Bay State Backstory

A photo I took of the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy, MA. One of my favorite classes that I took while in the Simmons Library Science grad program was about the history of public libraries. It was a topic I was obviously interested in and had learned a little bit about in some of my History MA classes, but none of those courses focused solely on the history and development of libraries. As I often say, I am spoiled for growing up where I did, surrounded not only by historic sites but also beautiful historic libraries as well. I've now had the privilege to work at a few of those libraries, including the Thomas Crane Public Library and the Ames Free Library. The rise and growth of public libraries in the United States can be traced back to the late 19th century. Prior to this time, libraries were largely private institutions, accessible only to those who could afford to pay for membership or had connections to a library's founder. However, the creation of public libraries ...

That's me at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It's May and it's Preservation Month! As a librarian with a background in history and museums who grew up in a city steeped in history, I confess I'm a little nerdy and passionate about things like local history and historic preservation. My grandfather taught history at one of the high schools in my hometown. It's in my blood. So obviously I am excited to hype up Preservation Month for you today. May is an important time for us to reflect on the significance of historic preservation, not only at major national sites across the United States but also at smaller sites right around us in our local communities As a society, we often focus on progress and innovation and we sometimes neglect to research, support, and  adequately   fund historic preservation efforts in our very own communities. J ust as progress is to be embraced and celebrated, I believe it is equally important that we simultaneously preserve, honor, and le...