Abby Epplett, Historian

The White Council was a name given to wise immortals who protected Middle-earth from Sauron and his vassals. The White Council in The Lord of the Rings that drove the dark forces from Mirkwood was actually the second White Council. The first White Council is described in Unfinished Tales (263) and was formed to remove Sauron from Eriador (northwestern Middle-earth, including the Shire) after he had tortured Celebrimbor to death. The second White Council likely emulated the first White Council and was formed for a similar purpose, this time to drive Sauron from Mordor and be rid of him for good.

Last Saturday — June 15, 2024 — I went on a history adventure in New Bedford, MA. Between my three major stops of New Bedford Art Museum , the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum , and Fort Taber Park , I made several quick history stops around the city. Highlights included neoclassical architecture, memorials, repurposed factories, and flood prevention infrastructure.

Last Saturday — June 15, 2024 — I had an adventure in New Bedford, MA. My third major stop was Fort Taber Park , which included the remains of a historic fort, a paved walking trail, and Fort Taber - Fort Rodman Historical Association Military Museum . This museum was my second stop in the Passport to History developed by Old Colony History Museum , my first stop being Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA on June 2, 2024 .

Last Saturday — June 15, 2024 — I went on an adventure in New Bedford, MA. My second major stop on the trip was the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum (RJD). This property was designated a National Historic Landmark as William Rotch, Jr. House in 2005 . The self-guided tour allowed visitors to explore two floors of the house plus an extensive rose garden while learning the histories of the three families who lived there.

Last Saturday — June 15, 2024 — I went on an adventure to New Bedford, MA. My first stop was New Bedford Art Museum . This miniature museum with three excellent galleries is a great place to spend an hour looking at contemporary art by local artists and big names from around the country. During my visit, the two exhibitions on display were Pathfinders: Paving the Glass Revolution in the U.S. and Transformations .