New Website for Larchmont's Historical Society

by Judy Silberstein

(December 30, 2004) The Larchmont Historical Society kicked off the celebration of its 25th Anniversary year with the debut of a brand new website. "We believe that our 25th Anniversary is the perfect time for us to make the commitment to keep the historical wonders of Larchmont in the hearts and minds of all who live here or have a connection with our community," explained Barbara R. Newman, LHS President. "Our new website is a fabulous way to preserve and share Larchmont's rich history with everyone."

The new address is http://LarchmontHistory.org. The site includes information about the organization, current activities and programs; a growing archive of newsletters; and information about the archives and trustees. It offers visitors an opportunity to join LHS, pay their dues online, make online contributions and get involved through volunteer opportunities. There are also links to other historical sites.

Ex-Chief Donald Keck's photo of the 1986 Palmer Avenue fire

The "crown jewel" of the new site is a virtual photo museum comprised of almost 5,000 photographs of Larchmont. "Larchmont Images" was created by the website's designer and LHS trustee, Ned Benton. The collection includes digitized photographs gathered from the archives of the LHS and other local organizations and from the personal collections of Larchmont residents, including some that have been filed away in closets and shoe boxes. "Some of the most dramatic photos were supplied by retired fire chiefs," said Mr. Benton. "Former Chief Donald Keck allowed us to scan his scrapbook, which included photos of a major fire on Palmer Avenue in 1986."

"Ned Benton has done some amazing work in pulling this site together for us," said Barbara Newman. "We applaud the time, dedication and enthusiasm he put into the development of the virtual photo museum. I hope everyone will visit the website to see Larchmont's past come to life. They're in for a special treat."

The Larchmont Public Library and the Larchmont Fire Department are collaborating with the LHS online photo collection and will also be maintaining their own photo collections accessible from their respective websites. Other notable photo contributors thus far include local historian Judith Doolin Spikes and former Village Trustee Sidney Astle. LHS will continue to expand the online photo museum and is interested in acquiring additional collections for the site as well as for its archives.

"Digitizing our collection makes it more accessible, and it provides another way to preserve the images for future generations," explained webmaster Ned Benton. "Digitizing is not a substitute for preserving the images in their original form, but it's better to preserve them in several formats."

Choice Marketing delivers the groceries, from a 1890s Fordyce Family photo

A major advantage of the web archive is that it can be searched online. For example, if you type "1906 Palmer" into the search window and hit "go," you'll reach three images of The Corner Store, a presence in Larchmont's downtown for over 50 years. There are two photos of the store before and after renovations in the 1940s and another in 2002. (Click here to see the images.)

The 1950s MHS Sock Hop, from the Larchmont Library's Herbert Roth Collection

The Historical Society relies on membership dues and contributions from friends, organizations and businesses to fund all of its activities, maintain and operate the archives and make strategic aquisitions for its permanent collection.

"We have great expansion plans for the Historical Society that will coincide nicely with the launch of our 25th Anniversary Year," said President Newman. "Our long term strategic plan includes the acquisition of permanent museum and office space for the Historical Society. We are excited to revitalize our membership, start fundraising and put volunteers to work on some really great projects."

Look to the new website, LarchmontHistory.org, to stay on top of all the latest developments.

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