Bourne completes recreation area memorials project

The Bourne Recreation Department announced the completion of the Recreation Area Memorials Project, an effort to research, document and preserve the stories of individuals memorialized at Chester Park, Clark Recreation Area, Keith Field and Pocasset Recreation Area.

The project was led by Memorials Consultant Priscilla Merritt, who compiled historical records, photographs, family histories and memories to provide a deeper understanding of the people behind the names found at the town's recreation spaces.

Residents can explore the digital collection for each site through Clio. The Clark Recreation Area collection honors Rev. Dr. Francis E. Clark, the Gibbs Family and Frank Nuovo. The Keith Field collection honors Eben S.S. Keith, John Gallo and Dante "Pat" Sorenti. The Pocasset Recreation Area collection honors Bertha A. Whitmore, Peter A. Gay, David M. Duca and Daniel "Foxy" Fox. The Chester Park collection honors Joseph E. Stearns and James "Jimmy" Sheehan.

The Memorials Project Final Report and a companion slideshow presentation are also available on the Recreation Area Memorial Research Program page.

The town thanked the Bourne Historical Society, the Jonathan Bourne Public Library, town departments and family members who contributed to the project. Questions can be directed to Katie Matthews, Recreation Director, at kmatthews@bourne-ma.gov.

Source: Town of Bourne (Bourne Recreation Department) announcement, October 30, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.