I wanted to send my sympathies to Mr. McCullough's family. It is a profound loss for the passing of such a father and grandfather, but it is also a loss to this country for a great historian and a man of profound wisdom has passed into the ages. A gentleman of his stature will not be seen again.

David McCullough was an exceptionally kind, generous, and visionary man, a fascinating raconteur, and along with his dear wife Rosalee deeply engaged in supporting the special character and needs of the Vineyard. Hie believed profoundly in the importance of the free public library for American democracy, and his support, both financial and symbolic, for the West Tisbury Free Public Library made an essential contribution to its successful renovation and expansion during 2010-2015. Despite the many demands on his time as a celebrated historical biographer and speaker, David committed to serve as the Honorary Chairman of the West Tisbury Library Foundation. His enthusiasm and charisma helped galvanize widespread island support for the building project and attract the many donations both small and large required for the job. When the American flag hung over their front door on Music Street, you knew that David and Rosalee were home, and despite the increasing amount of time they spent in Maine, Commonwealth Ave., and Hingham, one felt that Music Street, West Tisbury, and Martha’s Vineyard were always truly “home”. Vineyarders, lovers of public libraries, and fans of superb historical biography and the American story mourn his loss and will miss him greatly.

Having read 1776, John Adams (and watched the tv series) I just loved his work. Then I bought the Wright Brothers and read it over time on my balcony. He put you there in that book. I learned more history from Mr. McCullough than I did in school. I really enjoyed the Wright Brothers. I intend to read all the ones I have not read, as yet. I also saw him on tv several times and he was such a wonderful speaker and I liked that he called his little office on his property "world headquarters" and used a manual typewriter. By far my favorite author and I am sad that there will not be any more books!! My sympathy to all of his family. You must be so proud!

Mr McCullough in memoriam please may I be one voice for the many millions of silent whom's lives you have enriched. Readers, writers, historians, collectors of thought and artifacts have assimilated your research and body of compassionate work into their everyday. The humanity in which you present the triumphs and tribulations of leaders, visionary engineers and the common folk gives one pause to be a better member of society. Thank you for sharing your craft, personal work habits and love for your family with special attention and regard to the little ones. I am often reminded when seeking a more perfect word your sharing of the process in a petite windowed backyard writing cabin. Noting that if someone were to walk past and catch a glimpse in the window they would most likely see you seated just staring off. Deducing this man is just sitting not doing anything, as you attest that 90% of writing is thinking. May I one last time thank you for your honesty, integrity and sharing with the world your love of people, history of the United States, it's founders and leaders, scientists, engineers and affinity for your typewriter on which I write by no accident on one strikingly similar to yours, being a 1938 Royal Quiet. May you rest in peace knowing that your work will continue to enthrall and educate for many generations.