Hearthside - The House That Love Built

John Scanlon Received Chafee Heritage Award

John Scanlon, Vice President of Friends of Hearthside, is this year’s recipient of the John H. Chafee Heritage Award presented by the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. John received the award at the annual dinner of the Heritage Commission at its annual dinner at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester on Thursday, March 30th.

Corridor Commission Chair Louise Redding said, “We are proud to recognize John Scanlon for his leadership, dedication and particularly his passion that helped to initiate the current renaissance of the Great Road Historic District in Lincoln. This award lets us all say “thank you” for his efforts surrounding the preservation and promotion of one of the Blackstone Valley’s jewels -- the historic and beautiful Hearthside.”

Friends of Hearthside President Kathy Hartley nominated Mr. Scanlon and wrote, “John epitomizes the meaning of a servant-leader; that is one who has taken on both a leadership and visionary role, while also rolling up his sleeves and working in the community for the benefit of others.”

As Vice President of the all-volunteer group Friends of Hearthside since 2001, he has served as the property manager for both Hearthside and the adjacent Hannaway Blacksmith Shop. John has also been instrumental in developing new interpretive tours at Hearthside and for re-stoking the fires at the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop where he initiated on-going blacksmithing demonstrations and a weekly class in hand forging.

John is currently employed as an executive chef at Roger Williams University where he also takes graduate classes to further his knowledge and proficiency in historic preservation.

The Great Road Historic District includes Hearthside, the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, the Eleazer Arnold House and the Valentine Whitman House.

The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission established the John H. Chafee Heritage Award to honor the late Senator John Chafee’s legacy and to recognize citizens and participants in the Blackstone River Valley. The Corridor Commission annually seeks nominations for those who exemplify active involvement in projects, programs, and institutions promoting the cultural heritage, natural preservation, and/or the quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley.

 

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