Peabody breaks ground for leather workers museum

PEABODY – Shovels hit the cold ground behind the George Peabody House Museum Thursday afternoon to mark the start of construction for the Peabody Leather Workers Museum.As a former leather worker himself, Mayor Michael Bonfanti was particularly excited about the city’s new way to honor the thousands of workers (his personal heroes) who made Peabody the leather capital of the world.”This is a monument for the working person,” said Bonfanti, adding that hard work and sacrifice is “what America’s all about.”One such former leather worker was Peabody resident Bob Quinn, who shared some kind words.”If I could build a fire out here, I would go on for hours,” joked Quinn about sharing memories from his leather days. “I’m very proud.” He hopes that the city will enjoy the new museum for many years to come.Plans for the museum have long been in the making. Since his first week in office, Bonfanti has been a strong advocate for creating what he believes to be “an important cultural facility.”Bonfanti paid special recognition to Bill Powers, President of the Peabody Historical Society, who has been a long-time supporter of the museum. He referred to Powers as the person who “will always carry the water.”The project was paid for with Community Preservation Act funds, which 10 percent of, by law, are required to be spent on preserving cultural and historical resources in Peabody.”Our efforts today to preserve and maintain Peabody’s history with respect to the leather industry will have a lasting effect for future generations of Peabody’s citizens,” said Bonfanti. “I have faith that the decisions that we make today will help leave Peabody a better place for the next generation.”City Councilors Ted Bettencourt, Dave Gravel and Arthur Athas, and Director of Community Development Jean Delios were also onsite to celebrate in what will become a historical resource.The new museum is set to be completed this summer. It will feature equipment once used to create the leather and have a primary focus on the workers who used them.Bonfanti hopes that the new building will enhance the community and attract more people to the city’s downtown.