Revere Beach has always belonged to the people
RevereBeach.com carries that spirit online, preserving local history, connecting the community and helping each new generation experience America’s first public beach.
Founded by Bob Upton
A digital home for Revere Beach
Bob Upton developed the idea for RevereBeach.com in 1997, when the public web was still taking shape. Earlier audio and videocassette projects about the beach’s history showed him how many photographs, memories and community stories deserved a permanent home.
Historian Peter McCauley was a mentor and primary source of inspiration. Artist Norman Gautreau, local historians, community organizations and Mike Jandreau of MJJ Designs also helped shape the site across its early generations.
A beach landmark. A digital landmark.
The story in milestones
The people’s beach opens
Revere Beach becomes America’s first public beach, founded on public access to the shoreline.
Stories become recordings
Bob develops audio and video projects that document the beach and the people who remember it.
RevereBeach.com launches
A digital-only community resource begins collecting history, photographs, events and local knowledge.
Preservation meets renewal
The platform is being restored for better discovery, visitor tools and sustainable community participation.
Founder profile
Bob Upton at a glance
His work around Revere Beach spans digital publishing, public service, local business leadership and historical preservation.
Revere roots
A Revere native and lifelong beach enthusiast, Bob’s personal memories of the shoreline shaped his commitment to preserving it.
Digital pioneer
He launched RevereBeach.com in 1997 as a digital-only outlet devoted to the beach, its history and its community.
Public and civic service
Bob is a retired U.S. Army and Army National Guard service member, a longtime Veterans Services Officer and a former President and Executive Director of the Revere Chamber of Commerce.
Historical stewardship
Through the Revere History Museum, he has served as a curator, administrator and steward of an extensive collection documenting Revere Beach.
On the Beach
Five questions with Bob Upton
This original interview is preserved for its historical and personal value. Open each question to hear Bob describe the site’s beginnings, what makes the beach special and the memories that still stay with him.
How did the idea for RevereBeach.com come about?
It was inspired by my friend and mentor, Revere Beach historian Peter McCauley, as well as noted artist Norman Gautreau. Their knowledge and stories sparked my interest in making the rich history of Revere Beach available online and giving all of us a place to share our memories.
What makes Revere Beach so special?
Revere Beach is the people’s beach: accessible, welcoming and a place to meet, have fun and enjoy the coastline. Its history is filled with music, rides, attractions, food and entertainment, and I believe we are seeing a new renaissance along the beach and throughout Revere.
Are you excited about the beach’s transformation?
Yes. Revere Beach continues to draw thousands of people, now joined by new restaurants, hotels and popular activities such as the Kite Festival, International Sand Sculpting Festival and Bocce on the Beach.
Is Revere Beach a true visitor destination?
Absolutely. Its history, coastline and proximity to Boston, Logan Airport and major routes make it a natural destination for visitors from across New England and beyond.
What memory of Revere Beach stays with you most?
Taking the blue bus to the beach, hearing riders scream down the Cyclone’s first drop, and smelling the food near the ice cream stands. Those memories stay with you. Today’s community is creating new ones for generations to come.
Restoration and modernization
Will Deady and the next evolution of RevereBeach.com
Will Deady of The Deady Group is leading the current website modernization and reconstruction. His work builds on Bob Upton’s original foundation while providing the next evolution of RevereBeach.com, protecting historically valuable content and improving the site’s structure, mobile usability, search visibility, local directory and community event platform.
Ownership and stewardship
One story, carried forward
RevereBeach.com is owned and published by MediaTeamUSA LLC. Bob Upton remains its founder and operator, with Will Deady of The Deady Group leading the current modernization and reconstruction and guiding the platform’s next evolution.