Moore, Muradian Offer Testimony in Support of State Police Museum & Learning Center

BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) and Representative David K. Muradian (R-Grafton) offered testimony last week in support of legislation that would secure ownership of property in the Town of Grafton as the permanent home for the Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center (MSPMLC).  The bill was jointly filed by Sen. Moore and Rep. Muradian earlier this year.

Following the 2006 closure of the State Police barracks in Grafton, the MSPMLC undertook efforts to rehabilitate and preserve the building.  The MSPMLC, which opened its doors to the public earlier this year, seeks to promote the unique history and identity of New England’s largest law enforcement agency.  The visitor experience includes access to the former barracks and exhibits containing nearly 150 years of State Police artifacts. 

“The MSPMLC is an important educational and historic resource for our Commonwealth,” said Sen. Moore.  “I am proud to support efforts that advance the mission of the MSPMLC and help to ensure that this nonprofit organization continues to serve the public for years to come.  I encourage folks to stop by and see what the museum has to offer.”    

“I am so grateful to the Committee on State Administration for allowing me the opportunity to testify on behalf of the State Police Museum and Learning Center,” stated Rep. Muradian. “Being able to keep the museum in Grafton would be the culmination of decades of work by the Museum Committee and the State Police.  I am so proud that this opportunity to honor the country’s oldest state police organization is in my district.”

“I very much hope that this bill passes, it will go a long way toward securing the future of the Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center,” stated Jack Crawford, President of the MSPMLC. “Keeping the museum at the former Grafton Barracks provides a perfect, central location for the museum and is a great example of how the barracks system worked.”

The legislation is currently under review by the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.  The Committee has until March 15, 2016 to issue a final report and recommendation on whether the bill should advance through the legislative process.  To continue tracking the status of this legislation (H.3844), please visit the Legislature’s website, www.malegislature.gov.