The focus of the meeting was the Steep Brook Form B project, aimed at updating the inventory forms for the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The project brought to light the historical significance of Steep Brook, an area within Fall River, through a careful survey of its buildings and landscapes. The university team’s findings included properties already listed on the National Register, potential new listings, and contributors to a possible historic district. Particularly noteworthy were the federal Cape style building on North Main Street, the North Christian Congregational Church, and the Squire William Barnabas Kennedy house, which holds ties to the Underground Railroad.

The research methods employed by the students were extensive, involving city directories, census data, deed research, historic maps, photographs, and newspaper articles. This thorough approach allowed the students to piece together the evolution of Steep Brook, detailing its early occupation by native tribes, its rise as a commercial hub, and its diverse industrial activities such as agriculture, clay mining, and ice harvesting. The area’s social and cultural development was also mapped, with an influx of immigrants and the establishment of churches painting a picture of Steep Brook’s past.

The presentation was not just a historical recount; it served to underscore the challenges of preserving Steep Brook’s character in the face of commercial building loss. Recommendations for further research and planning were made, with an eye towards establishing the boundaries of a potential historic district. Additional strategies proposed included raising public awareness about Steep Brook through a marker program for historic properties and the conduct of annual neighborhood tours.

During the public comments section, questions were raised about the publication and dissemination of the research findings. There was also an acknowledgment of the broader scope of the research.

The Commission itself recognized the need to update existing surveys, noting that around 60 properties had minimal information and another 45 required more in-depth documentation. This revelation pointed to the historical underpinnings of Steep Brook that had yet to be fully explored. The meeting further highlighted the community’s surprise at the historical activity and events connected to the area, with the Kennedy house’s ties to the Underground Railroad serving as a prime example.

The meeting concluded with a presentation of citations from the city council and the mayor, commending Professor Styles and the Roger Williams University team for their diligent efforts in documenting historically significant structures in Steep Brook. This commendation underscored the importance of the project and the potential impact of the findings on the preservation and understanding of Fall River’s history.