First Partner Joanna Lydgate gently wrapped her arm around Gov. Maura Healey’s waist for a moment as the pair marveled at the murals adorning Nurses Hall on Monday, as they stood in the third floor hallway between the corner office and the Senate Chamber.

The stop marked one of the last stops of their State House tour, which was filled with bursts of giggles as Healey and Lydgate quietly admired the capitol’s artwork and learned new Massachusetts trivia from Lynn Grilli, a Doric Docent guide.

Later Monday, just days into Pride Month, Lydgate would be sworn as the honorary president of the Doric Docent Tour Guides, as the first partner takes on a more public role alongside the state’s first openly gay governor. Her entrance into the public eye inched forward in December, when Lydgate read “Twas The Night Before Christmas” to children during a celebration for Massachusetts Gold Star families.

Healey, speaking to reporters after the roughly 45-minute tour concluded Monday morning, called Lydgate’s new role “wonderful.”

“I know she’s honored to do it — very honored to do it,” said Healey on behalf of Lydgate, who stepped away for a meeting and did not participate in the scrum.

By tradition, the governor’s spouse is installed as president of the Doric Docents. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1969 by First Lady Jessie Sargent, during the first year in office of her husband, Gov. Francis Sargent. It was known until 2005 as the Doric Dames.

Healey and Lydgate started their tour in Doric Hall, making their way through key landmarks throughout the building, including Nurses Hall, Bartlett Hall, the Great Hall, the Grand Staircase, the State Library, and the House and Senate chambers.

— Alison Kuznitz / State House News Service