Millicent Library Director Kyle DeCicco-Carey (LEFT) and former library director Carolyn Longworth (RIGHT) unveil the plaque bearing the name of former archivist Debra A. Charpentier (MIDDLE) during a ceremony on 5/30/23 to dedicate the archive room to Ms. Charpentier. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The Trustees of the Millicent Library and library staff gathered on 5/30/23 to dedicate and rename the archives room in honor of Debra Charpentier, who recently retired after 34 years as the archivist.
Former library director Carolyn Longworth told the group of about 30 a few stories about Ms. Charpentier and touted her “detective skills” and her loyalty.
Ms. Longworth said that even if Ms. Charpentier did not agree with a person, she would be supportive. And co-workers knew it, spending many a break downstairs.
The archives room was like the character in the “Peanuts” comic strip, said Ms. Longworth: The doctor is in.
When an out-of-town contractor was outside the building with Ms. Charpentier looking at some work to be done, everyone who went by knew her and spoke to her.
“What is this, Mayberry?” he asked.
The only negative thing she would say about Deb, said Ms. Longworth, was that she refused to give up the location of a real haunted house in Fairhaven.
That mystery continues.
L-R: Former Millicent Library Director Carolyn Longworth, former archivist Debra A. Charpentier, and Ted Charpentier, give big smiles after unveiling the plaque bearing the name of Ms. Charpentier during a ceremony on 5/30/23 to dedicate the archive room to her. Photo by Beth David.
“I feel very honored,” said Ms. Charpentier. “I would never expect anything like this.”
She said she missed the archives, which now has a plaque near the door declaring: “Millicent Library. The Debra A. Charpentier Archives and Special Collections.”
“I can’t believe the people that have come,” she said. “All people who frequented the archives, and friends.”
Millicent Library Director Kyle DeCicco-Carey said Ms. Charpentier’s research skills have provided historical and genealogical answers and provided research for the historic house plaque program.
He said her “tireless work” resulted in the digitization of the entire run of the Fairhaven Star newspaper (1879– 1967). The online searchable content gives the community “a window into life in the community going back over 140 years.”
The Lost Fishermen Database documents area fishermen who died at sea from 1912 to the present.
“Debra’s love and dedication for preserving and sharing local history will benefit many generations to come who will be fortunate to have access to a unique collection of local history,” said Mr. DeCicco-Carey.
Ms. Charpentier received Massachusetts History Alliance’s Star Award this year, which goes to “local history heroes,” who have made “outstanding contributions to the research and interpretation of the history of their communities.”
Debra Charpentier (LEFT) is surrounded by family as she looks at the plaque that bears her name, dedicating the Millicent Library archives room to her at a ceremony on 5/30/23. L-R FRONT: Debra Charpentier, her daughter Melissa Cormier, and granddaughter Samantha Cormier; L-R BACK: Ms. Charpentier’s husband Ted, son-in-law Kevin Cormier, and grandson Kevin Jr.. Photo by Beth David.
To learn more about MHA, visit https://masshistoryalliance.org/
To learn more about the Millicent Library, 45 Center Street, Fairhaven, and visit the many online collections that Ms. Charpentier created, visit https://millicentlibrary.org
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