On October 18, 2005, Laurence C. Harrington, Senior Vice President of North Shore Bank, assumed the position of President of the Essex National Heritage Commission. Larry has been affiliated with the ENHC in a number of capacities including Commissioner, Trustee and Officer since 1997. Larry is working hard to increase visibility and support for the ENHC and has identified key priorities for himself and the organization in this new role including; securing Congressional reauthorization of ENHC's federal funding, cultivating additional financial support for the ENHC at the State level and encouraging the assistance of corporate and individual donors. The ENHC welcomes Larry as its new President and we offer our support and congratulations!

On November 21, the nonprofit advocacy organization, PreservatiON MASS, announced its annual list of Massachusetts' Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources. Three ENHA resources were on this year's list: Bradford College in Haverhill, the Rocky Neck neighborhood in Gloucester, and Wenham Town Hall. Earlier this fall, in a welcome reversal, Wenham residents voted to preserve the well-known North Shore landmark. Since the program's inception in 1993, 17 ENHA resources (individual and thematic) have made the list, including the Merrimac Hat Factory in Amesbury (1997), Newburyport's High Street (1999), and Danvers State Hospital (2001). The list is one of the first steps in focusing statewide attention on the condition of these historic resources and their importance to communities, and often serves as a catalyst for extensive preservation opportunities.

Designed by David Adler to be a Stuart-style English country house for Mr. and Mrs. Richard Crane, Jr., the Great House at Castle Hill was bequeathed to The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) in 1949. TTOR has partnered with ENHC in the past through the Partnership Grant program for the reconstruction of the Casino retaining wall in 1998 and to conserve the Paul Manship griffin sculptures in 2001. In 2003, the Trustees removed thirteen exterior busts depicting the Caesars of Rome to be conserved through a Partnership Grant. Now in its second phase, reproductions are being created for the exterior of the house so the originals will be protected from further deterioration. The house and surrounding 165 acres are beautiful for spring picnics and summer concerts, but it is also a magnificent place to go in the winter. TTOR holds many holiday events including holiday parties and open houses, even holiday parties for children. To sign up for these events visit the ENHC calendar.

From Tarrytown to Albany, explore the diverse sites and resources of the Hudson River Valley. Designated a National Heritage Area by Congress in 1996, The mission of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is to "recognize, preserve, protect and interpret the nationally significant cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley." Three themes help highlight some of the Area's stories and sites: Freedom & Dignity, Nature & Culture, and Corridor of Commerce. If you are planning a trip to New York or are looking for weekend getaway ideas, visit their website.
Take advantage of pre-planned trip itineraries or plan your own! Two upcoming events include: Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley and Holiday Tradition With a Twist at Wilderstein.

Administered by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) is a matching grant program supporting preservation of cultural resources listed in the State Register of Historic Places. By providing assistance to historic cultural resources MHC hopes to ensure their continued use and integrity.
Secretary of the Commonwealth, William Francis Galvin announced projects awarded an MPPF grant. Approved by the MHC at its November meeting, $1,000,000 will be distributed to municipalities and non-profit organizations across the Commonwealth, including four in the Essex National Heritage Area: Newburyport City Hall, Old South Church in Newburyport, First Congregational Church of Rowley, and the Congregational Church of Topsfield Meetinghouse.

On November 28, Mayor John Bell announced that the City of Gloucester was designated a Preserve America Community. A White House initiative enacted by the President in March 2003, Preserve America encourages and supports preservation and enjoyment of America’s priceless heritage. It directs federal agencies to seek partnerships with state and local governments to promote tourism, revitalize communities, create jobs and educate. Incorporated in 1873, Gloucester is America’s oldest fishing port. Since the early 1700’s, Gloucester’s fishing industry has been central to the American economy. Gloucester has also captured the imaginations of America’s finest painters, writers, and poets, from Fitz Hugh Lane to Winslow Homer, from Captains Courageous to The Perfect Storm. Rich in culture and maritime history, Gloucester is a thriving city of 30,218, with a working waterfront, diverse neighborhoods and emerging commercial and industrial base.