Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum has successful first year
August Shlimbaum
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Although it is highly unlikely that Bill Marchione will still be around for the 50th anniversary of the Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum, he said he expects it will have one if the success of its first year is any indicator for the future.
"We can keep this thing going indefinitely," he said.
Marchione, 66, has lived in Brighton all his life. He is a professional historian and the author of five books, including his most recent work, "Allston Brighton in Transition," which was released last May. He taught at the Norwalk public school district for decades and received his doctorate in urban history from Boston College in 1994. He is currently the president of the Brighton-Allston Historical Society, the group which helped found the museum.
The Heritage Museum saw more than 1,100 visitors in its inaugural year (its official one-year anniversary is Feb. 24). But that figure is not what impressed Marchione most about its success.
"Even more important than the number of visitors that we've had is the level of volunteerism that we've been able to maintain," he said. "We have between 50 and 60 people come in regularly to keep the museum open and serve as guides. Without the time that they are giving us, we would not have been able to make this happen," he said.
Mark Ciommo, Allston-Brighton's city councillor, also felt the museum's first year was a great success. He said these types of places are important cultural centers for communities.
"It's a great way to document the growth, both good and bad of a community, and celebrate where you live," Ciommo said. "It's been a wonderful asset to the neighborhood."
Ciommo, who grew up in Allston-Brighton, said he feels the community is embracing the museum.
"Oh, it's been wonderful," he said. "I've been able to see young schoolchildren come into enjoy it, senior citizens, long time residents, residents who moved out 20 years ago or longer who heard about it and came back to visit. And even newcomers who just want to learn more about the neighborhood."
The idea to create the museum came as a result of the planning for last year's Brighton-Allston bicentennial celebration. An idea circulated for the historical society to put on an exhibit for the celebration, bringing together the many artifacts the group had accumulated in its more than 40-year existence. While the idea was well received, many wanted a more permanent display, Marchione said.