Learn to find the value in your home

Date: 9/14/2009

EAST LONGMEADOW "This House" is the subject of a talk to be presented by Merle Safford, local historian on Sept. 19 from 1-3 p.m. at the Norcross Center at 80 Maple St. She will introduce a proto-type copy of a book she has designed to assist homeowners in researching and recording the history of their own homes.

The talk is to elicit interest of homeowners in a project to be introduced this fall at the Norcross Center with a focus on research, recording, and writing an ongoing and living history of ones' own home. The program is designed to promote registration of all houses in town built before 1900, with the hope that owners will wish to enter the program. It is estimated that there are about 150 homes in this category. Safford may be reached at 526-9983 for further information.

Registered houses will be placed in a special historical file in the Helen and Prestley Blake History Room at the East Longmeadow Public Library and will be of value to genealogists, historians, and family researchers.

This project is the first of several programs to be fostered by the Norcross Center in collaboration with the Historic Commission as they seek to establish the restored house as a venue for cultural events.

The program is free, and refreshments will be served following the talk, with guests invited to tour the restored home. The house is available for rental for social, civic, and promotional events by calling Mary Sherry at 525-2025 evenings or 567-3050 during office hours.