In response to the April 9 article, "CPA makes plans to dole out funds," I applaud the city for granting the Waltham Museum $275,000 from the CPA fund. The Waltham Museum is a truly unique organization and is a vital part of the Waltham community. If not for the museum's preservation of the city's history, not many people would know that Waltham was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution or that the inventions of chalk, kerosene and crayons occurred here.
If not for active citizens like Al Arena, the curator of the museum, who work tirelessly day in and day out to ensure people know of Waltham's history, the rich stories and artifacts from years and even centuries ago would be lost. If, as a people, we do not know where we are from and where we are going, is there even any point in looking to the future? As George Santayana wrote, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
This grant will greatly improve the museum and will allow it to begin its expansion onto the second floor of the old police station, thus preserving even more history within its walls. This is not a task that should be taken lightly, and the giving of this grant by the city shows its priorities are in the right place. Ensuring our youth are well educated and do not repeat mistakes that prevented progress in our community are among the most valuable uses of the CPA fund.
JUSTIN SEVENTKO,
Bentley College, Waltham
