Swansea Historical Society
Funding Maintenance and Repairs
In 2022, the Swansea Historical Society officers and executive board members, caretakers of the Luther Store Museum, have begun some much-needed repairs on this wonderful piece of Swansea history. The replacement of the wood shingled roof was our first issue that we needed to take care of. There are several items within the interior of the museum that also need our attention.
Funding for the roof project has been provided by the Swansea Community Preservation Committee, Baycoast Bank and our members' yearly donations. Work on the project was completed by Josh and Melissa Andrade and their partner Ryan Shaw from Island Custom Builders.
On Saturday, February 12th, 2022 the Swansea Historical Society Executive Board had mason, Jon Isreal, inspect the exterior of the building as well as the fireplaces and chimneys. The inspection revealed issues that we were aware of and additional issues that need to be addressed. Jon has extensive experience working on Masonry of historical structures. He was responsible for the rebuilding of the fire places and chimneys, from the ground up, at the Durfee Lafayette Museum in Fall River.
We need your assistance. Any financial help would be greatly appreciated. Your donations will be used for restoration and repairs only; not for operating funds.
The 2022 Swansea Historical Society Executive Board
Donations to fund the ongoing repairs can be sent to:
The Swansea Historical Society
P.O. Box 723
Swansea Massachusetts 02777
or contact Cheryl Bogle at 508-496-9564 or @ integracrete2@gmail.com
Help Save The Swansea Luther Store Museum
PLEASE DONATE BY CLICKING HERE
In its ongoing efforts to preserve the Luther Store, the Swansea Historical Society's Officers and Executive Board Member, caretakers of this historical building, have an annual inspection performed. All of the building was inspected prior to the pandemic except the crawl space which was done recently. The inspection has discovered a termite infestation affecting more that 75% of the floor framing in two areas of the main floor structure. Along with the termites, it has been discovered that an infestation of powder post beetles have attacked several of our artifacts as well as areas of the building. We also have to remove a colony of bats from the attic space.
The Swansea Historical Society recently applied for and was granted $125,000 by the Community Preservation Committee for the repairs on the interior and exterior walls of the Luther Store. Issues found during the annual inspection done prior to the pandemic. These funds can only be used for the interior and exterior wall issues.
We estimate the cost of the pest removal, removal and storage of artifacts to allow for the appropriate repairs and the repairs themselves to be between $90,000 to $100,000.
The Luther Store was designed and built by Mace Luther the cousin of John Brown Luther and Joseph Gardner Luther the owners of the Luther store. It opened its doors in 1813 remained open till 1925. It remained in the Luther family till 1936 when it was turned over to the Town of Swansea. It remained in the Town's care till the deed was turned over to the Swansea Historical Society in 1952. Since that time The Swansea Historical Society has been the proud owners of this historical building.
History of the SHS
Still photo presentation on the history of the SHS and the acquisition of the Luther Store
Topic of the Month
49 Historical Swansea Documents Discovered by the
University of Notre Dame
(complete)
Tour the Museum
While the Luther Store Museum is closed for maintenance and repairs, the SHS is presenting this small
tour of some interesting artifacts inside the museum.
Please click here to view the tour.
(updated 9-27-22)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Visitor number:
Welcome to the Swansea Historical Society!
The Swansea Historical Society is a non profit organization dedicated to preserving, collecting and researching historical information and items. The society also takes pride in creating ways to help future generations understand their heritage and the history of Swansea.
Founded January 23rd, 1941 the Swansea Historical Society celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2021!
Swansea Historical Society 2022 Family Recipe Cookbook
The cookbooks have arrived! Please contact Cheryl Bogle (508-496-9564) or
Sandy Clark to purchase a Swansea Historical Society Family Recipe Cookbook
or fill out and order form (see link on the right) and mail to the SHS with your payment.
Luther Store Museum Issues & Repairs
Swansea Luther Store from Swansea Community Network on Vimeo.
WBZ Radio Interview:
"For centuries, Swansea residents have patronized and loved the J.G. Luther Store on Old Warren Road. Time takes its toll on buildings like this, but the Swansea Historical Society has been able to keep up - until COVID hit. Now, they're scrambling to try and fix massive structural and pest problems in hopes of saving this beloved historical landmark. Cheryl Bogle from the Swansea Historical Society has details on what happened, and how you can help them get the store back to good."
NOTE: The SHS interview is the second half of the podcast."
Can You Help the SHS Identify Any of These Photos?
These three photos were recently donated to the Swansea Historical Society. Date estimates, based on clothing, would be late 1800s - early 1900s.
The photos appear to be related to the Maker family. The family was from Swansea and Warren. Please click on any photo to get an enlarged version.
The SHS has the following information:
- Photo #1 is of the Maker family
- Photo #2 was taken at the burial of Daniel G Maker
- Photo # 3 was taken at the Swansea Grange
If anyone has any information on these photos that they would like to share with the SHS, it would be greatly appreciated!
Please contact Cheryl Bogle at integracrete2@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
SHS Annual Meeting & Elections
Sunday, December 4th, 2022
12:00 noon @ the Swansea Community Center
"Explore the Whydah"
Sunday, December 4th, 2022
12:30 p.m. @ the Swansea Community Center
Join local archaeologist, Bob Cembrola and learn more about
this wrecked pirate ship and the many treasures it holds
off the Cape Cod coast.
more info
SHS Family Recipe Cookbook
On sale now!
Cookbook Info
2nd Annual Vendor Craft Fair
Spring 2023
Annual Clam Boil Dinner
TBD
Sea Glass Classes
TBD
Arts and Crafts Fundraiser
TBD
Tours
The Luther Store Museum is currently closed for renovations
Research
By appointment only
Anyone wishing to do research (e.g. viewing family files or something in the Swansea Historical Society's collections) please contact Carl Becker at 508-379-0972 or Cheryl Bogle at 508-496-9564 to schedule an appointment.
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Swansea Historical Society!