Tewksbury's Public Health Museum Wins $10K Award

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury's Public Health Museum was recently awarded a $10,000 Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Award, the museum said.

The money will go to assessing the Annie G. McDonald Building as the future home of the museum.

"The assessment will include the building's architectural features, structural, MEP/FP, code/access, and conservation," the museum said.

The 2021 grant round included 69 capital grants worth $8.59 million and 29 planning grants work $512,000. Awards must be matched from private and other non-state sources.

Board member Ashlynn Rickord Werner is directing the museum project.

"This grant is a crucial next step for the museum to expand as we continue to bring the history of public health to the community,” Rickord Werner said in a statement.

The museum has original artifacts, memorabilia and archival materials.

"The museum explores the history of public health in America and the story of Tewksbury Hospital, one of the first public health hospitals in the country," according to a news release. "The history of infectious disease and innovations in public health are cornerstones of the museum."

The release concludes: "The Public Health Museum is a non-profit educational and cultural institution dedicated to public health history. The Museum serves as a resource to the community, exploring public health initiatives that address current health issues with online content and programming, including a summer program for high school students interested in public health careers. The museum partners with libraries and senior centers to bring its programs to the community. Indoor and outdoor walking tours are available on a reservation-only basis, and the museum offers informative content on both its website and through ongoing public programs."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.