164 Front Street
DaSilva to Speak on History of Marion’s Portuguese, Azorean and Cape Verdean Communities
A talk on the history of Marion’s Portuguese, Azorean and Cape Verdean Communities will be presented on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall. Rick DaSilva, board member of the Sippican Historical Society and former faculty member and history teacher at Tabor Academy, will summarize the findings of the recent research study prepared for the Marion Historical Commission.
The Marion Historical Commission and the Sippican Historical Society will co-sponsor the event, the culmination of several years of work by consultant Claire Dempsey and funded by grants from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the town’s Community Preservation Fund.
Rick’s presentation will focus on the important impact this community has had here in Marion and on the examination of neighborhoods, buildings and landscapes associated with it. He will address the context of early 20th century immigration to southeastern Massachusetts and specifically to Marion. Initially, most came here to work as laborers, tradespeople, and seasonally in the cranberry industry. Later in the 20th century, several became involved in land development and further expansion of the two primary neighborhoods along Route 6 at Point Road and at Gifford’s Corner (Converse Road area). The story of the Point Road School (1930-1967) reveals some of the racial tension that existed at the time and influenced local educational opportunities.
Meg Steinberg, Chair of the Marion Historical Commission, will also share the results of the recent Historical Survey of properties and areas associated with this history. Property owners of buildings that were individually surveyed will soon receive copies of the historical research on their properties. This information becomes part of the Historical Commission’s record, in accordance with its mission to document, understand and protect the Town’s important cultural resources.
A question/answer/discussion opportunity will follow the presentation so that residents may share their personal recollections on the subject.
Mark your calendar now for October 19 at 7:00 pm.