The Sippican Historical Society will honor Bob Raymond with its 2026 Community Service Award at their Annual Meeting on June 18.
“Marion is lucky to have Bob’s architectural experience. His expertise was instrumental in helping with the planning for the renovation of the Town House,” said Frank McNamee, curator of the Sippican Historical Society.
For more than eight years, Bob contributed to the Marion Town House Feasibility Committee. After residents chose not to build a new administrative building Town House in 2018, work began to create a phased project that focused on the exterior, mechanical systems, accessibility and safety upgrades.
The building originally served as Tabor Academy’s first academic building in 1876. It is the third administrative building Marion has had since becoming a Town in 1852. The first, located near Old Wharf, burnt down in 1881. Elizabeth Taber paid for its reconstruction. In the 1930’s, the Town and Tabor swapped property. The building at 2 Spring Street will complete final upgrades later this summer.
Although Bob Raymond grew up in Eastern Massachusetts, his work as an architect specializing in health care facilities has taken him to the South Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. When he and his wife searched for a home port in 1996, the demographics, strong public schools and sailing made Marion home. Currently, his architectural practice is working on a psychiatric hospital in Cameroon and a children’s hospital in Rwanda.
On June 18, 6:30 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, the Board of the Sippican Historical Society will recognize Bob’s work. A tree will be planted in his honor at the Town House. Join the Board and members of the Sippican Historical Society to thank Bob for his commitment and for his expertise shared with Marion.