Connecting to Place – Amesbury and Local History

Dear Friend of the Museum,

This view of the lower millyard was made around the peak of the carriage industry in 1895. Ten years later, the auto-body building industry was taking over the industrial focus of Amesbury – a major change in worklife. (Courtesy of the Amesbury Public Library, Local History Collection.)

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the value of our connection to community. Now that we are social distancing – this is one of the shared experiences we are deeply missing. And like me – I am sure you are desperate for what is not available – the daily routine of work or school, the ability to move freely about, and the opportunity to see the many people who are part of our neighborhoods, our downtown, and the businesses we support. The day is coming when we will once again connect in these familiar ways.

An aerial view of Market Square from March, 1928. This view was published in the Mutual Tattler – the monthly magazine of the Biddle and Smart Co.

All around us is the fabric of our communities – the built environment that was shaped by the many people who came before us. The landscape is impressed with the events of the past. The cycles of boom and bust leave their mark. And the people who experienced these changes have their stories to share. It is an understatement to say that we all are building a collection of new stories for the narrative of our community. Hang in there – we will get through this. I can imagine quite a celebration (even at a safe distance) when we begin again.

Still working, but in a different way. While our offices are closed and our programs are paused, there is much activity behind the scenes. Like everyone else in the world, we are using online video conferences to support the work of committees and volunteer groups. I am so grateful for our dedicated team members who have adjusted to this new way of working.

Thinking about the future. For museums - public interaction is essential. This is why we exist. Closed for the near term, and without attendance or program participation, museums are exploring new ways to present programs.

Using online meeting tools, we may find ways to engage people before and even after we begin our operations. Learning these techniques may become a lasting dimension of our programs. Every one of our committees is exploring opportunities to share our work digitally. In some way, I believe this will become part of our programs as we move forward.

Learning more and more history. A great pleasure for many of us is the research and study of Amesbury history. The industrial survey group has several projects underway – the study of industrial buildings (the Counting House in the heart of the millyard, and the Biddle & Smart building at 29 Water St.) and preparation for a new program on the early industries of Amesbury. Which will include a look at the water-powered mills of the 17th and 18th centuries – new territory for all!

And our Collection Committee is developing plans to secure a standard software program that would make a complete catalog of our collection accessible to all. And we will soon have assistance in organizing our library from the State Historic Records Advisory Board “Roving Archivist” program. These two initiatives will establish a solid base for our museum and library collections.

New board and committee members. Recently we welcomed Tom Murphy to the Board of Directors. Tom has been part of the industrial survey group and has served on the Finance Committee. He has a great passion for Amesbury history and a high standard for excellence, qualities that will support our growth.

Also, we have added to our committees – local businessman Wayne Barbaro has joined the Finance Committee; Sean Palmatier, Assistant Director of the Custom House Museum to the Collections Committee; nonprofit expert, Janice Valverde to the Development Committee; and educators Ruth Boehl and Greg Noyes to our Youth & Family Program Committee.

These new members are part of the growth of our organization. We welcome their fresh perspective and enthusiasm for our mission and vision. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about how you might volunteer.

Sharing a link. Volunteer Brianna Shipley authored an interesting article exploring community resilience – a timely theme for sure. The article was published in the April 1 edition of Northshore Magazine. The article includes video clips by drone photographer Jon Almas and quotes from several museum friends.

Your support Is essential for our future. In closing – I remain grateful to all who are part of our organization – the members, donors, volunteers, and staff. And if you are not already, please join us - become a member or a sponsor today. Your support will do much to ensure our future.

Please reach out with your thoughts about the ACM or the events of the day.

Best wishes to all - -

John Mayer
Executive Director
jmayer@amesburycarriagemuseum.com