3 minute read
Remembering Joseph Peter Spang, 1934-2020
Above: Courtesy of Historic Deerfield
by LORNA CONDON, Senior Curator of Library and Archives
Peter Spang cared deeply about Historic New England, its mission, collections, museum properties, and staff. He was a member for sixty years, served on the Board of Trustees, and when he died on May 7, 2020, had the distinction of being the longest-serving member of the Collections Committee. During his lengthy association with Historic New England, Peter’s deep knowledge of history, architecture, and the region’s material culture, his commitment to scholarship, and his understanding of museum practices made him a tremendous asset to the organization.
Peter was born in Chicago in 1934 to Joseph P. Spang Jr. and Gwendolen (Green) Spang. In 1938, his father became president of the Gillette Company, and the family returned to Massachusetts. Peter attended the Dexter School, the Brooks School, Harvard College, and studied at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London. In 1959, he became the founding curator at Historic Deerfield, remaining there until retiring in 1986. In his retirement, Peter tirelessly supported the work of not only Historic Deerfield and Historic New England but also the Massachusetts Historical Society, The Trustees, and the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, among many other organizations.
Peter mentored many staff members of these organizations and provided opportunities for them to come together to share their knowledge and experiences. Historic New England staff frequently received notes from Peter in the mail accompanied by reviews of books, exhibition brochures, or news articles that he thought would interest us. Here is just one example: “On my recent trip, I picked up this brochure about an exhibition on Le Corbusier in Berlin and spied the clipping [which was about Walter Gropius] while reading the newspaper on the flight back. No need to acknowledge. Best as ever, Peter.”
Peter was an extraordinarily kind and generous man, whose loss is still keenly felt at Historic New England.
A Legacy Continues
Thanks to a generous bequest, Peter Spang’s commitment to Historic New England will continue, and his legacy will support the work that he cared about so deeply. Donors who include Historic New England in their estate plans are recognized as Otis Society members. If you have already made a bequest or would like information about the Otis Society and additional charitable gift options, contact us at Development@HistoricNewEngland.org or 617-994-5951. Please consider including Historic New England in your estate plans, create your own legacy, and help us continue our mission for generations to come.
