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.
We highlight
The History and Future of America's First Subway, The T
-- an exciting talk and book-signing by Doug Most that we're hosting on September 14th -- as well as the related
Transportation Trivia Contest we're sponsoring.
We make an appeal for much needed
volunteers. With just a few hours a week, you can help keep the Museum and the history and culture of the West End alive and well.
And be sure to check out info about the
next two West End Socials and new Museum t-shirts on the way!
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.
Thank you and best wishes!
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Precious Preservation:
A Look at the Museum's Archives
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By Henry White
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| Urban renewal in progress, courtesy of photographer Charles Frani, 1963 |
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
... (continue reading here)
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Museum Talk & Book-Signing:
The History and Future of
America's First Subway, The T
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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.
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The West End Museum Needs YOU!
An Appeal for Volunteers
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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!
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Come One, Come All:
West End Socials
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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.
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Between 1800 and 1975, no fewer than 20 schools called Boston's West End ho
me.
School Days in the West End recounts the neighborhood's exceptional
history of education, which includes one of the first public high schools in America, the first building in the country raised to be a public school for African Americans and one of the first integrated schools in Boston.
J
oin us in the Museum's Main Exhibit Hall to explore these academic milestones and learn about some of the West End's distinguished students and teachers.
In the Members Gallery, From Stagecoach to Subway: The West End Street Railway, explores the evolution of public transportation in Boston and highlights the West End's role. From 18th century ferries and stagecoaches to the establishment of the West End Street Railway Co. in 1887 to the creation of the MBTA in 1964; learn this fascinating tale of rising demand, financial and logistical challenges, and technological advancements. Exhibit artifacts include trolley tickets, stock certificates, conductor buttons, tokens, photos and original articles.
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Transportation Trivia Contest
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This contest promotes our From Stagecoach to Subway exhibit and 9/14 talk and book-signing, The History and Future of America's First Subway, The T.
Prizes for the highest-scoring participants include a framed copy of an historic West End photograph, a signed copy of Doug Most's book (The Race Underground), and a West End Museum a baseball cap.
Come on and play along!
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Give the Gift of a West End Museum Membership in 2016
A membership at the West End Museum provides a year's worth of program discounts and invites to member- only events. Plus, you'll be the first to get our newsletter.
Your membership also helps the Museum fulfill its mission by providing exhibits to the public on a regular basis and maintaining access to its collections for research. It also assists in outreach programming, which increases and sustains the public's appreciation of an important American urban neighborhood.
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Support the West End Museum
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Donate
Our all-volunteer Museum can always use your support to help produce exhibits and other programming to preserve the history and culture of the West End.
Please consider making a donation of any size today. No amount is too small, and every dollar is greatly appreciated.
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Private Events
The Museum also is the perfect setting to ho
st
meetings, receptions, luncheons and lectures for
up to 100 people.
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Most's book,
