By John Lynds

The group of residents trying to bring a permanent East Boston Museum to the neighborhood held a very successful art show last Thursday to raise awareness for the future museum.

Over 600 people attended the art exhibit at the East Boston Atlantic Works Gallery on Border Street. The exhibit featured a series of photos taken by the late Paul Paulson, of East Boston during the 1940s and 1950s.

Paulson photos took attendees on a visual journey of his life growing up in Eastie during this time. Each photo came with Paulson’s personal commentary. His collection includes photos of the old East Boston airport when it was a military base, the Seville and the Gem Theatres, various shots of local businesses in East Boston and the famous people who visited them.

“The East Boston Museum Board is very excited with the overwhelmingly positive response we received for the Paul Paulson photo exhibit,” said Theresa Malionek, chair, East Boston Museum and Historical Society. “Everyone enjoyed the exhibit. Lifelong residents got to relive their childhood and those new to East Boston had an opportunity to learn more about the community’s past. The desire to learn, honor, and preserve East Boston’s rich and diverse history is shared by all in the community. We plan to organize similar events in the future. A very special thank you to Mrs. Paulson, and the Paulson family for allowing us to show Paul’s photos and to honor his memory.”

Establishing a museum that celebrates the rich and diverse history of Eastie has been a dream for residents for years. East Boston’s historical significance ranges from its days as home to master shipbuilder Donald McKay, who built some of the world’s fastest clipper ships to its status as the second-busiest port of entry for immigrants.

While the board of the East Boston Museum project searches for a permanent location, it is looking at several temporary options.

However, the Paulson Collection exhibit allowed visitors to see the museum’s potential.

cutline,

Front,

Over 600 people attended last Thursday’s East Boston Museum art exhibit at the East Boston Atlantic Works Gallery on Border Street. The exhibit featured series of photos taken by the late Paul Paulson, of East Boston during the 1940s and 1950s.

Inside,

Liana LaMattina and Tiana Tassinari.

John Poto and Judge Paul Mahoney.

Over 600 people turned last Thursday’s East Boston Museum art exhibit that featured series of photos taken by the late Paul Paulson, of East Boston during the 1940s and 1950s.

Young and old were fascinated by the old historic East Boston photos.

This attendees tries to place the photo and see how much has changed in the neighborhood in over a half century.

East Boston Museum board member Fran Riley talks with Paul Paulson’s family.

The photos included photos of the old East Boston airport when it was a military base, the Seville and the Gem Theatres, various shots of local businesses in East Boston and the famous people who visited them.

Board members Debra Cave, Fran Riley, Chair Theresa Malionek and Joseph Ruggiero.

Fran Riley (center) with attendees during last week’s event.

Charlie Lograsso, Ariel Glantz, Rep. Adrian Madaro and Fran Riley.

John Antonellis and Tanya Hahnel.

Ariel Glantz and Stella Dubish.