A talk on the history of Marion’s Portuguese, Azorean and Cape Verdean Communities will be presented on Wednesday, February 1, at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall. This is the second of two presentations DaSilva is giving to the Marion community. The first one, held in October, 2022 was met with wide attendance and great enthusiasm. This event is sure to be equally interesting and informative.
Rick DaSilva, board member of the Sippican Historical Society and former faculty member and history teacher at Tabor Academy, will present the second session on the findings of the recent research study prepared for the Marion Historical Commission. This talk will focus specifically on the history of the Point Road School and Post-WWII land development in the Point Road neighborhoods.
The Marion Historical Commission and the Sippican Historical Society will cosponsor 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 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. 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 explain the results of the recent Historical Survey of properties and areas associated with this history. Property owners of buildings that were individually surveyed have received 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.
Copies of the consultant’s report “A History of Marion’s Portuguese, Azorean and Cape Verdean Community” will be available for purchase/order.
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 February 1, 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall.