The Southborough Historical Commission issued an announcement last night mourning longtime member Kate Matison.
The statement includes news that they will be holding a reception in her honor. And an obituary from her family has yet to be issued. So stay tuned for future posts.:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kate Matison, a longtime member of the Southborough Historical Commission and highly regarded member of the community.
Born in Australia in 1948, Kate immigrated to the United States in 1988 and settled in Southborough in 1993. She completed two Master’s degrees from Boston University: one in Art History and one in Preservation Studies.
Always an exceptionally skilled and enthusiastic photographer, Kate lived in London for a period and worked at the renowned Photographer’s Gallery.
Her interest in preservation sprang from her studies in art history, and she went on to combine talent as a photographer with her preservation work. Kate spent countless hours meticulously photographing historical structures, often providing a complete record of buildings that were later demolished. She was actively engaged in the Vernacular Architecture Forum, and she implemented and moderated their widely followed Facebook page.Kate brought her boundless energy and commitment to the Southborough Historical Commission in 2007. It is impossible to overstate her impact on the Commission and the Town of Southborough. In 2012, she became the Vice Chair, and she held that position until she was recently voted Chair.
Some of Kate’s accomplishments include South Union School’s addition to the National Historic Register, updating the Historical Properties Survey, the Preservation Restriction for 84 Main Street with the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the application for Southborough’s National Register Historic District, the recent preservation of the Old Burial Ground, advocacy for Fayville Hall and Peter’s Annex preservation, and documenting numerous buildings since demolished or renovated.
Since 2015, Kate served as the CPC representative for the Historical Commission, Members of both groups relied upon her expertise and greatly appreciated her contributions.
It is rare to find an individual who is willing to work so tirelessly for the growing good of a community for so many years. Future residents of Southborough will benefit from her talents and expertise as they are able to appreciate the historical character she strived to preserve. It is our hope that she will be remembered as fondly as we remember Kate Matison: dedicated, tireless, witty, wise, and above all, a dear friend.
The Southborough Historical Society will host a reception honoring Kate in the coming weeks. Details will be announced as soon as they are available.