Exciting News!

We are excited to introduce Jessica Neuwirth, our new Director of Engagement and Interpretation, to lead the development of our programming in the Industrial History Center. Jessica is a deeply experienced museum professional and historian. Her last position was at the Providence Children’s Museum where she was an exhibit developer. To learn more about Jessica, we've asked her a few questions.

What are your initial ideas for the types of programs you would like to develop for children and families?

"I’d like to make sure that the programs we create for kids will be active and hands-on…and at the same time we want to connect kids and their adults to the history of Amesbury and to this unique place. So, I’m thinking of ways kids can tap into the history of all the industrial innovation that was central to Amesbury over the years. Making things—the wheels that ran the mills, the tools that were needed to fix the machines, the cloth and the car bodies--is something that many of us don’t know how to do any more but the skills needed to do this type of work are fun to learn. Activities that feature use of authentic tools and materials—guiding kids and their adults to use hammers, wire cutters, and all the supplies you might find at the hardware store to make puppets or simple machines is one way to make the connection to Amesbury’s past in a fun and active way.

I also think that art and history go really well together—making art helps kids express what they see and think as they learn about their world, and their community. I would like to develop programs that teach art skills in observation and self-expression while also helping kids to engage with all the remnants of Amesbury’s industrial past—the river that now flows under the city, the brick buildings and millyards."

What key learnings or experiences will you be able to apply from your previous role as exhibit developer for the Providence Children’s Museum?

"At the Providence Children’s Museum we believed in developing exhibits that gave kids the opportunity for free play—play that was child directed, open-ended, active and joyful. Kids learn a lot about their own abilities just by being able to be in charge of their own play, following their own interests and challenging themselves as they see fit. And kids who explore the world in this way learn to take charge of their own learning, building the basis for life-long learning. This kind of experience is really important and isn’t part of a formal education. So, I’d like to be able to bring this kind of open-ended exploration of Amesbury’s built environment to programs and exhibits that we develop in the IHC."

What are your impressions of our new Industrial History Center facility now that you’ve been with us for 2 weeks?

"I have always loved old buildings—I’ve been working in them for more than 20 years now—and I really appreciate the layers of history in the IHC. Every place where there used to be doors and windows, where the water from the river was diverted through the building, where people worked for more than 100 years is still visible, and at the same time the building is very modern and comfortable. It’s a great open space for exhibits, programs and even community gatherings. I see potential for changing exhibits and programs—ours and other community organizations, hosting community partners and events, along with showcasing the history of Amesbury in our permanent exhibitions."

Thank you Jessica for sharing your thoughts with us. We look forward to new programs and activities at the Industrial History Center!