Historical Commission

Historical Commission Notes

Richmond’s Historical Commission Pages

Posted: March 9, 2021

In the beginning… On Monday, March 12, 1973 — on the very same night that the final episode of aired on TV — Richmond voted to accept the provision of M.G.L. Ch.40 Sect.8D which provides that a town “may establish an historical commission… for the preservation, protection and development of the historical or archeological assets of such city or town. “Such commission shall conduct researches for places of historic or archeological value, shall cooperate with the state archeologist in conducting such researches or other surveys, and shall seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and …

Richmond’s Historical Commission Pages Read More »

Hearing History.

Posted: March 8, 2021

I’m glad to announce  our first, rough attempt at a 01254.org home for Historical Commission resources is now up and running. There you can already listen to a series of ‘living history’ audio recordings dating back to 1963-65 and view a few photos and news clippings. As time permits, that section of 01254 will be better organized and, hopefully, always adding new and interesting items from Richmond’s rich storyline. Please send your photos, audio, video and comments to harleywolff@01254.org.

Click here for the official town Historical Commission website.  

“The mission of the Historical Commission is to foster an understanding and appreciation of the history and heritage of Richmond. The Commission strives to promote an awareness of the community’s heritage, to identify local preservation, to study public policies designed to protect and preserve history, and to provide opportunities for residents to share their historical legacy.”
Chairperson:
Gloria Morse
Members:

01254.org History Resources

Here on 01254.org, there is plenty of room for a ever-growing collection of documents, photographs, newspaper clippings, recordings that don’t ‘fit’ within the town’s official site. Please contact us if you have something you feel would be appropriate to add/post here! To paraphrase the charter members of the Historical Commission… It’s your 01254.

Photos and Clippings

Please send your photos to so we can add them! 

Living History Recordings

 “Living History” tapes were recorded during 1963-1965, on reel-to-reel tape, by Katharine Annin and William Ratcliff during 1963-1965. For the Bicentennial Celebrations, William F. Edwards recorded from, “the wings”. 

In 1999,William Edwards transferred the old, fragile tapes to more permanent Compact Disc storage. Unbeknownst to anyone, somewhere in the transfer process, the CDs picked up 60Hz electrical hum and noise. Additionally, many of the original recordings were created in noisy surroundings.

So, I’ve tried my best to restore and enhance the recordings to make them more ‘listen-able’ and I am posting them here on 01254.org so that access is assured! As time goes on, I hope to add biographical material and transcripts for each of the individuals who were recorded. If you can/would help with this effort, please jump in!