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Posts about the Mass. Memories Road Show

Mass. Memories Road Show heads to Wilmington on Saturday, September 30

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Wilmington Mass. Memories Road Show flyerWhen: Saturday, September 30, 2017 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location: Wilmington High School Cafeteria | 159 Church Street | Wilmington, Mass. | Click here for directions.

Do you have a connection to Wilmington, Massachusetts? Do you live or work in Wilmington? Are your roots in Wilmington? Share your memories and take your place in Massachusetts history at this free, public event.

Please bring 2-3 photographs in their original format (digital or print photographs) and your stories to be recorded. We will scan unframed pictures and copy digital images and return the pictures back to you. All images will be added to the online collection at openarchives.umb.edu.

Local support for the Wilmington Mass. Memories Road Show is provided by the Wilmington Memorial Library.

For more information about the Wilmington Mass. Memories Road Show, contact Wilmington Memorial Library Assistant Library Director Charlotte Wood at 978-658-2967 or cwood@wilmlibrary.org, or view the Facebook event.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a statewide digital history project that documents people, places, and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. It is produced by the Joseph P. Healey Library at the University of Massachusetts Boston and is co-sponsored by the Patricia C. Flaherty ’81 Endowed Fund.

Download the flyer for the Wilmington Mass. Memories Road Show and remember to share it with your friends and family members!

Questions? Email carolyn.goldstein@umb.edu.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a statewide digital history project that documents people, places and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. In partnership with teams of local volunteers, we organize public events to scan family and community photographs and videotape “the stories behind the photos.” The images and videos are indexed and incorporated into an online educational database. Since its launch, the project has gathered more than 9,000 photographs and stories from across the state. It is supported in part by the Patricia C. Flaherty ’81 Endowed Fund at UMass Boston.

University Archives & Special Collections in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston was established in 1981 as a repository to collect archival material in subject areas of interest to the university, as well as the records of the university itself. The mission and history of UMass Boston guide the collection policies of University Archives & Special Collections, with the university’s urban mission and strong support of community service reflected in the records of and related to urban planning, social welfare, social action, alternative movements, community organizations, war and social consequence, and local history related to neighboring communities. To learn more, visit blogs.umb.edu/archives.

Eastham Mass. Memories Road Show materials available now

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The photographs and stories gathered at the Eastham Mass. Memories Road Show are available online now for research.

This is a photo of our immediate family taken at Cedarcrest--a cottage colony developed by Frank and Esther Gould after their little summer cottage in Harwich burned mysteriously to the ground. That was the impetus of my father to purchase nine acres of undeveloped land on the backs of the town cove across from Rachel's Cove. They successfully ran this colony for over 40 years before selling each one off to past guests. Pictured, from left to right: Barbara Gould Weber, Frank E. Gould, Esther Halower Gould, and Dana Bickford Gould.

The Frank Gould family, circa 1975. ‘This is a photo of our immediate family taken at Cedarcrest–a cottage colony developed by Frank and Esther Gould after their little summer cottage in Harwich burned mysteriously to the ground. That was the impetus of my father to purchase nine acres of undeveloped land on the backs of the town cove across from Rachel’s Cove. They successfully ran this colony for over 40 years before selling each one off to past guests.’ Contributor: Barbara Gould Weber.

 

The event, held on Sunday, May 7, 2017, was organized by the Eastham Public Library and hosted in its new building. Library Director Debra DeJonker-Berry led a town-wide collaboration among a large number of organizational partners including the Eastham Historical Society and the Town of Eastham Clerk’s Office. The program was supported by the Friends of the Eastham Public Library and the Eagle Wing Inn. Nearly thirty local volunteers came out on a beautiful spring day to partner with a team of UMass Boston staff members and public history graduate students, as well as “Roadies” from previous Mass. Memories Road Show events. Together they welcomed more than 100 adults and children with connections to the Cape Cod town.

Nellie is staffing her general store on Route 6 in North Eastham. The theater posters are for Orleans Theater movies showing is September and August. Pictured: my grandmother Nellie Nickerson.

