3 minute read
From the Chair
Progress can be measured in an endless number of ways and increments. Sometimes significant momentum is immediately felt and noticed, but more often than not, change is seen most vividly when we examine the culmination of days, weeks, months, or even years of dedication and commitment to a particular goal. Reflection shows us how much has been learned and achieved – and how much work there is still to do.
Here at Historic New England, we are keenly aware of the power that time and intentionality can have on the ways history is recorded, shared, and experienced, which in turn, influences new goals we set for the future. And evident in this issue is our passionate commitment to making positive strides forward across all areas of the organization. From steps being taken to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change at our properties, to continuing to recover and share the stories of all those who lived across the region, to strategically diversifying our collection, and ambitiously expanding the reach and scope of the second annual Historic New England Summit in Providence, Rhode Island, there is much to be hopeful about for the future with many exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration on the horizon.
One major milestone was the announcement this June of Historic New England’s launch of a transformational redevelopment initiative in Haverhill, Massachusetts. We are reimagining more than three acres of historic buildings and vacant property in the heart of downtown Haverhill to create a cultural destination and dynamic mixed-use district anchored by the new Historic New England Center for Preservation and Collections. The goal of this new cultural district is multifaceted. Through creative exhibitions, innovative storytelling, state-of-the-art technology, and more, the Haverhill Center will reimagine how people experience history through our unrivaled collections and archives. By bringing new visitors to the area, this initiative aims to strengthen local and regional businesses, arts, environmental, and social institutions, and bolster revenue to the area. This bold undertaking is an ambitious step forward in fulfilling a major goal outlined in The New England Plan, Historic New England’s strategic agenda. All of us are excited and honored to be playing a role in bringing this initiative to life – one step, one story, and one experience at a time.
Each time we learn something new, bear witness to a voice not previously heard, or set our sights on a new goal, we move the needle of progress forward. There is much work still to be done and we are just getting started. I invite you to join us on this journey as we embark on this vibrant new chapter in Historic New England’s story. And I look forward to seeing you at our 2023 Summit on November 2 and 3 – turn to page one for inspiration!
With gratitude,
