From the President

One of the joys of our work at Historic New England are the endless opportunities to learn and discover new stories. This issue of the magazine is no exception. Whether it’s delving into the history of a pair of fabulous yet practical late nineteenth-century winter boots, discovering why the state flag of Hawaii flies outside of Phillips House in Salem, Massachusetts, or the deep importance of shining light on the life of Caesar, an enslaved man who lived at the Sarah Orne Jewett House in South Berwick, Maine, new information is constantly being brought forward and shared across a variety of channels and at our thirty-eight exceptional museums across the region. The work never ceases, which we love, and it’s a delight to be on this journey of discovery together.

In November, the second annual Historic New England Summit provided the setting to learn from some of the leading voices in the fields of inclusive design, placemaking, education, housing equity, diverse landscapes, and many more. Over 630 participants, both in person and Livestream, took part in these conversations, bringing their voices, experiences, and insights to the table. Recordings of each session from the two-day convening are now available to view on our website, and I encourage you to discover, or revisit, these thought-provoking and inspiring discussions online and in this issue.

On the following pages, you’ll also find an exciting preview of the upcoming exhibition opening this June at the Eustis Estate. In The Importance of Being Furnished: Four Bachelors at Home, curator R. Tripp Evans shares his research on four homes and their creators. We can’t wait for you to learn about these extraordinary individuals, designers, and tastemakers.

It is a privilege to be surrounded by so many incredible voices and resources, and we are grateful for your contributions to this shared knowledge and your enthusiasm for the rich mission of our organization. As we learn, we adapt, and as we adapt, our horizons expand. We hope this issue inspires further exploration into the work Historic New England is engaged in across the region and beyond.

With gratitude,

Vin Cipolla, President and CEO