Natalie (Sylvia) Hemingway
Graduating class: 1948
Inducted into Hall of Fame: 2000
Hall of Fame Category: Lifetime Achievement
Upon graduation from Fairhaven High School Natalie Sylvia entered the Boston University College of Music where she eventually earned a degree in Music Education with a minor in Voice and Piano. her teaching career began as a substitute in the Mattapoisett, Fairhaven and Wareham schools from 1955-62, with a stint at the Groveland Elementary School (1958-59). In 1959 she moved to Fairhaven working as choir director for the Fairhaven Congregational Church and teaching private lessons in voice, piano and organ (which she continued for 35 years).
In 1961 Natalie became a "long term substitute" in the Fairhaven Public Schools and from 1962 to 1965 she served as a music educator in grades K-6 and 10-12. From 1963 to 1993 she served as a music educator for the elementary schools, serving as the school system's Music Director from 1970-71.
Natalie has served the Town of Fairhaven on numerous committees and boards including the Sesquicentennial Committee (1962), Town Meeting Member (1991 to present), Precinct 2 Clerk (1994-95), Town Hall Rededication Committee (1994), Tourism Committee (1993 to present), Rotary Club (1994-99), Tourism Committee, Fairhaven Town Hall Restoration Chair, Oxford School Centennial Committee, among others. In 1995 Natalie was elected to the Fairhaven School Committee and served as its Chair from 1998-2000.
Natalie is active in town tourism, developing walking tours with Tourism Director Chris Richard to provide tours to visitors as well as town residents. Natalie portrays various historical characters at various Fairhaven historic locations, speaks in the schools about the town's history and serves as a valuable resource to the community.