Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/210435
turn op-ed issues speak up opinion sound off town green my turn op-ed issues speak up opinion sound off town green my turn op-ed issues speak up Boston architect Luther Greenleaf, and was specially equipped with a The purchase of the former Stanwood House at 323 Washington separate side entrance, a small waiting room, and an examination room Street is an important milestone for the Wellesley Historical Society. Not for the young doctor's fledgling local medical practice. only does this purchase and renovation complete a long-time vision This summer, the Historical Society embarked on planning the ren- and plan by the Society's leadership to grow the organization's physical ovation of the Stanwood House in partnership with noted architect presence, the new building offers nearly 5,000 square feet of new space, and Wellesley resident Patrick Ahearn. Patrick was delighted to be allowing the Society to build state-of-the-art archives, permanent and asked to assist the Society in the transformation of the Stanwood rotating exhibits, and a local history research room, as well as meeting House. His keen sense of historicism coupled with a strong apprecia- and office space for the Board, staff, and members of the community. tion of the society's goals and objectives blend wonderfully with the Second, the highly visible and accessible location on Washington Street task at hand in creating a truly dynamic master plan. provides an opportunity for the Society to be a more visible and acces- "As a long-time supporter of the Historical Society, Patrick under- sible part of the community through this new, central location. stands the organization and its needs," says Society President John G. Celi. "We are delighted to have his many years of residential and his- A Cultural Center for Wellesley torical architectural design experience guiding and informing the mas- During the course of its multi-year search to add to and improve its ter plan for the renovation of the Stanwood House." facilities, the Historical Society has had the opportunity to carefully consider its institutional "identity" in light of its primary mission to serve as the historic resource center for the town of Wellesley. The Society is working closely with Patrick Ahearn to design new operational headquarters at the Stanwood House which reflects the Society's mission and are financially viable and sustainable. "As an architect specializing in historic reinterpretation, I feel strongly that the Society's goals can be incorporated with the Stanwood House in a way that respects the past, but allows the Society to function for many years into the future," stated Patrick Ahearn. Ultimately, the Stanwood House will provide the citizens of Wellesley and surrounding towns with the opportunity to access and interact with the history of their community in ways that they have not We l l e s l e y We s t o n M a g a z i n e | w i n t e r 2 0 1 3 / 2 0 1 4 had previously. As Society President John G. Celi sums it up: "While the Historical Society owns the archives and the objects that tell the stories of Wellesley's past, Wellesley's history belongs to the people who live here." We are looking forward to sharing Wellesley's history with the community from our new headquarters at the Stanwood House very soon. In the meantime, you can access Wellesley's history inside the little white house at 229 Washington Street. 48