The Mattapoisett Historical Society's new exhibit puts the spotlight on a selection of creative, innovative and influential people with links to Mattapoisett who "made a difference."

Entitled "Mattapoisett's Movers and Shakers," the exhibit includes material on those whose work impacted the wider world and those who made a difference close to home.

Among those included in the exhibit:

Freddie Brownell’s inventions revolutionized boat storage and transport. His boat stands are now industry standards.

Charles Bryant was instrumental in the early years of Alaska’s development.

Artist and newspaper correspondent Francis Millet traveled extensively and rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous of his time.

Peter Duff’s boats were sold all over the world.

Huybertie Hamlin is remembered for her civic work in town.

John and Dorothy Hagen and Charles Stetson Mendell brought industry and jobs to the area with their manufacturing businesses -- rubber toys and electric switchboards, respectively.

John and Isiah Atsatt’s factory produced peanut roasters and provided work during a quiet period following the end of Mattapoisett’s ship-building era.

F. Gilbert Hinsdale saw how enhancements could be made to the tools used in swordfishing.

Joseph Hiller designed improved equipment to be used in coal processing.

Gladys Sherman Ellis decided to teach herself basketry, and invented a unique Mattapoisett style.

Allan Vaitses pioneered a method of putting fiberglass over old wooden-hulled boats, a previously unsolved problem.

The museum, located at 5 Church St., is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from to 1 to 4 p.m.

An open house to showcase the new exhibit will be held Thursday, July 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call 508-758-2844 or email info@mattapoisetthistoricalsociety.org.