Dristi Neog, a professor at WSU and one of the speakers for Wednesday’s lecture. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD- The Westfield 350th Historical Lecture Series moves on with a presentation by Dr. Robert Bristow and Dr. Dristi Neog about the evolution of transportation in Westfield and the importance of Pine Hill Cemetery. The lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 17th at 6:30 p.m. at Dever Stage at Westfield State University.
Both Neog and Bristow are professors in the Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability at WSU. Bristow earned his Doctorate from Southern Illinois University at Carbonale. Neog earned hers at the University of Florida in the subject of Urban Planning. She also has a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Arlington.
“We are trying to teach about the city’s planning from [The Geography] department’s perspective,” said Neog.
She added that Bristow will be focusing on the history of transportation in Westfield. He will take the audience through the evolution of footpaths, horse paths, railroads, and highways through the city. He will discuss the key routes throughout the city and how they tie in to Westfield’s history. Neog’s part of the lecture will be about how public transportation would work if the city were to ever implement it further.
“Public transportation is more sustainable,” said Neog, “I want to address what kind of demand there is for public transit in Westfield.”
Neog said that she has done studies to gauge the cost of public transit and what kind of interest there would be if it were to become available.
“It is not a conclusive study,” said Neog, “But it does show us where we are and where we’re going.”
Towards the end of the lecture, Neog will also discuss the significance of Pine Hill Cemetery in Westfield. She said that this topic spawned from a project she had with her students in which she surveyed them on their views towards cemeteries and how they perceive their importance. Neog said she wants to shed light on the role the cemeteries play in the community.
“Cemeteries are essential because there is that unfortunate end to everyone’s life,” said Neog, “After that, they are in need of eternal care.”
As always, these lectures are free for anybody to attend.
