Thank you, Joe, for spreading the word to the community about these very deserving people and their contributions to preserving Gloucester’s history. Included are photos of Maggie Rosa receiving her Lifetime Acheivement award from Commission member and Local History Librarian, Julie Travers; and Rosandra Oliva and Angela Sanfilippo proudly displaying their award.
On Saturday, May 16, the Historical Commission held their 17th annual Preservation Awards Ceremony honoring 11 recipients who showcased their extraordinary preservation projects.
They spoke passionately about their achievements which varied from historical tours and presentations to the challenges of maintaining Schooner Adventure.
Perhaps most heartfelt was Angela Sanfilippo’s speaking of the myriad activities of the Fishermen’s Wives Association in supporting the fishing industry, fishermen, and their families, particularly given this year’s January loss of the crew of the Lily Jean.
The event included the singing of a sea ballad, led by honoree, Michael O’Leary; an impassioned explanation of Project Elm by Nathan Ives; tributes to Lanesville lives beyond the headstones by Russell and Melissa Hobbs; recognition of Cape Ann veterans through Jason Grow’s photography; an understanding of the research and filming behind Cape Ann Timeline, by Kory Curcuru; Rich Carlson’s documentation of the former Rockaway Hotel and Ten Pound Island; developer Carlo A. Barbara’s historically-sensitive restoration of the 1790 building at 9 Washington Street; and encouragement to obtain a historic house plaque and use the historic house plaque map by Susan Morreale.
The ceremony ended on a high note with Maggie Rosa receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for her 26 years of advocacy, collaboration, and leadership in safeguarding Gloucester’s historic resources. Maggie has been a force in contributing to Gloucester’s history, particularly during her years as chair of the Historical Commission and chair of the City Hall Restoration Committee, among many other activities. It was under Maggie’s leadership of the Historical Commission in 2004 that the Preservation Awards ceremony began, and thus her award was an especially fitting tribute.
All current Historical Commission members were on hand to welcome guests and to alternate introducing the award winners at the podium, where a brief slide show accompanied each of their presentations. Award recipients received a framed certificate from the Commission and will be receiving a citation from Rep. Dru Tarr in the mail.
The Commission was grateful to Sawyer Free Library who accommodated the event in their beautiful, new community room and to 1623 Studios who recorded the ceremony.
Materials from the afternoon will be made available on the Commission’s website at: https://gloucester-ma.gov/112/Preservation-Awards.
A list of the 11 honorees and the Historical Commission members follows.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
– Maggie Rosa: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
– Fisherman’s Wives Association/Angela Sanfilippo
– Michael O’Leary
– Project Elm/Nathan Ives, President
– Russell and Melissa Hobbs
– Jason Grow
– Kory Curcuru
– Richard Carlson
– Carlo A. Barbara
– Schooner Adventure/ Emily Pearce, Executive Director
– Susan Morreale
HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMBERS
– Maggie Debbie
– Tim Quinn
– Julie Travers
– Robert Whitmarsh
– Susan Roberts-Wright
– Ralph Pisaturo, Vice-chair
– Susan Morreale, Chair
Good Morning Gloucester 