FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAMMOND CASTLE MUSEUM'S DIRECTOR OF COLLECTIONS BETH WELIN RECEIVES MASSACHUSETTS HISTORY ALLIANCE STAR AWARD

Gloucester, MA, 6/19/26 -  Hammond Castle Museum is proud to announce that Director of Collections Beth Welin has been honored with a Massachusetts History Alliance (MHA) Star Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to preserving, researching, and expanding access to local history.

The MHA Star Awards are awarded to Massachusetts individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the research and interpretation of their communities' histories. Recipients are recognized for long-term commitment, outstanding work with concrete results, exemplary innovation, local leadership for change, and contributions to equity and justice.

Welin was selected for her transformative work leading the digitization and preservation of Hammond Castle Museum's extensive archival collections. Since joining the Museum in 2022, Welin has undertaken the monumental task of processing and digitizing the Museum's previously unprocessed archival holdings to create a comprehensive and accessible archive and collections database.

The Museum's archives consist of three major collections: the personal papers of inventor and museum founder John Hays Hammond Jr., the records of the Hammond Research Laboratory, and the institutional records of Hammond Castle Museum. Under Welin's leadership, more than 95,000 archival items, including approximately 14,000 photographs, negatives, and slides, have been digitally preserved and are now accessible remotely upon request. The collections also include original correspondence, architectural drawings, research materials, and documents that illuminate Hammond's vision for the castle as his home and laboratory, as well as a museum intended for public benefit, while chronicling the history of the castle, the Hammond family, the pioneering scientific work conducted in Hammond's on-site laboratory, and the Museum's enduring legacy.  

Welin also spearheaded the digitization of the Museum's original collection files and their migration to a cloud-based collections management system. This initiative has significantly expanded public access to the Museum's collections while enhancing accessibility for researchers, students, and history enthusiasts around the world.  The collection is accessible at: https://bit.ly/HCM-Catalog.  

In addition to advancing the Museum's collections stewardship practices, Welin launched Hammond Castle Museum's archival internship program. The program provides hands-on training opportunities for emerging museum professionals and has helped establish the Museum as a museum studies training site for students pursuing careers in archives, collections management, and public history.

"Beth's dedication, expertise, and vision have transformed access to the Museum's collections and archives," said Linda Harvey, Executive Director of Hammond Castle Museum. "Her work not only preserves the legacy of John Hays Hammond Jr. and Hammond Castle Museum, but also ensures that these invaluable resources are available to researchers, students, and the public for generations to come. We are thrilled to see her receive this well-deserved recognition." Hammond Castle Museum Board Member, Karen VanDyke, said, "Congratulations to Beth on this very well-deserved award. She is truly a star! This award is a wonderful recognition from the MHA of our dedication to preserving Hammond's legacy and the wonderful museum he left behind." 

Beyond her work at Hammond Castle Museum, Welin is an active volunteer archivist for both the Gloucester City Archives and the Magnolia Historical Society, where she continues to support the preservation and accessibility of local historical resources. The Museum congratulates Welin on this prestigious honor and celebrates her ongoing contributions to preserving and sharing Massachusetts history.

About Hammond Castle Museum
Hammond Castle Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and legacy of John Hays Hammond Jr., renowned as “The Father of Radio Control.” Built from 1926 to 1929 and incorporated as a museum in 1930, the castle served as Hammond’s residence and the site of the Hammond Radio Research Laboratory. The Museum features a collection of Hammond’s patents, numerous ancient architectural elements, and the only surviving mural by the golden age American artist and illustrator, Eric Pape. As a STEAM-inspired organization, Hammond Castle Museum combines its historic significance as a house museum and lapidarium, highlighting works of stone and marble, with daily tours, temporary exhibitions, and educational and cultural events throughout the year. The Museum is also available for private event rentals. For more information, please contact Hammond Castle Museum at info@hammondcastle.org or visit www.hammondcastle.org.

Media Contact:
Mary Goldberg
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
Hammond Castle Museum
Mary@hammondcastle.org