hurley served as Springfield's first female Mayor from 1989-1991. She holds a Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law, was appointed a District Court Justice in Chicopee, and is currently serving on the Massachusetts Governor's Council. During her term as Mayor of Springfield, Hurley wore a silk and beaded ensemble for her wedding to Michael Marks on August 17,1991. Mary Hurley can claim several firsts in Springfield History. She was Springfield's first woman mayor and the first mayor to be married while in office. One claim she cannot make is that of first family member to be involved in service to the city of Springfield; she comes from a long line of people devoted to public service. Her grandfather, William James Hurley, arrived in Springfield from Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland in the 1890s. He soon joined the Springfield Police Department where he reached the rank of lieutenant, headed the Indian Orchard Substation, and received citations for bravery in the line of duty. William married Bridget Kelly, originally from County Kerry, in Springfield in 1902, and they raised their family here. Several of their children became active in politics: William Anthony served as chairman of Springfield's Democratic Committee and was elected to the City Council. Elizabeth worked for the United States Foreign Service and traveled all over the world. Edward, Mary's father, practiced law in Springfield and served on the Springfield School committee. Relatives in the Sweeney family (Mary's mother's family) also were active in politics. Her great grandfather arrived in Springfield from Ireland in the 1800s and served as Chief of Police in West Springfield. One of his sons was elected to the West Springfield City Council and served as Tax Collector. Mary Hurley's four decades of public service will continue, as she has no immediate plans to retire. As recently as October 2019 during an interview with BusinessWest magazine as a 2019 "Woman of Impact" recipient, she stated she plans to run for the Governor's Council again in 2020. |
Provenance |
Donor's wedding outfit |
Credit line |
Gift of Mayor Mary E. Hurley |
Accession # |
91.300 A - C |
Object ID |
WMSH-91.300 A - C |
Collection |
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History |