08/14/2026
📸 A Look Back at Hanover Through the Lens of Thomas Drew!
We had a wonderful afternoon at the Hanover COA exploring “The Photography of Thomas Drew: From Kitchen Darkroom to Historical Legacy.”
Long before the days of digital cameras and cell phones, South Hanover storekeeper Thomas Drew (1845–1913) was documenting everyday life here on the South Shore. Working from his home along the Indian Head River, Drew turned his kitchen into a darkroom and even used a simple burlap tarp outdoors as his portrait studio.
Today, his remarkable collection of glass-plate negatives gives us an incredible window into the past—capturing local families, friendships, businesses, landmarks, and everyday moments from more than a century ago.
Our participants enjoyed viewing some of Drew’s original photography equipment, looking through historic photo albums, and learning more about the people and places that helped shape Hanover and the surrounding South Shore.
A big thank you to the Hanover MA Historical Society and Les Molyneaux for sharing this fascinating piece of local history with us!
📍 Missed today’s presentation?
You still have a chance to see the special pop-up exhibit at the Stetson House Barn this Saturday, August 15, from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Take a look at a few photos from today’s program! 📷✨