Dighton Historical Commission Votes to Archive Glass Negatives, Plans Wellington Anniversary Program

DIGHTON -- May 12, 2026, Dighton Historical Commission votes to preserve glass negatives and plans fall Wellington anniversary program. The commission unanimously authorized up to $200 from its $452.56 balance for archival enclosures and barrier boxes, sourced from Gaylord Archival at roughly $20 to $37 per item, to properly store a collection of glass photographic negatives currently held horizontally and unwrapped in the town vault; two members will inventory the negatives before ordering. The body also advanced planning for a fall program on the 1814-to-1826 separation and reunion of Dighton and Wellington, reviewing primary sources including the 1820 Wellington census, boundary documents, and town meeting minutes from the division period, with an October target date. A member shared a newly discovered 18-page booklet, "The Story of the Mill of Mount Hope," de-accessioned by the Fall River Historical Society in 1993 and found in family papers, which members described as a significant source for future Mount Hope programming. The July meeting was canceled due to a member's travel; the commission next meets in August.