I just did a wikipedia search on Massachusetts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts
It would depend on what her subject matter is.
If from a historical perspective maybe a pilgrim.
If from today's era: Mass is known more for its technology, higher education, health, and political (Kennedy's), arts, musician, and commercial fishing careers.
Martha's Vineyard is an island off the the coast of Mass, a part of the same state.