Essex Heritage Accomplishments
Since 1996, The Essex National Heritage Commission (ENHC) has championed the heritage development of Essex County by fostering public-private partnerships that enhance and promoting significant aspects of the region’s history, cultural heritage and character. A few of our most significant accomplishments include:
Partnership Grant Program
266 Partnership Grants totaling $1.45M, leveraging $5.74M in additional investment, made to communities and non-profit organizations countywide in the areas of Education, Interpretation, Preservation, Archives & Historical Records and Trail Development. More about the Partnership Grant Program
Border to Boston
An engaged regional coalition to promote and implement development of the Border to Boston Trail for bicycle and pedestrian recreation, in partnership with the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Program. More about Border to Boston.
Using Essex History
The highly successful Using Essex History program, a Teaching American History Grant, through the U.S. Department of Education, providing over 200 Essex County high school teachers with developmental seminars and instruction that builds curricula based on local historical assets. More about Using Essex History.
Area Guides
An ever-expanding series of thematic guides to the region, which connect residents, visitors and future stewards with heritage sites and encourage regional exploration. Themes range from Art Escapes and Birding to Farms and First Period Architecture. Guides are built with the cooperation of local experts and participating organizations throughout the Area.
Trails & Sails:
A Weekend of Walks and Water
Held on the last weekend of September, Trails & Sails is a weekend of free events spanning the region from the North Shore to the Merrimack Valley. Outdoor fans flock to the walks with local naturalists, historic preservationists relish the opportunities to see local places that are not often open to the public, ocean lovers thrill to the chance to put out to sea. Trails & Sails generate more attention to the historic sites, museums and trails within the Area than any other single program coordinated by ENHC. Learn more about Trails & Sails
Essex Heritage Explorers
The Explorers program helps residents enjoy the numerous historic, cultural and natural sites in the Area. Central to the program is the quarterly Explorers Guide, a thematic newsletter chock-full of information on events and places to explore throughout the region. Explorers also receive invitations to attend regularly scheduled events at sites, offering access not generally available to the public. More about Explorers
Visitor Centers
Essex National Heritage Area Visitor Centers work cooperatively with ENHC and the National Park Service to provide consistent and knowledgeable assistance to visitors about the region's myriad natural, historic and cultural resources.
History in the Making
A unique after-school program that combines history and art in an enriching experience for students of different ages and background, History in the Making (HIM) seeks to instill community pride and self-expression in children who have few opportunities to learn about the heritage of their communities. In its first six years, the program has served more than 200 children and given them both a sense of pride and a respect for others.
Heritage Landscape Inventory
Twenty-four communities participated in a unique, year-long program that brought together those interested in preserving the built environment with those working to protect land. Through a local developed inventory process, information and recommendations pertaining to threatened or unprotected heritage landscapes such as farms, cemeteries, rail corridors and "water's edge" properties are being incorporated into local and regional smart growth plans.More about Heritage Landscapes.
Coastal Trails Coalition
ENHC is a founding member of the Coastal Trails Coalition whose mission is to advocate for a public system of interconnected bicycle and pedestrian trails linking the region's unique coastal features with town centers, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs. ENHC staff provides leadership and technical support in visioning, fundraising and marketing. Coastal Trails Coalition website.
Scenic Byways
The Essex National Heritage Area Scenic Byway is a 24-mile route consisting of portions of Massachusetts Routes 1A and 133 extending from Gloucester Harbor to the Merrimack River and traversing six communities. The Massachusetts General Court enacted Chapter 117 of the Acts of 2003, designating the route as a state Scenic Byway, on November 20, 2003. The Essex National Heritage Commission led the effort for state scenic byway designation and continues to coordinate the byway planning effort as a resource to the six byway communities.
Corporate, Government
and Non-profit Partnerships
Affiliation with the National Park Service
ENHC's major partner is the National Park Service. In 2004, ENHC joined other NPS parks in Massachusetts to create an online "Traveler Information System," which provides information including maps and public transportation guides to the eighteen National Parks in Massachusetts. View the new travel guide
Alliance of National Heritage Areas
The ANHA is a national organization of that represents the 24 National Heritage Areas. The Alliance is a leading advocate for heritage area development in the U.S. ENHC plays a very active role and its Executive Director, Annie C. Harris, serves as Treasurer.www.nationalheritageareas.org
Preservation Mass
ENHC is a member of this statewide, private non-profit preservation organization dedicated to preserving the Commonwealth’s historic and cultural heritage. View the Preservation Mass website.
Investing in Community Partnerships
The ENHC has successfully built a thriving network of partnerships and collaborations, which have become an important catalyst for regionalism amid the independent interests of the 34 cities and town we support. The ENHC is at the table or leading the discussion on all issues of significance to the heritage resources in Essex County.
To accomplish our mission the ENHC is committed to building:
- Public awareness of these heritage resources through public events and activities;
- The capacity of non-profit and public organizations who own or manage these resources;
- Connections to the next generation and to more diverse audience;
- Partnerships to develop new resources and assets for the region to embrace.
Please help us continue this tradition of excellence and leadership. Your financial investment will enable you to:
- Increase local stewardship of the Area's important historical, cultural and natural resources;
- Encourage efficiencies and effectiveness in local non-profit organizations by supporting the training programs and partnership offerings;
- Enhance and expand program offerings run in partnership with the National Park Service that promote the region’s rich Maritime Heritage.
Your investment can be made in a variety of forms. Learn more here.