What’s Going on Around the Essex Heritage Region in February
February is the shortest month of the year, so for this month I thought I would provide a column about Essex National Heritage Commission activities that came in short bursts of information. Under normal circumstances I write about some activity of the Commission that takes up the entire column and provides much detail about that initiative. This month will be different.
Chamber Executive Elected to New Position
We were pleased to learn that Bill Piercey, the Executive Director of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been elected President of the Massachusetts Association of Chamber Executives. We are certain that Bill will serve that organization in the same great way as he has always served this region.
State Representative from Beverly Files Scenic Byway Legislation
Ms. Mary Grant who represents and serves the City of Beverly in the Massachusetts General Court has filed legislation in the current session of the Legislature to establish another Scenic Byway in this region. Representative Grant’s legislation, endorsed by many other regional representatives would establish Routes 1A, and 127 running from Salem through Beverly, Manchester by the Sea, Gloucester and Rockport as the second Essex National Heritage Area Scenic Byway in the region. The first of these Scenic Byways covers Routes 1 and 133 from Newburyport to Gloucester and was approved in 2003.
ENHC Trustee Helping Tsunami Victims in Thailand
Joseph Milano, a member of the ENHC Board of Trustees from Lynnfield who owns the Union Oyster House in Boston also serves as the Honorary Royal Thai Consul General in Boston. In that role, he has been inundated with an incredible level of outreach offering support to the victims of the recent Tsunami in Southeast Asia at his office in Boston. Joe has acted as an emissary and clearinghouse for many in the region who want to make contributions to alleviate the suffering in that part of the world.
“Mass Moments” Launched
The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities recently launched the Mass Moments project-a daily almanac of Massachusetts history. Throughout 2005 radio listeners and Internet users will find a different story every day about events and people in the recorded history of Massachusetts. To sign up for the daily service, and receive information daily go to www.massmoments.com and follow the easy instructions.
Amesbury Mayor Serving in a Larger Role
Mayor David Hildt, the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Amesbury and one of the most engaged members of the Essex National Heritage Commission’s Ex Officio members has been elected President of the Massachusetts Mayors Association. We congratulate Mayor Hildt on his new assignment and are certain that he will bring his special leadership style to this new challenge. His efforts will be most positive for the Commonwealth, the region and the city he serves.
ENHC Web Site Revamped
When you are next on the Internet visit the updated and improved ENHC web site, www.essexheritage.org for a look at some new features. The ENHC Webmaster Jeanne Pickering has produced a visually pleasing site that provides new and topical information about what is happening all across the region, and offers ENHC products for sale.
ENHC Partnership Grant Applications Available on Line
The Essex National Heritage Commission is pleased to announce that 2005 Partnership Grant Guidelines and Application Form are available on www.essexheritage.org/partnershipgrant now. Funds will be available in five categories:
- After-School and Out-of-School Heritage Education
- Heritage Interpretation
- Heritage Preservation and Resource Stewardship
- Archives and Historical Records
- Trails and Greenways
National Trust for Historic Preservation Award
The Essex National Heritage Commission, along with several other Heritage Area’s around the country, recently received notification that they are recipients of the 2004 Restore America: National Preservation Award for its work to preserve and promote the historic, cultural and natural resources of Essex County.
Partnership with Commonwealth Progressing toward Conclusion
Late last month, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, who have partnered with the Essex National Heritage Commission to survey Heritage Landscapes in two dozen of the communities in this region, held a day long symposium to discuss findings to date. At the forum, held at the Topsfield Town Library, the objectives of the study were discussed and plans were made to develop an educational forum to be scheduled later in the year.
ENHC Continues to Seek Additional Funding to Enhance Programs
The leadership of the ENHC continues to work closely with the Northeast Legislative Caucus to develop plans to access funding to enhance and expand current initiatives. The ENHC also offers a comprehensive Corporate Partners Program that can be tailored to the needs of any local company. For more information on how your company can assist the ENHC in its work, please contact President Tom Leonard, Executive Director, Annie Harris or Director of Development Mary Williamson.