MEDFIELD, MA — April 30, 2026 — Bellforge Arts Center has been awarded a $10,000 challenge grant from the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund to support its campaign to name a classroom in honor of Medfield’s longtime Town Historian, Richard DeSorgher.
Through this grant, every dollar donated to the DeSorgher Classroom Naming Initiative will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $10,000, for gifts made through June 30, 2026. The matching opportunity offers supporters a limited-time way to double the impact of their contribution toward the campaign’s $50,000 goal.
Known affectionately as “Mr. Medfield History,” DeSorgher taught history and political science in the Medfield Public Schools for 35 years before retiring in 2011. A graduate of Medfield High School, he has continued to shape the town’s civic and cultural life as its official Town Historian, a longtime columnist, and the author of several books on Medfield’s past. He has also served as President and Curator of the Medfield Historical Society and on the Board of Selectmen, the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Medfield Historical Commission. His decades of service have earned him Teacher of the Year recognition from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Massachusetts Council for the Social Studies. Naming a classroom in his honor is a fitting tribute to an educator whose lifelong work has been to bring history into the classroom and into the community.
“We are thrilled to support the Bellforge Arts Center with a $10,000 challenge grant,” said Abby Marble, President of Medfield Foundation. “This opportunity is aligned with our mission of helping Medfield non-profits with grants that can be leveraged to raise additional funds and support the development of arts and education in Medfield.”
“Richard’s impact on this town is both deep and lasting,” said Jean Mineo, Executive Director of Bellforge Arts Center. “This matching grant is a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together and ensure his legacy is reflected in a space dedicated to learning, creativity, and connection.”
The classroom will be part of Bellforge’s new multi-arts campus on the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital, serving students, artists, and community members of all ages through educational programming and creative exploration.
Community members are encouraged to give now and help bring the Richard DeSorgher Classroom to life while their donation is doubled. To make a donation and have it matched, please visit bellforge.org/RD.
About Bellforge Arts Center
Bellforge Arts Center is a developing regional multi-arts and outdoor recreation campus located on the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital. Through bold programming, inclusive partnerships, and creative placemaking, Bellforge is transforming a historic site into a vibrant cultural destination for MetroWest and beyond. With events ranging from concerts and festivals to wellness activities and youth programming, Bellforge is building a future where arts, nature, and community thrive together.
About Medfield Foundation
The Medfield Foundation (MFi) is a 100% volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation whose mission is to build community by supporting local non-profit initiatives, raising funds for those in need, and distributing grants that positively impact Medfield.
About The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund
The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is a professionally-managed endowment created to support community-driven projects. Volunteer-run and designed to complement the initiatives of Medfield organizations, the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund raises private funds for public good. The Legacy Fund invests for the long term while also helping to address current community needs through annual competitive grantmaking for immediate positive impact.