Bay State Backstory

As someone who grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts, I have naturally been fascinated by the history of the South Shore area. When I moved to Abington eight years ago, I was struck by the town's unique character and its deep connection to its past. My desire to learn more about my new South Shore community led me to join the Abington Historical Commission for a few years. Later, my first school library-based position was under one of the best school librarians I know at the co-located Abington Middle High School. Needless to say, despite my devout Quincy roots, I have grown to love this town and exploring its outdoor spaces. Abington may be a small town, but it has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The craftsmen bungalow house that I currently live in was built in 1890, during the heyday of Abington's shoe industry, and likely housed a local worker and their family. As I have gotten to know the town better, I have come to appreciate the role it played in the American ...

Workers at the Fore River Shipyard. Photo courtesy of The Boston Globe . Welcome to a journey into the history of Quincy, Massachusetts - a city one renowned for its rich heritage, the first Dunkin Donuts, and (I guess) some other innovative industries that once thrived within its borders. In this blog post, we will explore the Quincy shipbuilding industry's history, from its beginnings to its status as one of the world's most respected and productive shipyards during the 20th century. So join me as we delve into the captivating story of Quincy's shipbuilding industry, which played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the United States. As someone who spent my childhood and adolescence in Quincy, Massachusetts, I have always had a deep fascination with the city's rich history and unique cultural heritage. Growing up in Quincy, I was surrounded by reminders of the city's past and the vital role that both the granite and shipbuilding industries played in shaping t...