November 16, 2019
Rollinsford resident Ed Charpentier was chosen by the Association of Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH) as the 2019 recipient of the ARCH Heritage Award, presented annually to a person who has made significant contributions to the preservation of the history, heritage and culture of Rollinsford and the lower Salmon Falls region. The award was presented at the organization’s annual dinner and auction gala on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Spring Hill in South Berwick, Maine.
Charpentier was honored with the Heritage Award in recognition of his devotion to the Colonel Paul Wentworth House and his enthusiasm for sharing and celebrating Rollinsford town history. His connection to the Wentworth House dates back over twenty years ago when he went in search of the Wentworth House, then located in Dover, Massachusetts, where it had been moved in the 1930s by Pete Blodgett, a descendant of the Wentworth family. Ed formed a close and lasting friendship with the Blodgett family which eventually led to the return of the house and many historical artifacts to Rollinsford.
“Ed’s enthusiasm and love for Rollinsford history is a constant inspiration to us,” says ARCH board president Julia Roberts. “He generously shares his knowledge of local history with others, and has given I don’t know how many tours of the Wentworth House and the town for both local people and visitors from away who have roots in this community.”
Ed Charpentier was a founding member of ARCH, which was formed to oversee the return of the Wentworth House to Rollinsford. He continues to serve on the ARCH board of directors. In addition, he played a prominent role in the creation of the Salmon Falls Village Park; as a private citizen created and maintains another park across from the American Legion; and as a member of the Rollinsford Historical Committee has organized and participated in many events and activities to celebrate the history of the town.
Thank you, Ed, for your service!