Fall River Herald News Endorses Every House Has A Story
Today, the Fall River Herald News published an OUR VIEW opinion column endorsing Every House Has A Story.
So far, the feedback has been very positive to this city-wide initiative, supported not only by the Preservation Society of Fall River, Arts United Fall River, Save Our Neighborhoods, and the city of Fall River (and the Mayor’s office).
The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities is looking at this as a pilot program for other cities in the Commonwealth!
OUR VIEW: If these walls could talk, 06-21-09
The Herald News
Posted Jun 21, 2009 @ 12:00 AM
How often do we find ourselves examining our surroundings and wondering what discoveries we could make and lessons we could learn “if only these walls could talk?â€History is everywhere, especially in Fall River, an old mill city with many homes and factories more than 100 years old. Personal stories are written all over the walls of closely packed triple-decker tenements and sprawling stone-and-brick mill buildings — stories just waiting to be told. Now, thanks to a new community-based Web site, those walls are coming to life, promising to impart the kind of wisdom and advice for future prosperity that only history can provide.
“Every House has a Story†was born out of local historian Stephanie Koorey’s curiosity about the history of her own home, which, she discovered, was once owned by Fall River’s most notorious resident, Lizzie Borden. Every house, Koorey figured, has an equally fascinating story to tell; one that should be shared with the masses. Now it can be on http://everyhousehasastory.org.
The Wikipedia-like Web site allows anyone to contribute his or her own personal property tale. The Web site also provides a quick tutorial on how to research one’s own home and provides resources to research house deeds, architectural styles and chain of ownership, among other pieces of information.
The organizers hope the community embraces Every House has a Story and the site eventually features hundreds of stories detailing the history of the city’s homes, and telling the story of the city itself. The program is as community-oriented as it gets, offering Fall Riverites the chance not only to tell of their own place in the city’s history, but to detail the stories of those who helped make Fall River what it is, helping contribute to and sustain the fabric of the community. It can involve homeowners, politicians, even students. Every House has a Story is partnering with B.M.C. Durfee High School, which is allowing work on the Web site as part of its summer reading program.
Young and old are encouraged to become amateur sleuths, examining property records, census figures and newspaper clippings, and exploring every nook and cranny of one’s own home. The Web site provides an invaluable educational experience, expanding one’s knowledge of local history, architecture, demographics, even politics and governance. It also encourages residents to become more resourceful and curious, keys to learning and progressing. Who knows what fascinating discoveries are waiting to be found?
Such community pride as Koorey has obviously achieved can be difficult to find. No, Fall River is not a perfect city. It has more than its fair share of crime, poverty and pollution. It has a high unemployment rate and low educational attainment compared to more affluent cities in the commonwealth. But few communities can boast the cultural diversity, fascinating history and potential that can be found in the Spindle City. In a way, Fall River is a reflection of what America once was. It is not a rich city — financially, anyway — but is made up of hardworking, blue-collar people with diverse backgrounds who take pride in an honest day’s work and making a small contribution to society. There is honor in such a life.
“I think a sense of place is important to loving where you live,†Koorey said. “If people start realizing their connection to the city, then we won’t take it for granted.â€
Every House has a Story helps Fall River reflect on its colorful past and find that honor once again.