PICTURED FROM THE left: MHC chair Kimberly Marolda, Scott Macaulay and MHC member Shane Egan. Scott Macaulay receives the Melrose Historical Commission’s new Mary Stetson Clarke award at a recent meeting.
MELROSE — The Melrose Historical Commission (MHC) has announced a new annual award established to recognize an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the celebration and preservation of Melrose history. The city’s inaugural Mary Stetson Clarke Historical Recognition Award was given to local historian Scott Macaulay, owner and curator of an enormous collection of Melrose history which includes artifacts, maps, books, photographs and other ephemera.
Macaulay, a well-known resident in the city is widely respected beyond his 102 Tremont Street House of Vacuum Cleaners repair company. To all who are interested, Macaulay freely shares his vast and extensive knowledge of Melrose history. His passion and commitment to preserving Melrose history started while he served on the Melrose Historical Society in 1976 as an eager teenage student.
MHC member Shane Egan said, “Honoring such an incredibly committed historian and researcher in this way is an important step in preserving and sharing the city’s rich and remarkable history. Much of the work Scott does to celebrate our incredible history can be traced directly back to the work begun by Mary Stetson Clarke.”
Macaulay is also MHC’s point person for any historical questions received from curious minds that they may be unable to answer. Macaulay always enjoys answering these inquiries because of his genuine interest in helping other Melrosians.
Today, his property houses several historic building replicas that Macaulay built himself to create a unique “Melrose Museum” where he displays his vast collection of artifacts. Melrose residents are always encouraged and welcome to visit Macaulay’s museum during regular business hours. During their visit, Melrose residents are offered the opportunity to research the history of their own homes using his vast collection of maps and books. As a further example of his selflessness, Macaulay also gives back by generously providing Thanksgiving meals to locals seeking community on the holiday.
MHC created this award to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation and interpretation of local history to make the past more meaningful and accessible to all people.
Born and raised in Melrose, Mary Stetson Clarke (1911-1994) demonstrated a passion for civic engagement and preservation. She was a strong researcher and documentarian of local history helping advance historical preservation while also advocating for women’s rights. In addition to Clarke’s passion for the past, she was also active in community affairs, serving as member of the Conservation Commission, a trustee of the Melrose Public Library and a board member of the Melrose Historical Society.
In 1973, she helped lead an effort petitioning then-Mayor James E. Milano to establish the Melrose Historical Commission which celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2023.
