Dear Editor,
Please consider supporting the completion and opening of the new North End Museum by June 30, in time for the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Tall Ships, and the World Cup Celebrations. See the invitation below. You can contribute in two ways. One is to attend the fundraising reception on Monday, March 23, (6:30-8:00 PM) at Umbria Restaurant on Hanover Street in the North End. The other is to send a donation to the North End Historical Society (NEHS) as soon as possible. NEHS needs to raise an additional $80,000 by June 30.
The new North End Museum has been the dream of many North Enders because of the long term cultural and historical heritage of the North End, which was the City of Boston when it was founded in1630. Tom Damigella, NEHS president and FONE member, has championed it tirelessly and is making it a reality. With the generous contribution of the first floor space on 3 Prince (Little Prince Street) by Frank DePasquale, it is steps away from North Square, the Paul Revere House, Hanover Street, St. Leonard’s Church Peace Garden, Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. It is on the Freedom Trail that receives 2 million visitors annually. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is providing appropriate generous support for the museum given the long history of the North End as the Cradle of Liberty and the oldest continuing residential community in any city in the U.S. (Many of you may remember the space on Little Prince Street as Mazza’s Pool Room!)
The museum is unique being in a small space. The large brick and mortar museums from the past are no longer viable for many reasons, e.g., cost, space, time. Fortunately, a North End based firm, Trivium Interactive, which has been around for two decades, specializes in museums and exhibits in small spaces and has been developing the technology and programs with NEHS since mid 2025. The project is exciting and the only way to start a new museum. You can see all the work they have done in dozens of institutions here, including the West End and Worcester Museums. Let your imagine run wild with the possibilities – Trivium is a master at it. NEHS needs the additional support to complete their work.
Toni Gillardi, life long North Ender, real estate owner and North End maven is coordinating the fundraising event with NEHS and Frank DePasquale.
I hope that you can support the NEHS for the Museum as you did for the iconic Noble Journey Sculpture at St. Leonard’s Church to honor immigrants from Italy and Europe. Imagine seeing stories, pictures, videos and icons of ancestors brought to life through innovative technologies designed for children and adults. Imagine attending lectures and educational sessions and having your families “see themselves” in the context of the 400+ year history of our beloved North End. If you think your children, grandchildren, great grand children, friends and others don’t understand how important the North End was to you and to the larger society, this is a great way for them to learn.
For more information, email [email protected]. To donate contact NEHS at 857-302-9642
To donate, go to the website for online options or send a check to
North End Historical Society
PO Box 130152
Boston
I am thrilled that this is coming to life. Please help out. I can think of no better, single and easily accessible place to learn about the culture and history of the North End, hopefully for decades to come.
Tony Cortese,
FONE member