Atherton Blight

Biography

Atherton Blight (1834–1909) was both a scholar and an avid traveler whose curiosity led him to document antiquities and cultures far beyond his New England roots. His work as a journalist and antiquarian earned him respect among historical societies, and he pursued a lifelong interest in preserving the stories of places and peoples on the verge of fading from memory.

Blight’s wide-ranging correspondence and collections enriched institutions seeking to understand the past, and he championed the idea that preservation was a civic duty. His final resting place at Island Cemetery marks a lifetime devoted to moving history forward with both discipline and empathy.