For this episode, I was privileged and honored to conduct my first interview on BGW with several of the many incredible people involved with the Cape Ann Museum. In the spirit of full disclosure, I serve on the Cape Ann Museum Community Engagement Committee. More on that in just a minute. In the meantime, I’ll read some info to you from the Cape Ann Museum website, and then we’ll dive right into the interview. I conducted the interview via Zoom, so please forgive the occasional artifact or mouse click - I’m still trying to figure out some of this technology stuff. Still, I think you’ll agree when you hear it: I could listen to Oliver, Miranda, Amanda, and Suzi talk about the Cape Ann Museum all day! With special thanks to Oliver Barker, Miranda Aisling, Amanda Pollock, and Susanna "Suzi" Natti.

Cape Ann Museum Website: https://www.capeannmuseum.org/

Cape Ann Museum Calendar of Events: https://www.capeannmuseum.org/events/

This brief episode makes a little departure from the usual. I felt the need to focus on the more prevalent drought and wildfires happening on Cape Ann. Also discussed: what Gloucester is doing to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Welcome to Business in Great Waters!

Today, I’m going to focus on West Gloucester, the area west of the Annisquam River. I’m planning to do an episode or two of Magnolia soon, but today is just feeling like a West Gloucester day. Buckle up - this is likely going to be my longest episode yet.

Please visit the BGW blog, bgreatwaters.com, for a transcript, pictures, and more info. That’s the letter b, then great waters, all one word.

If you feel so moved, please head over to my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/bgw.

Books:

History of the Town of Gloucester, Cape Ann, including the Town of Rockport; John J. Babson, c. 1860; republished 1972

The Gloucester Guide: A Retrospective Ramble; Joseph E. Garland, c. 1973

History of the Town and City of Gloucester, Cape Ann, Massachusetts; James R. Pringle, c. 1892

Gloucester, Massachusetts Historical Timeline: 1000 - 1999, compiled by Mary Ray, edited by Sarah V. Dunlap, assisted by Gloucester Archives Committee: Priscilla Anderson, Ann Banks, Stephanie Buck, Kathleen Cafasso, Lois Hamilton, Priscilla Kippen-Smith, Myron Markel, John Quinn, Alan Ray, Elaine Smogard, Janie Walsh, Natalie Whitmarsh. c. 2002, Mary Ray.

https://www.wgtccucc.org/about

https://www.wgtccucc.org/history

https://www.wgtccucc.org/more-history

https://ecga.org/Property/Tompson-Street-Reservation

https://ecga.org/

https://capeannslavery.org/enslaved-persons-of-record-on-cape-ann/

https://www.salemdeeds.com

https://wayback.archive-it.org/11179/20181018195810/http://onlineexhibitions.capeannmuseum.org/s/unfoldinghistories/item/418

https://www.wellspringhouse.org/about-us/mission-and-vision/

https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/759/CDD-Little-River-2011-CPA-Application?bidId=

https://thetrustees.org/place/ravenswood-park/

https://www.hermitary.com/articles/walton.html

https://digitalheritage.noblenet.org/noble/items/show/938

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/helen-garland-champion-of-worthy-causes-dead-at-95/article9a1bd6e0-11d3-11ed-8692-0be6ab799c7b.html?fbclid=IwAR1zaMvx1P4JZm1AVnksuxLaIZ2AsyaWDiUUkhJztjyDIIkB7-_iJKTwkY