Nickerson’s general store, 1940s. ‘Nellie is staffing her general store on Route 6 in North Eastham. The theater posters are for Orleans Theater movies showing in September and August. Pictured: my grandmother Nellie Nickerson.’ Contributor: Janice Nickerson.

 

Participants contributed images of growing up–and living year-round–in this seashore community over the years. They shared stories of their work in family businesses, the fire department, schools, and town politics. Memories of summer vacationing in Eastham with family and friends–enjoying recreational activities together such as swimming, fishing, crabbing, and boating along the ocean and bay shores–are also documented in the collection.

This picture was taken after a successful fishing trip for a striped bass! The picture was taken on a misty summer morning in our locust woods. Pictured, from left to right: George 'Kit' Thorlin, Paul Stevens, Jane Thorlin Fields, and Elfie the dog. Location: Nauset Road. Contributor: Joanna Stevens.

Successful fishing trip, 1967. ‘This picture was taken after a successful fishing trip for a striped bass! [It was] a misty summer morning in our locust woods. Pictured, from left to right: George ‘Kit’ Thorlin, Paul Stevens, Jane Thorlin Fields, and Elfie the dog. Location: Nauset Road.’ Contributor: Joanna Stevens.

 

Many contributors shared photographs and stories of their participation in lively community gatherings over the years, commemorating town anniversaries, marching in the Windmill Weekend parade, and celebrating Eastham’s agricultural heritage with an annual turnip festival.

Turnip Queen 2013 is greeted by her most devoted fan. Photo taken by Anton Anderson. Pictured, from left to right: Jack Kerig and Kaye Richardson. Location: Eastham Turnip Festival at Nauset Regional High School.

Turnip kissing Turnip Queen, 2013. ‘Turnip Queen 2013 is greeted by her most devoted fan. Photo taken by Anton Anderson. Pictured, from left to right: Jack Kerig and Kaye Richardson. Location: Eastham Turnip Festival at Nauset Regional High School.’ Contributor: Jack Kerig.

 

Several images illustrate community members’ pride in the town’s landmarks–such as Cape Cod National Seashore, an historical windmill, Nauset Light, and Coast Guard Beach. They further document residents cultivating the Eastham Famous Flower Island (EFFI) and exploring lesser-known corners with the Eastham Hiking Club.

Browse the Eastham Mass. Memories Road Show collection.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a statewide digital history project that documents people, places and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. In partnership with teams of local volunteers, we organize public events to scan family and community photographs and videotape “the stories behind the photos.” The images and videos are indexed and incorporated into an online educational database. Since its launch, the project has gathered more than 9,000 photographs and stories from across the state. It is supported in part by the Patricia C. Flaherty ’81 Endowed Fund at UMass Boston.

University Archives & Special Collections in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston was established in 1981 as a repository to collect archival material in subject areas of interest to the university, as well as the records of the university itself. The mission and history of UMass Boston guide the collection policies of University Archives & Special Collections, with the university’s urban mission and strong support of community service reflected in the records of and related to urban planning, social welfare, social action, alternative movements, community organizations, war and social consequence, and local history related to neighboring communities. To learn more, visit blogs.umb.edu/archives.

Nahant Mass. Memories Road Show photographs online now

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The photographs and stories gathered at the Nahant Mass. Memories Road Show are available online now for research.

Gathering of summer playmates on grounds of Motley family home. These were my mom's generation of friends. Pictured, from left to right: Herbert Motley, Eleanor Warren Motley, George Richardson, Elizabeth Motley, Pierson Richardson, Elliot Richardson, David Devens, and Pat Devens.

Summer friends, 1924. ‘Gathering of summer playmates on grounds of Motley family home. These were my mom’s generation of friends. Pictured, from left to right: Herbert Motley, Eleanor Warren Motley, George Richardson, Elizabeth Motley, Pierson Richardson, Elliot Richardson, David Devens, and Pat Devens.’ Contributor: Kristy Lee.

 

Held at the Nahant Town Hall on Saturday, April 1, 2017, the event was organized by the Nahant Public Library, 01908, Nahant Council on Aging, Nahant Historical Society, Nahant Public Schools, Nahant Safer Waters in Massachusetts, Inc. (S.W.I.M.), and Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center with funding from the Friends of Nahant Public Library and the Nahant Cultural Council. Over twenty local volunteers came out on a snowy spring day to collaborate with a team of UMass Boston staff members and public history graduate students, as well as “Roadies” from past Mass. Memories Road Show events, to welcome more than 100 adults and children with connections to the town on the North Shore of Boston.

