The Canton Historical Society in partnership with the Canton Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of the Huntoon Digital Catalog. Drawing together the work of more than ten years of cataloging thousands of items in the Society collection, Huntoon is emerging as an unparalleled resource for Canton’s history.
 
For the first time since 1871 the general public can access the digital collections of the Society. The “Histy” as it is affectionately known, has been collecting Canton's History since 1871, and was chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1893. The collection begins with artifacts from the late 1600's through today. Highlights of the collection include a strong understanding of industry, military conflicts and daily life in Canton, Massachusetts.  As a non-profit museum, archives and educational institution dedicated to preserving Canton’s history and place, the Histy is the source for so many rich parts of our story.
 
The jointly funded catalog features public access to over 7000 photographs, glass plate negatives, and slides. More than 900 detailed maps and plans as well as thousands of artifacts have been included. Most importantly there are over 8000 pages of printed records that includes family letters, diaries, public records and notes that date to as early as 1656 through today.
 
“We are proud to launch Huntoon as a way to connect the town and the community of scholars to our rich collection” said George Comeau, president of the Society. “The material that we are sharing is rich and diverse and spans over three and half centuries of our place here in the shadow of Blue Hill. More importantly, the partnership with the library will allow both institutions to draw closer as we help share and interpret this material for residents and scholars alike.”
 
Huntoon is named after one of Canton’s most pre-eminent historians, Daniel T.V. Huntoon who authored the first definitive history of the town. The public can access and browse the catalog on the web at CantonHistorical.org.

We gathered at the Annual Meeting of the Canton Historical Society on a beautiful autumn day, Slashes of sunlight cut through the windows of the Histy and people gathered as they have for more that 125 years. Today was different. Today the tone was somber as a lone Celtic violinist punctuated the room with Irish aires. George Comeau spoke, and a hush fell across the room. The Society paid homage and tribute to Paul "Mitch" Mitcheroney, our recently departed President. 

George spoke of the gifts Paul’s ancestors gave to our community (The Capen Family) some of which were – Guardian of the Ponkapoag Indians, started the Canton Lyceum – which became the Canton Public Library, Tavern Keepers, and members of the First Parish Church. As Postmaster, Nahum Capen introduced the outside letterbox collection system, the first such system in the US. Postal Service in 1857. From this true Canton family, we find Paul in line of descendants, and what Paul left behind as his legacy is a greater appreciation for history and heritage of Canton. Paul also left several gifts and one such item from his family history a chair, which was said to be from the Richard Gridley Estate as well as several family photo and albums.

Paul was a friendly and kind man who was at the center of his family. Canton lost a dear friend with his passing after a long illness. The Society was named as a memorial gift in memory of Paul, and the membership approved the creation of the Paul Mitcheroney Scholarship Fund. In passing the gifts forward, the Society hopes to support young women and men that are graduating from Canton High School and plan of pursuing college degrees in the areas of public service, political science or history. In a wonderful and lasting gesture, members of Paul's family will serve on the selection committee that will choose the worthy scholar each year. The first scholarship is expected to be awarded in 2024. 

This annual meeting also conducted the business of reorganizing the Society. The Secretary presented a proposed ballot which nominated George T. Comeau, President, Mathew Tate, Vice President, Elena Mitcheroney, Treasurer, Carol Munson, Secretary, and James Roache, Curator. Also, Sepp Bergschneider, Peter Bright, Paul Buckley, Barbara Cash, Marie Duffy, Emily Prigot, Willard Thorn and Victoria Jenkinson were all nominated and voted as board members for the next year.