Historical Society Receives Essex Heritage Grant

North Andover, MA - The North Andover Historical Society was one of 20 recipients of a Essex National Heritage grant this year.

The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage), in keeping with its long tradition of supporting the region’s unique cultural heritage, announced the 2016 Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program recipients at the Commission’s Spring Meeting in Newburyport on April 14. Over the next year, the 20 grant recipients will be working to implement a diverse range of educational, interpretive, and preservation projects throughout Boston’s North Shore.

“We recognize the importance of supporting local organizations” said Annie Harris, Essex Heritage CEO, “and we are proud that we are able to award twenty partnership grants this year – not only in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Congressional Act that designated the Essex National Heritage Area but also because we know that this seed money greatly impacts the region by leveraging more investments in Essex County.”

Inspired to create a shared community space, the North Andover Historical Society will enhance the historic landscape of its Parson Barnard House. Constructed in 1715 to house the first ministers of the nearby North Parish Church, the house is a significant example of First Period architecture. Working in partnership with the North Andover Garden Club, new permanent seating and interpretative signage will be installed to convey a sense of welcome to area residents and museum guests. The signs will incorporate QR code technology which will provide visitors with easy access to information about property and its prized 18th-19th century herb and dye garden.

Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that manages the Essex National Heritage Area by developing programs that enhance, preserve, and encourage recreation, education, conservation and interpretation projects on Boston’s North Shore and the Lower Merrimack River Valley. The Essex National Heritage Area is comprised of the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, MA. For more information, visitwww.EssexHeritage.org or call (978) 740-0444.