This is a rite of passage growing up here in Nahant--jumping off the wharf! My son relishes in every summer moment. Pictured: Casey DeCamp. Location: Town Wharf

Nahant summer rite of passage, 2014. ‘This is a rite of passage growing up here in Nahant–jumping off the wharf! My son relishes in every summer moment. Pictured: Casey DeCamp.’ Contributor: Liz Carlson.

 

Participants contributed images of everyday life in this tiny island community over the years. Summertime family gatherings are especially well represented in the collection. Many individuals shared memories of their enjoyment of the island’s natural beauty–and photographs capturing sunsets, beaches, and scenic views from their kitchen windows.

'Family photo on Curlew Beach where we played and swam. Pictured, from back to front, left to right: Isabelle (Belle) Oakes Hunnewell, Hollis Hunnewell, Elliot January Hunnewell, Horatio Hollis Hunnewell, Peter Remsen Hunnewell, and Edith Elliot Hunnewell, and Tiller. Location: Curlew Beach.'

Hunnewell family photo, 1972. ‘Family photo on Curlew Beach where we played and swam.’ Contributor: Edith E. Hunnewell.

 

Several photographs document informal gatherings of teenagers at the local convenience store and organized activities of groups such as the Girl Scouts, the Nahant Women’s Club and the Knights of Columbus.  Many images depict Nahant residents’ efforts to clean up the ocean waters around the island as well as the scientific research and education programs of Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center.

This photo pictures the founding director of the Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Doc Riser. This photo means a lot of me because it exemplifies the perpetual curosity and love for science that made Doc an exemplary leader and inspired future generations of marine scientist. In my role as an educator at the Marine Science Center, I explore these same tidepools with youth and am honored to carry on Doc Riser's legacy of science curosity and passion. Pictured: Nathan 'Doc' Riser. Location: East Point.'

Tidepooling with Doc Riser, founding director of the Northeastern University Marine Science Center, 1960s or 1970s. ‘This picture means a lot to me because it exemplifies the perpetual curiosity and love for science that made him an exemplary leader and inspired future generations of marine scientists.’ Contributor: Val Perini.

 

Browse the Nahant Mass. Memories Road Show collection.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a statewide digital history project that documents people, places and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. In partnership with teams of local volunteers, we organize public events to scan family and community photographs and videotape “the stories behind the photos.” The images and videos are indexed and incorporated into an online educational database. Since its launch, the project has gathered more than 9,000 photographs and stories from across the state. It is supported in part by the Patricia C. Flaherty ’81 Endowed Fund at UMass Boston.

University Archives & Special Collections in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston was established in 1981 as a repository to collect archival material in subject areas of interest to the university, as well as the records of the university itself. The mission and history of UMass Boston guide the collection policies of University Archives & Special Collections, with the university’s urban mission and strong support of community service reflected in the records of and related to urban planning, social welfare, social action, alternative movements, community organizations, war and social consequence, and local history related to neighboring communities. To learn more, visit blogs.umb.edu/archives.

Mass. Memories Road Show program manager Carolyn Goldstein interviewed on Where’s Wilmington? television show

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Carolyn Goldstein, Public History and Community Archives Program Manager in University Archives & Special Collections at UMass Boston, was featured on a recent episode of Where’s Wilmington? 

The show’s host, Lisa Kapala, spoke with Carolyn and with Charlotte Wood, Assistant Director of the Wilmington Memorial Library, about the Wilmington Mass. Memories Road Show event scheduled for Saturday, September 30, at Wilmington High School. Click here to view the video online.

Charlotte Wood (left) and Carolyn Goldstein (right) on Where’s Wilmington? Click image to view video.

 

To learn more about this Road Show, see the Wilmington Town Crier article and download a flyer about the event.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a statewide digital history project that documents people, places, and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. It is produced by the Joseph P. Healey Library at the University of Massachusetts Boston and is co-sponsored by the Patricia C. Flaherty ’81 Endowed Fund.

