Dear Friend of the Museum –

Two years ago, we shared a series of five views of the Amesbury millyard drawn by volunteer Michael Prendergast.

The views show the millyard as it evolved from 1792 to 2019. At first, the banks of the Powow River were lined with small, locally-owned mills powered by water. Beginning in the 1800s, investors built larger brick buildings with machinery powered by water, and then steam, and later electricity. Initially, workers in these mills made textiles for foreign markets. Amesbury was part of the thriving New England textile industry.

Then in the 20th century, as you can see in the drawings, new industries and ways of working emerged which had a profound impact on Amesbury’s industrial landscape.

Mike’s views are based on the research of the ACM Industrial Survey team who remain interested in documenting and illustrating the evolution of our industrial landscape.

We appreciate the work of the survey team and Mike Prendergast as we continue to explore and learn about Amesbury’s industrial history. And you will have a chance to see these maps as part of the new exhibits we are installing in the Industrial History Center which will be opening on October 15, 2021.

It is an exciting time for all of us at the Amesbury Carriage Museum. Thank you for your interest and support.

John Mayer, Executive Director
jmayer@amesburycarriagemuseum.com