1. Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary: October 2 is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the revered Indian leader who championed nonviolent civil disobedience and played a pivotal role in India's independence movement. Despite being born in India, Gandhi's legacy has had a profound impact on Massachusetts and the United States. His teachings of nonviolence and social justice inspired the civil rights movement, and his influence can still be felt today in movements for peace and equality around the world.

2. Massachusetts becomes first state to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day: On October 2, 2019, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill into law recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day as an official state holiday. The move made Massachusetts the first state to officially replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day.

3. Death of Paul Cellucci: On October 2, 2013, former Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci passed away at the age of 65. Cellucci, a Republican, served as governor from 1997 to 2001 and was later appointed U.S. ambassador to Canada by President George W. Bush.

4. Dedication of the USS Constitution Museum: On October 2, 1976, the USS Constitution Museum was dedicated in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the USS Constitution, one of the oldest commissioned ships in the U.S. Navy.

5. First National Anti-Slavery Convention: On October 2, 1833, the first National Anti-Slavery Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While not taking place in Massachusetts, this event had significant repercussions for the state, which was a hotbed of abolitionist activity. Prominent Massachusetts abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips attended the convention and played key roles in the abolitionist movement.