Scanning & Photography Parties Aim to Capture West End Stories Past & Present

Boston, MA—Have you ever lived, worked, or spent time in Boston’s West End? Do you have photos, letters, records, or objects that tell the story of the neighborhood before urban renewal, just after, or up through the present day? The West End Museum is eager to see what you’ve got at its “West End Stories” scanning and photography parties on January 18 and 25 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  (Media note: Download hi-res images here.)

“Our ‘West End Stories’ program is designed to record the memories and personal experiences of the many individuals and groups that made the West End what it was in days gone by and what it is today,” said Program Director Sebastian Belfanti. “As part of this effort, we’re excited to welcome the public into the Museum to share their experiences so we can preserve them for future generations.”

Scans and photos of attendees’ documents and objects will be added to the Museum’s extensive archive collection. Those archives are often used by authors, reporters, researchers, and students seeking to convey the rich history and culture of Boston’s West End. They also strengthen the Museum’s exhibits, programming, and social media.

Light refreshments will be served, and all are encouraged to linger, socialize, and make connections with other members of the neighborhood past and present. The Museum is also more than happy to receive individual stories of life in the West End, either in writing or through a video recording made during the parties. If anyone has questions in advance, please email sebastian.belfanti@thewestendmuseum.org or call 617- 723-2125.

As Pulitzer Prize-winning author Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) said, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Finding and preserving those memories is central to The West End Museum’s mission.

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.