August 2016 Newsletter
Dear Friend of The West End Museum,
We hope your summer has been filled with sunshine and fun with family and friends, and at least one visit to The West End Museum. If you haven’t been in recently, please come on by!
In this newsletter …
We discuss the Museum’s archives. Written by new volunteer, Henry White, Precious Preservation takes a look at this most compelling aspect of our nonprofit organization.
— an exciting talk and book-signing by Doug Most
If you enjoy our communications, exhibits and events, we hope you’ll consider becoming a West End Museum member. If you’re already a member, please help us spread the word about supporting our ongoing mission. Corporate and individual members are always welcome (special rates for students and seniors) as are donations. Membership and donations are tax deductible.
Remember to keep up and stay in touch with the Museum on our website and via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Thank you and best wishes!
Precious Preservation: A Look at the Museum Archives
The collection of historical artifacts and documents in The West End Museum’s archives is one of the key sources for creating new exhibits and finding ways to teach Boston residents and visitors alike about the old neighborhood. The archives are a major part of the organization’s effort to keep the West End alive in the memories of Bostonians, old and new-as well as tourists-and honor those who lived here before the demolition of urban renewal in the late 1950s and early 60s.
Four years ago, James Campano, founder of The West End Museum, donated what would become the basis of the Museum’s archives. Since then the collection of newspaper articles, photos, and even memorabilia like old sports trophies, has grown slowly but steadily to fill 13 shelving units in a climate-controlled room. The shelves are divided into sections by topic, such as historic photographs and famous West Enders (like Leonard Nimoy, Ruth Roman and Buddy Clark).
In addition to objects donated by Campano, the estate of …
Museum Talk & Book Signing: The History and Future of America's First Subway, The T
Wednesday, September 14; 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Long before the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, Boston and New York were competing to be the first American city to build a rapid transit system underground. Boston won, establishing the nation’s first subway in 1897, and the West End played a key role.
This talk with author and longtime Boston Globe staffer Doug Most will explore the local history of public transportation and evolve into a discussion beyond Boston and into the future of public transit.
Most’s book, The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry That Built America’s First Subway, has received high praise an d is being made into a PBS American Experience documentary. It will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
The West End Museum Need You! An Appeal For Volunteers
As you may know, the Museum’s staff is made up of a small, but dedicated group of volunteers. And this is a challenging time of year for us: Our fabulous students are returning to school at the end of the month, which will leave us with several unfilled volunteer positions.
YOU can make a huge contribution to the Museum by donating just a few hours a week of your time. Regardless of your background or experience, we have a role for you, and your time will be deeply appreciated.
Why not drop by to see what we have to offer? You can meet some of our current volunteers, learn about the opportunities and discuss the Museum and the great people already involved. Or, you can check out descriptions of the positions we need to fill here. If you have any questions, please call 617-723-2125 during our regular hours.
The Museum is conveniently located across from the Science Park/West End T stop and just one block from North Station, with a ground-level entrance on Lomasney Way.
We would be delighted to meet you!
Come One Come All: West End Socials
Thursday, September 15; 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18; 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
FREE; light refreshments served
Original and current West End residents, your family and your friends, are invited to the next West End Socials at the Museum.
The October Social will take place in the evening and will include a raffle of a newly designed West End t-shirt, which will also be available for purchase in the gift shop.
Come to one or both events to mix and mingle with neighbors and friends, and hear about the old days and the new in our historic and revitalized community.
You can also view our current exhibits, plus visit
The Last Tenement, our permanent gallery of photos, artifacts and more of the old neighborhood.