The Canton Historical Society has embarked on several new projects, both big and small, that are making an impact in so many ways. It seems like a great time to share some of the things we have been working on.
Read more about our new high speed internet, a new lease on life for the Tilden House, and fundraising that is making an impact on preserving our past.
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Read more about our new high speed internet, a new lease on life for the Tilden House, and fundraising that is making an impact on preserving our past.
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The David Tilden House
Our connection to the Tilden House is quite significant, not the least of which is the fact that Katherine Sullivan, a past president of the Society, was one of the founders of the Friends of the Little Red House in 1973. In addition, we hold within our collection the oldest known whole-cloth quilt in America – The Martha Howard Quilt from 1786. As you may know, Martha Howard was married to First Congregational minister Zachariah Howard and resided in the David Tilden House, known as “The Little Red House.” The quilt is synonymous with the Tilden House in that it was a fragile textile nearing the end of its life, and we painstakingly preserved it as a treasure for generations to come. We intend to preserve the house in which the quilt was made.
We are in the unique position to undertake the restoration and care of the Tilden House. As such, we are entering into a 25-year lease for the Tilden House and the immediate land around the house. Our members are closely aligned with the mission of preservation and would be key to the long-term viability and subsequent use of the building. We have a track record in the care of properties and buildings. Our headquarters at 1400 Washington Street is a substantial building that was constructed in 1911. We have a standing building committee cares for and ensures we maintain museum quality standards in our building systems and collection management. The future of plans for the Tilden include creating educational lessons that help showcase 1st period building techniques. Long-term plans will allow the Society to bring small groups through the house to see exhibits on Canton's earliest pioneers.
In April, the Society, under the leadership of George Comeau submitted a grant request for $100,000 to the Massachusetts Historical Commission under the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund - Round 24. A funding decision will be made on June 12th. And, in tandem, State Representative William Galvin submitted legislation that would fund $100,000 of the preservation work in next year's budget. Finally, Annual Town Meeting has been asked to affirm the award of $360,000 to the lessee. Work on the Tilden could begin later this summer. Stay tuned and learn more at TildenHouse.org
We are in the unique position to undertake the restoration and care of the Tilden House. As such, we are entering into a 25-year lease for the Tilden House and the immediate land around the house. Our members are closely aligned with the mission of preservation and would be key to the long-term viability and subsequent use of the building. We have a track record in the care of properties and buildings. Our headquarters at 1400 Washington Street is a substantial building that was constructed in 1911. We have a standing building committee cares for and ensures we maintain museum quality standards in our building systems and collection management. The future of plans for the Tilden include creating educational lessons that help showcase 1st period building techniques. Long-term plans will allow the Society to bring small groups through the house to see exhibits on Canton's earliest pioneers.
In April, the Society, under the leadership of George Comeau submitted a grant request for $100,000 to the Massachusetts Historical Commission under the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund - Round 24. A funding decision will be made on June 12th. And, in tandem, State Representative William Galvin submitted legislation that would fund $100,000 of the preservation work in next year's budget. Finally, Annual Town Meeting has been asked to affirm the award of $360,000 to the lessee. Work on the Tilden could begin later this summer. Stay tuned and learn more at TildenHouse.org
Fundraising Efforts
The April 7th Yard Sale at the American Legion Hall was a wonderful success. People passed through
continuously all day and this exposure to the “Histy,” to so many, will help the society move ahead. Thank You to all the volunteers who helped prepare the items for the sale and worked at the sale. We also made the Canton Senior Center and the Unitarian Universalist Church very pleased when we dropped off some of our good quality leftovers; the Senior Center has a gift closet and several of the items will have a new life as we pay it forward.
continuously all day and this exposure to the “Histy,” to so many, will help the society move ahead. Thank You to all the volunteers who helped prepare the items for the sale and worked at the sale. We also made the Canton Senior Center and the Unitarian Universalist Church very pleased when we dropped off some of our good quality leftovers; the Senior Center has a gift closet and several of the items will have a new life as we pay it forward.
Building Improvements
President Paul Mitcheroney recently gave us an overview of projects completed at the Society headquarters this year. The recently completed work includes new window shades to protect the collection and a new irrigation system to protect the brand new lawn. We have installed new IT systems including a new computer, new scanner, a connector to the internet through a Fios broadband connection. For the first time in over 100 years, we now have a phone, 781-615-9040. Soon, our catalog will be available online for researchers across the globe.
Finally, and most importantly, we have installed a stat-of-the-art climate control system which keeps the collection safe from humidity and temperature changes. The new system is cost efficient and uses natural gas. And yet, more needs are in our future. The building will require interior repairs to the "lighthouse" cupola and the building needs a new front door and a plan to create full ADA accessibility.
Finally, and most importantly, we have installed a stat-of-the-art climate control system which keeps the collection safe from humidity and temperature changes. The new system is cost efficient and uses natural gas. And yet, more needs are in our future. The building will require interior repairs to the "lighthouse" cupola and the building needs a new front door and a plan to create full ADA accessibility.
Great Events
A Quarterly Meeting was held Sunday, March 11th, at the Canton Historical Society. Jonathan Lane, coordinator of Revolution 250, was our speaker. Revolution 250 is a consortium of organizations working together to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the events that led to the American Revolution. Jonathan spoke of several of the planned events taking place over the next 10 year throughout New England. These planned happenings will culminate in 2026, 250 years since the colonies declared independence from the British Empire. A few events for 2018 include the landing of the Red Coats at Long Wharf and taking over the city, the capture of Paul Revere, the Lexington Battle, the Boston Tea Party and the story of Deborah Sampson. Learn more on the web at revolution250.orgrevolution250.org/
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