Questions? Email carolyn.goldstein@umb.edu or cwood@wilmlibrary.org.

University Archives & Special Collections in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston collects materials related to the university’s history, as well as materials that reflect the institution’s urban mission and strong support of community service, notably in collections of records of urban planning, social welfare, social action, alternative movements, community organizations, and local history related to neighboring communities.

University Archives & Special Collections welcomes inquiries from individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in donating materials of an archival nature that that fit within our collecting policy. These include manuscripts, documents, organizational archives, collections of photographs, unique publications, and audio and video media. For more information about donating to University Archives & Special Collections, click here or email library.archives@umb.edu.

More than 1,000 videos from Mass. Memories Road Show at UMass Boston now online

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Videographer Jack Clancy records an interview with Max Manadee at the Nahant Mass. Memories Road Show, April 1, 2017. The photographs, stories, and videos collected in Nahant will be online soon. Photo courtesy Dalia Shilas.

For over a decade, the Mass. Memories Road Show has celebrated and documented the stories that connect people in Massachusetts to their communities. In this period, the program has come a long way. With the help of volunteers and community partners, the Mass. Memories Road Show has collected over 8,000 images and more than 1,000 video interviews. The Mass. Memories Road Show collection includes contributions from nearly 40 communities and University Archives & Special Collections at UMass Boston continues to work toward representing all 351 towns in the Commonwealth.

“We began collecting video interviews at one of the Dorchester Mass. Memories Road Shows in 2006,” recalls Joanne Riley, University Archivist and Curator of Special Collections. Riley enlisted a UMass Boston undergraduate student to record the first interviews, and the Video Station soon became a standard feature of all Mass. Memories Road Show events. The Road Show team met Liz Clancy Lerner at the Quincy Mass. Memories Road Show in 2007 and the following year began working with her and her father Jack Clancy, of Best Dog Ever Films, to record and edit the videos in a consistent manner.

“Contributors are excited to describe their photographs,” explained Road Show program coordinator Carolyn Goldstein, “and many of them choose to sit for a video interview to share ‘the stories behind their photos’ or other memories.”

“Throughout the years I have laughed and cried at the stories I’ve recorded,” recalls Liz Clancy Lerner. “I’ve been thrilled at the enthusiasm I see for history in the communities I’ve visited. This is a special project that records what’s often seen as ordinary family stories, but when you dig a little deeper, and really hear how they impact individual families, you see how much these images and anecdotes truly are the beating heart of these Massachusetts communities. I can’t wait to hear more!”

All of the video interviews collected at the Mass. Memories Road Shows from 2006 through 2016 are available online now for research. Some of the newest additions to the collection are the video recordings from early Road Shows held in Dorchester, Quincy, Reading, Stoneham, and Duxbury. Interviews from more recent Mass. Memories Road Show events in Martha’s Vineyard, Spencer, and Hyde Park are also available.

Mary Doherty Manseau at the Dorchester Mass. Memories Road Show: Video Interview from UMass Boston Archives on Vimeo.

These videos preserve the family histories, childhood memories, activities, and experiences that together help tell the complex personal history of Massachusetts.

Explore the Mass. Memories Road Show video collection here.

Caroline Littlewood is a graduate assistant in University Archives & Special Collections and a graduate student in History (Public History Track) at UMass Boston.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a statewide digital history project that documents people, places and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. In partnership with teams of local volunteers, we organize public events to scan family and community photographs and videotape “the stories behind the photos.” The images and videos are indexed and incorporated into an online educational database. Since its launch, the project has gathered more than 9,000 photographs and stories from across the state. It is supported in part by the Patricia C. Flaherty ’81 Endowed Fund at UMass Boston.

University Archives & Special Collections in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston was established in 1981 as a repository to collect archival material in subject areas of interest to the university, as well as the records of the university itself. The mission and history of UMass Boston guide the collection policies of University Archives & Special Collections, with the university’s urban mission and strong support of community service reflected in the records of and related to urban planning, social welfare, social action, alternative movements, community organizations, war and social consequence, and local history related to neighboring communities. To learn more, visit blogs.umb.edu/archives.