Southport’s well-known and beloved duo – Jean Thompson and Evelyn Sherman – were recently honored by Southport Historical Society and Hendricks Hill Museum for their 30 years of work with both organizations.

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, both women were “surprised” when presented framed Certificates of Appreciation and a sign painted by Southport resident Jeff Brown which designates the museum’s boathouse addition as “The Sherman-Thompson Room,” in honor of Jean, 99, and Evelyn, 96, and their late husbands, Ross Stuart Thompson and Maurice Alvin Sherman, who were all instrumental in establishing and maintaining the museum.

Below is the wording on the Certificate of Appreciation which explains the contributions by the Thompsons and Shermans for Southport Historical Society and Hendricks Hill Museum:

Certificate of Appreciation

In recognition of their contributions to the Southport Historical Society and Hendricks Hill Museum, the trustees dedicate the Museum’s Boathouse Addition to:

Evelyn Luther Pratt Sherman and Maurice Alvin Sherman

and

Jean Louise Luther Thompson and Ross Stuart Thompson

Maurice and Stuart assisted in moving the museum building to its present site and in its restoration. Stuart was a member of the original 1976 Historical Committee and Maurice worked with Cecil Pierce to reproduce authentic window replacements throughout the museum. 1988 was the transition year for the museum, and the Town Report lists both the Historical Committee and Museum Trustees, with Jean, Evelyn, and Maurice serving as Trustees after Stuart's passing that year.

Evelyn, Jean, and many others worked to organize and establish the museum's collection, along with creating the accessioning and deaccessioning records. Together, Evelyn and Jean worked as docents for more than 30 years, sharing Southport's history with countless visitors. As Trustees and in so many other ways, this foursome has made the Hendrick's Hill Museum an institution to be proud of.

It is an honor to name the Museum’s addition: “The Sherman - Thompson Room”

Sarah Sherman McGrail, Trustee Chairperson, Southport Historical Society; Mary Lou Koskela, Treasurer; Kathy M. Bugbee, Secretary

“As couples they did everything in life together – went to war, married, raised their children, worked in the community, and founded the museum. They wouldn’t have done it any other way except with each other. Family and community was always above all else and this is a testament to their dedication to the museum,” said Evelyn’s daughter, Sarah Sherman McGrail.

The sign now hangs on one of the beams in the boathouse addition.