April 8, 2009

Rep. Bradley, Sen. Hedlund, Rep. Cantwell Announce Grant for Scituate Historical Society

(Boston) – Rep. Garrett J. Bradley, D-Hingham, Sen. Robert L. Hedlund, R-Weymouth, and Rep. James Cantwell, D-Marshfield, today announced that the Scituate Historical Society will receive a $5,000 grant from MassHumanities.

The grant money will be used for the Society’s work involving Minot’s Light for research and development of a pair of traveling exhibits featuring the historic lighthouse.  According to MassHumanities, one part of the exhibit will convey the story of the Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, while the other will tell the story of the underwater archaeological search for remains of the original lighthouse, which was destroyed in a storm in 1851.

Rep. Bradley said, “The Scituate Historical Society serves a vital role in preserving the town’s history through stewardship of various sites within the community.  This modest grant will provide financial support to promote the Society’s mission and increase public awareness.”

Sen. Hedlund said, “Minot’s Light is one of the world’s most famous lighthouses and I wholeheartedly support any effort that will help expand the public’s awareness and appreciation of this local treasure and its history,” Sen. Hedlund said.

Rep. Cantwell said the Scituate Historical Society has played a critical role in preserving the town’s history, in particular the landmarks that highlight the town’s maritime history.

“Minot’s Light still serves a practical purpose today, but it’s also a bridge to the town’s history,” Cantwell said.  “This grant will help the Scituate Historical Society keep that story alive and preserve that link to the past.”

According to David Tebaldi, Executive Director, funding for these grants is a joint effort between MassHumanities and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and projects such as the Lighthouse traveling exhibits enhance civic life across the Commonwealth.

Established in 1974 as the state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), MassHumanities is a programming and grant-making organization that receives support from the NEH and the Massachusetts Cultural Council as well as private sources.