The latest publication released by the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, “Duxbury...Past and Present,” received an honorable mention, ranking fourth in its category, in the New England Museum Association’s 2009 Publication Awards.

“Duxbury…Past and Present,” released in December of 2008, consists of a collection of 75 historical views of Duxbury compared side-by-side with 75 present day photographs of the same locations in full color.  The historical images in “Duxbury…Past and Present” range from 1839 to 1971 and include a variety of sketches, postcards and actual photographs.  Many of these views have never before been published.  Each pairing of past and present photographs is accompanied by extended, narrative captions which not only identify the location and the historic sites within it, but provide some little-known history and personal stories behind Duxbury’s most prominent landmarks.

In all, 209 publications from 70 different New England Museums were entered in the competition.

“Duxbury…Past and Present” is available at the main office of the DRHS, the Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House, at 479 Washington Street (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and at Westwinds Bookshop.