November 12 is Essex National Heritage Area
Day
In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the
establishment of the Essex National Heritage Area,
the thirty-four cities and towns in Essex County have
joined together to proclaim November 12 as “Essex National
Heritage Area Day.” The proclamation
recognizes the role of the Area
and the Commission in preserving the
region’s valuable resources for the enhancement of
the economic well-being and quality of life for its
citizens.
Partnership Grant Spotlight On: Thacher Island Association |
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The twin lighthouses of Thacher Island have stood
off the coast of Rockport since 1771.
Providing support to the lighthouses are a complex of
keeper’s quarters, trails, oil houses, granite storage
buildings and slate roofed oil house and barn. The
principal keeper’s quarters have been the focus of
the three Thacher Island Association ENHC
Partnership Grants.
The 2002 and 2003 Partnership Grants the
Association received helped the organization re-side
and re-shingle the of roof the keeper’s
quarters. In the recently completed 2006 grant
project, the interior of the building was rehabilitated
to house living quarters and a visitor center space.
There is still some work to be finished next year, but
so far the project has been very successful. For
more
information about Thacher Island and the
work of the Thacher Island Association, click here.
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Commissioner Corner: Bonnie Hurd Smith |
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Prior to “officially” becoming an ENHC Commissioner
at October’s semi-annual meeting in Rowley, Bonnie
Hurd Smith has been active with the ENHC and its
partners for many years. Her extensive experience as
a consultant to the nonprofit sector and success in
several entrepreneurial ventures has allowed her the
opportunity to assume critical leadership roles in
several Essex County organizations. As a dynamic
team-builder grounded in scholarly and museum
practices, she has provided strategic interim
guidance to the Salem Partnership, Cape Ann
Historical Society and the Ipswich Historical
Society.
Bonnie’s contributions have greatly
contributed to building community involvement in
heritage organizations and initiatives. She is the
author and founder of the Salem Women’s Heritage
Trail and is currently assisting the ENHC in creating
an on-line guide to First Period Architecture in Essex
County.
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Upcoming - Metro Future Working Session Dec. 5 & 6 |
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Earlier this year, a briefing was held about
MetroFuture's projected outlook for the region
through 2030. Nearly 1,000 people participated
in discussions which have been integral to
shaping a strategy for Metro Boston's growth. We
hope you will consider participating in one of two
working sessions this December 5 & 6, titled
"Which Way to a Greater Boston Region?"
Metro Future's work has advanced significantly since
the June 2006 working sessions, where more than
400 people explored what the region's future might
look like if current trends continue.
At the December working sessions, three alternative
options for the region's growth will be unveiled and
participants can share which option they like best.
Input will be used to develop a recommended
strategy for Metro Boston - a strategy with
implications for transportation funding, state aid and
tax policy, land use, economic development and
other areas.
Working sessions will take place December 5 at the
Sheraton Ferncroft Resort in Danvers, and December
6 at Lombardo's in Randolph. Both events will run
from 5-9 PM (registration begins at 4:30 PM) free
dinner will be provided. RSVP
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Conservation & Recreation Campaign |
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ENHC was pleased to have Kathy Abbot, Director of
the Campaign for Conservation and
Recreation (CRC), as guest speaker at ENHC's
annual meeting in October. She and Associate
Director, Tom Philbin lead this organization which is
dedicated to ensuring that every citizen of the cities,
suburbs, and rural towns of Massachusetts has
access to affordable, clean, and well-managed public
land. The CRC's immediate goal is to increase
awareness among the general public, business
leaders, and key government officials of the declining
quality of our public spaces and to build a consensus
of support for increasing our investment in these
resources. The Campaign for Conservation
and
Recreation will be guided by an advisory board of
leaders who represent a diverse cross-section of
interests including the environment, education, public
health and safety, tourism, smart growth, business,
local officials, and user groups.
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National Trust for Historic Preservation Lends Support to ENHC |
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The ENHC is pleased to announce that earlier this
month the ENHC was awarded a $2,500
matching grant from the National Trust for Historic
Preservation’s Eastern Massachusetts Preservation
Fund. The grant funds will be used to create a guide
to First Period Architecture in the Essex National
Heritage Area. ENHC was among several grant
recipients selected in a competitive application
process from applicants across New England and
Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
In announcing the grant, National Trust Northeast
Regional Office Director Wendy Nicholas said, "With
these start-up dollars, the communities of Essex
County, Massachusetts, join the hundreds of other
communities across the country actively ensuring
that America's architectural and cultural heritage is
preserved."
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National Heritage Area Highlight: Path of Progress |
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The Path of
Progress is a 500 mile driving route which
winds through the hills and valleys of nine scenic
southwestern Pennsylvania counties. Authorized by
Congress in 1988, the Path of Progress links key
historical sites and diverse points of interest.
Many chapters of America's heritage story were
written along the Path of Progress as primitive paths
became roads, creeks became canals, and the need
for speed saw the advent of the steam locomotive
and rail system. Battles were waged, floods endured,
and the skills and determination of our people
transformed the region into a significant American
industrial center.
Coupled with our history and heritage, vast natural
resources, awesome scenery and an array of
recreational opportunities, the Path of Progress
experience offers countless options to both visitors
and residents.
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Upcoming Explorers Events |
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From Sail to Rail: The Phillips Family after Salem’s
Golden Age of Sail
Wednesday, January 17, 7PM Lecture to be held
at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little’s Lane,
Newbury, MA. Margherita M. Desy, site manager
of
the Phillips House in Salem, Historic New England’s
most recently acquired property, will detail the
workings of the Phillips Wharf, the coming of the
Salem & Lowell Railroad, and explore how Salem
adapted to the decline in shipping in the mid-19th
century.
Trains and Carriages - The Railroads to Amesbury
and Newburyport
Sunday, January 21, 2-3PM
At one time the Amesbury Railroad Branch was
the
leader - delivering daily, the highest number of 'horse
drawn carriages' manufactured - by train - every
night - to the USA and the world.
Our talk will discuss the growth of the railroad
industry in the Amesbury and Newburyport area and
reflect on its rich industrial heritage. After the talk
there will be a chance to examine the railroad
museum and the original Salisbury Point station. The
museum contains artifacts, maps and several model
train layouts. Salisbury
Point Railroad Historical Society is dedicated to
preserving (and enjoying) railroad history in North
Eastern Massachussetts.
Get more info here.
Email Sheilagh to RSVP.
Did you know...?
The Essex National Heritage Area is home to two of
the Commonwealth's oldest farms, Bartlett and Cold
Spring Farms, both in Salisbury, both established in
1650.
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Help us reach our goal!
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