In a heartfelt and unanimous decision, the Reading Select Board voted Tuesday night to name the town archive room in honor of Virginia Adams, a lifelong resident and pioneering advocate for local history. The room, located in the basement of Town Hall, will now be known as the Virginia Adams Historical Archive Room.
The proposal was brought forward by Pino D’Orazio, Chair of the Historical Commission, who detailed Adams’ decades-long dedication to preserving Reading’s heritage.
She’s been a cornerstone of our historical efforts,” D’Orazio said. “From founding the Historical Commission in 1978 to receiving the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award in 2018, Virginia’s contributions are immeasurable.”
Adams’ resume of civic involvement is extensive. In addition to her work on the Historical and Historic District Commissions, she has served on numerous town committees, including the Highland School Library Conversion, the Pleasant Street Senior Center, and the Community Preservation Act Committee. She has also led countless walking and trolley tours, participated in the Pearl Street School conversion, and been a long-time member of Arts Reading.
Board member Karen Herrick, who served alongside Adams, praised the tribute.
This is a wonderful recognition of the debt this town owes her,” Herrick said. “She’s an amazing source of history.”
Chair Chris Haley echoed the sentiment, recalling Adams’ ever-present bag of historical photos and documents.
In a time when some see historical preservation as a barrier, Virginia reminded us it’s about protecting our future,” he said. “Naming the room after her is a no-brainer.”
The board’s motion included a directive for the town manager to work with the Historical Commission to install a commemorative plaque on the archive room door. Work on the plaque is expected to begin immediately.
The dedication marks a lasting tribute to Adams’ enduring legacy and her unwavering commitment to preserving the stories and spirit of Reading.
