It is with immense sadness that I to inform you that Harriet Webster, our Executive Director, died yesterday of complications from myelodysplastic syndrome.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Charlie, her sons David, Matt and Ben and all of her family during this difficult time.
In the fall of 2001, when it was clear that she was not going to be our next
Mayor, I went to her with a job offer and the concept of a maritime center at Harbor Loop. In early 2002 Harriet agreed to join us, and nothing changed the course of events more than her decision. For almost ten years Harriet was the rock that anchored what has become the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. Right from the start Harriet was the person to go to for almost every detail of operations from when the tent would go up to negotiating a complicated loan with Mass Development. As one of the people who worked closest with her I watched as the Center grew and she stepped up and met every challenge with enthusiasm and the talent to ensure that it would be done well. Harriet Webster was a one-of-a-kind person who made the Heritage Center a reality by sheer dint of her will.
A group of board members and staff met this morning to try and figure what to do next. The idea of writing a job description to cover her position was discarded as impossible. Harriet’s unique abilities will never be replaced in any one individual. It was fate that brought us together ten years ago and now it will be our job to carry on without her if for no other reason, because of her.
Later in the summer there will be a celebration of her life at the Heritage Center. I will make sure everyone is notified.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey H. Richon, President
Back in March Harriett filled out one of our GMG Gloucester Questionnaires
This is what she had to say about her favorite things in Gloucester-
GMG Questions and Answers- Harriet Webster
Harriet is the Executive Director at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center.
How long have you lived in Gloucester? 41 years
What is your favorite season In Gloucester? spring (it may be cold and muddy but if offers so much promise)
Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”? the rocks overlooking Halibut Point, Dogtown walks
What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester? Virgilio’s
What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester? Passports
What is your favorite bar in Gloucester? Halibut Point
What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester? Morning Glory
What is your favorite local event in Gloucester? Gloucester Maritime Heritage Day
In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat? beach
Who is your favorite local artist? Jeff Weaver
Which is your favorite local beach? Good Harbor
Who has the best chowder in town? Causeway Restaurant
Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog? Yours is the only one I look at.
Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder? Haddock
What is your favorite Gloucester neighborhood? Lanesville
What is your favorite local band? Walker Creek
Good Morning Gloucester 
Few words can hardly describe the sadness felt by the loss of Harriet. She was always a call away and usually the one to be answering the phone when you called the Maritime Heritage Center. The Heritage Center and Gloucester was her life that she loved. She cared for people and those she worked with. Harriet is a force and a presence which will remain in the hearts of many forever. “Hi Harriet!”, an echo on my mind.
Sympathy goes out to her family and all those at the Heritage Center and the children of Gloucester who she has worked so hard to enrich their lives.
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We, too, are saddened by this great loss for Gloucester, her family, and friends. Her life is a bright example of social activism based on high ideals. That she took on the Maritime Heritage Center and made it flourish on the heels of the mayoral loss is a testament to her ego-less journey. What I will never forget, however, are the sweet, poignant moments of her and Charlie walking Good Harbor Beach together after a long hard day for each of them at work. Harriet IS the heritage of Gloucester for always and her footprints are forever imbedded in our soft sea sand. Dora Tevan, Ethnic Arts Center
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