Mass. Memories Road Show Comes to West End Museum: Aims to Preserve West End Photos & Stories, Old & New

Boston, MA—On Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Mass. Memories Road Show at UMass Boston travels to The West End Museum. Co-hosted by the Museum, UMass Boston, Vilna Shul, The West End Civic Association and the Boston Public Library–West End Branch, the event will chronicle the photographs and stories of old and new West Enders alike. The event is free and open to the public.

Anyone who currently lives, works or spends time in the neighborhood—or who has ever lived, worked or spent time here—is invited to attend and share their West End memories and experiences from before urban renewal through the present day. This unique project gives everyday people the opportunity to add their personal stories to an enduring cultural archive. The photos and stories will become part of UMass Boston’s online collection at openarchives.umb.edu and shared with the West End Museum and its organizational partners.

“Our mission is to preserve the history and culture of the West End, so this event is a perfect fit,” said Duane Lucia, West End Museum Board President. “We encourage everyone who has a connection to the neighborhood to come to the Museum on November 15th and become part of the rich tapestry of West End history.”

Attendees are asked to bring one to three photographs in their original format. A team of professionals will scan the photos and create digital versions to become part of the archives of The West End Museum and the Mass. Memories Road Show (MMRS) at UMass Boston. Attendees also will have the chance to be videotaped telling the stories behind their photos. In addition, professional archivists onsite will demonstrate how to care for photos.

The MMRS is a statewide digital history project that documents people, places and events in Massachusetts history through family and community photographs and stories. The program is produced by the University Archives & Special Collections Department in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston. Since its launch 10 years ago, the project has gathered more than 6,000 photographs and stories from across the state. Its goal is to hold public events in all 351 communities in the state, creating a digital portrait of the Commonwealth, providing access to photographs and stories, and building community knowledge and connections.

“The Mass. Memories Road Show team at UMass Boston is excited to visit the West End. The history of this vibrant neighborhood is legendary in our city, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the West End Museum and its partners in preserving the memories of pre-urban renewal days as well as more recent times,” said Carolyn M. Goldstein, UMass Boston Public History and Community Archives Program Manager.

About the West End Museum:
The West End Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of the history and culture of the West End  neighborhood. The Museum’s permanent exhibit, “The Last Tenement,” highlights the immigrant history of the neighborhood through its decimation under Urban Renewal in 1959; two additional galleries feature rotating exhibits. The Museum is located  near North Station at 150 Staniford St. Suite 7. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm; Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. Admission is free.