Finding Historical Voices at the Swift River Valley Historical Society

We'll meet at the Swift River Valley Historical Society where Judy McIntosh and Dot Frye will show us books, photos, and more, and share the obstacles and joys of working with primary documents.

What are the processes of creating historical fiction vs family histories vs professional journal articles?

They will highlight the unique things at the SRHC and talk about how to negotiate local historical societies.

J.A. McIntosh and Dot Frye, museum administrator, will introduce participants to primary sources at the museum, including town record books, Sunday school records, private family histories, and lots of photographs.   Brief tours of the historical society will be available after the presentation.

Dot Frye has worked at the museum since 2015 and she is responsible for research there.  She devoured history books as a child, took a detour through work in a legal office, and came back to her first love.  “My favorite part of the job is meeting other people who love the Swift River Valley history,” she said.

This is a joint presentation of the Athol Public Library and the Swift River Valley Historical Society and welcomes genealogists, history buffs, Quabbin Reservoir enthusiasts, and everyone with an interest in local history.