An Untold Story
Unearthing the history of The Children’s Art Centre of Boston’s South End and discovering Charlotte Dempsey
Self-Published: April 2019
In 2017, I taught art in a historic building in Boston’s South End. The building is The Children’s Art Centre which was built in 1915 to serve as an art museum designed for children. Through my time in that space, I became fascinated by the history and I created a children’s book to celebrate.
The Little Glass Treasure House is the untold story of community, artmaking and dedication at the Children's Art Centre of Boston's South End. Charlotte Dempsey taught here for nearly 40 years. This is her story and the collective story of the children of the South End who walked through these doors. This children's literature book is 32 pages of text, written with 3rd - 5th grade reading levels in mind.
Meeting the Dempseys
Since launching my book, I was connected with Charlotte’s nephew Bill Dempsey and his wife, Anne. It turns out the Charlotte wrote a book as well. I was invited by them into the process of completing Charlotte’s book.
In Fall of 2023, we completed the editing and digitization of Charlotte’s book and started seeking publication. In November of 2023, we hosted a reunion at the Art Centre of alumni and shared about our project.
It is now 2025 and we have decided to self-publish this magnificent book. Stay tuned for information on how to order your copy!
Charlotte’s Photos
Image owned by Northeastern University Archives, Collection M116
Image in the property of the Dempsey Estate
Children’s Art Centre Open House Event - November 2023
