Byron Matthews
2010 Essex Heritage Hero

Although the vision, hard work and dedication vital to the historic rehabilitation of the City of Newburyport were shouldered by many, it was the unique leadership of Byron Matthews that is linked to the rebirth of this beautiful harbor side community. Byron Matthews was born and grew up in Newburyport.  He managed the family market and was an active public servant by 1962, when he became the Ward 5 City Councilor, serving three terms in a leadership role, including Council President in 1964. From that seat, he ran and was elected Mayor of Newburyport for an unprecedented five terms, serving from 1968-1978.

During his tenure as Mayor, Byron oversaw much of the restoration of historic downtown Newburyport, beginning its transformation from a derelict collection of buildings and blighted waterfront to a shining example of successful and creative urban renewal. Under his leadership, the restoration included replacement of sidewalks with brick and granite curbing, creation of the Inn Street Pedestrian Mall, and the Market Square Bullnose, underground utility placement, landscaped parking areas and period-appropriate lighting installations. His determined, can-do style helped rally the community and convinced state and federal officials to invest in Newburyport’s distinctive form of urban renewal – historic preservation!

While this work was consuming, Mayor Matthews was also simultaneously focused on improving the City’s tax base by working with NAID to create the Lord Timothy Dexter Industrial Park. He served as Chairman of the Newburyport School Committee and worked closely with other members to build the Nock Middle School, enlarge and improve the Brown School, add a cafeteria to the Bresnahan School, tear down the Jackman School, close the Currier School, and repair the Memorial Stadium.
In addition, Byron attended to neighborhood concerns and the personal needs of his constituents with the help of dedicated staff and gracious family.

In 1971, Byron became an advisor to Governor Francis Sargent and directed his election campaigns for six years.  Upon leaving the Mayor’s office in 1978, he was named Executive Director of the North Shore Economic Council.  Shortly thereafter he was called into the administration of Governor Edward J. King, where he served as Cabinet Secretary for the Office of Communities and Development.  He has continued a distinguished career of public service in the Commonwealth under Governor Weld and now Governor Patrick, and as Trustee to several influential non-profit Boards, including Northern Essex Community College, where he served as Chairman from 1996-2007 and Anna Jaques Hospital, where he has been involved for over twenty years.  He also has held numerous leadership positions in the local Greek Orthodox Church.

Byron has been the recipient of numerous awards and citations for his service to the community.

He is blessed with Helen, his devoted wife of fifty-seven years and two sons, John and his wife Christina, daughters Carolyn, her husband Dan, and Laura and a great grandson, John; and Peter and his wife Teri, and their twin daughters, Ashley and Olivia.