SWAMPSCOTT — The newly renamed Lou Gallo History Buffs will hold its first official meeting at the Swampscott Public Library next Monday at 10 a.m.
Previously known as the History Buffs, the group was founded in 1998 by the late town historian, Lou Gallo, and served as a forum for town members to discuss different aspects of local history.
“This was his baby,” said Library Director Alyce Deveau. “He was our unofficial town historian.”
Gallo died in a fire on July 10. He was born and raised a Swampscott resident before moving to Saugus to live with his sister, who also died in the fire. He had worked in Swampscott for many years, said Deveau. Not only did he work for the town, but he also was a part of the Swampscott Historical Society and Historical Commission.
He was instrumental in creating the lilac garden on Monument Avenue, and he also was a featured guest on a podcast for the town. One of his favorite projects he worked on was History Buffs, said Deveau.
“Every month he’d regale us with stories and jokes,” she said. “I thought it would be fitting that we rename it in his memory.”
Molly Conner, Swampscott Historical Society president, and Andrea Liftman, a local teacher, will be jointly taking over the History Buffs.
“It’s a pleasure to sit and listen to them talk and I’m just hoping it can continue,” said Deveau.
