This volunteer Board has been exemplary in support of the museum. A good deal of credit should go to the Board particularly in the matter of the Museum s program. Two of our most successful programs, the one on Newton s oldest synagogue and the decade-long twentieth century time capsule, were the result of Board members ideas. There have been extensive joint undertakings with a whole range of civic groups as well as city departments and commissions. Stories and artifacts have been saved for the future.
History museums enable their visitors to do that, to pay attention.
The dignity of human beings and their endeavors is valued and remembered, attention is paid to those who preceded us. History museums lead us to think about who we are and why we matter. As a source of Newton s memories the objects and documents at TJH give depth and meaning to the lives of our citizens, and from this local history meaning in American history can be extrapolated. In looking at fifty years of TJH s existence I am always struck by the extraordinary behavior of the Jackson family. Jacksons have gone along with the museum s undertakings in an open-minded fashion rare among donor families.