by Gary Parzych, Exhibitions & Collections Manager

Much of what goes on in Hildene’s Archive, often happens behind the scenes. Using December as a time for reflection, I thought it might be a good time to share some of the great work we have been able to achieve this year:

Preserving: Caring for Hildene’s collection is a regular, and routine job. Samantha and I started the year off strong with our annual comprehensive book inventory which includes all of the books on display in Robert and Mary’s home, in addition to our archival collections. To make sure these books (and all other artifacts) are well kept, we pull data from our environmental monitors every three weeks to get a visual of temperature and humidity fluctuations throughout the home. We continued regular maintenance on Mary’s piano and pipe organ. Our clock expert, Eric, came to the rescue when the minute hand on the Lincoln’s grandfather clock came
loose.

Learning: Stephanie and I have uncovered some fascinating stories with the 6 new additions to our oral history project, which was first started by Allison Otis, over 45 years ago. We answered many inquiries, both external and internal, especially as we prepared for the very first Hildene x Lincoln Forum Symposium. Also during that same time we opened up a mini exhibit called Through His Lens, which aimed to examine the influence that Abraham and Mary Lincoln had on Robert's literary preferences. Along with highlights from our own collection, we had three items on loan from Ethan Afshani.

Organizing: In an effort to keep things orderly, and make life easier for the docents, we made many updates to our master list of playable organ music. With that momentum pushing us forward, we were fortunate to have an experienced and dedicated archive volunteer, Caroline, who assisted with multiple projects, including mapping the archives, transcribing oral histories, and reorganizing a large (and heavy) book collection. After an especially dry (and dusty) summer and autumn, we partnered with the housekeeping team to complete a deep clean of each room, top to bottom. Along the way, we picked up many new techniques that will improve the housekeeping routine going forward.

Teaching: In celebration of Women’s History Month, we hosted four pop-up style talks about Peggy Beckwith, each with a different theme (sports, art, farming, maple sugaring). We hosted a couple special tours of the archive this year too; my personal favorites include the Union Club of Boston, Board members from the Harlan Lincoln House, and a local student with a serious interest in the Lincoln Family. In July, I represented Hildene at the 99th Stellafane Convention, with a lecture on Robert’s telescope and observatory. Most recently, we hosted a researcher, Christian McWhirter, who hopes to write a book about the Lincoln descendants.

Thanks to all who have interacted with Hilene’s Archive in some way this year. An extra special thanks to archive donors and volunteers who have shown such generosity to our special corner of Hildene. I am looking forward to another great year with you all in 2026. Lots in store for the Archives, so stay tuned!