Tom Foley Named New Admin of "All About Westerly" Facebook Page
The All About Westerly Facebook page, a beloved online space dedicated to celebrating the rich history of Westerly, RI, has a new leader at its helm—local historian and United Music School Director Tom Foley. With over 10,000 dedicated followers, the page has become a cornerstone for residents and history enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into Westerly’s storied past through an impressive archive of photos and insights sourced from the Westerly Historical Society, Babcock-Smith House Museum, and other organizations committed to preserving local heritage.
Tom Foley’s appointment as the page’s new admin is a passing of the torch from Jo Pendola, the longtime steward of All About Westerly and a beloved figure in the local history community. Though Jo will continue to make appearances and share her expertise, the page’s future is now in Tom’s capable hands. His deep ties to the town and passion for history make him the perfect fit to carry on this important work.
In a heartfelt message to the community, Tom introduced himself with warmth and humor, sharing his excitement for this new role:
"My name is Tom Foley, and it is my absolute pleasure and honor to be taking over the page from Jo Pendola, the amazing and inimitable Westerly historian. Don’t worry—Jo will still be checking in to say hello from time to time."
Tom’s love for Westerly runs deep—almost literally. Born at Westerly Hospital and raised in Bradford, he grew up in a house built by John Sullivan of the Sullivan Granite Quarry. In his words, “You might say I have Westerly Blue Granite running through my veins.” A proud graduate of Westerly High School’s Class of 2000, Tom is as much a Bulldog as he is a historian.
These days, Tom’s career has brought him to another local landmark—the United Theatre, where he serves as director of the UNITED Music School. His role at the theatre, which first opened in 1926, further fuels his fascination with Westerly’s history, particularly the town’s golden era of the 1880s. Tom is captivated by the stories of the town’s granite industry, when factories lined the Pawcatuck River, and Main Street was a bustling hub of commerce and culture.
But Tom isn’t just a historian—he’s a storyteller with a flair for bringing the past to life. His curiosity and dedication to uncovering forgotten narratives make him an invaluable resource for the community. In his introduction post, Tom invited followers to share their thoughts on the future of the page: “What would you like to see from this page going forward? I’m so excited for this new adventure!”
In addition to his new role as page admin, Tom will soon be launching a history-focused show with 321 Media, where he’ll take a deep dive into some of Westerly’s most fascinating chapters. Whether it’s uncovering little-known stories or exploring how the past continues to shape the present, Tom’s work promises to keep Westerly’s history alive for generations to come.
With Tom Foley at the helm, All About Westerly is poised to continue as a vibrant hub of local history, community connection, and discovery. His stewardship ensures that this cherished page will not only honor the past but also engage and inspire those who call Westerly home.
Stay tuned—there’s much more history to uncover!