Tierney Announces Legislation Directing the National Park Service to Study a Salem Maritime National Historic Site

The following was submitted by the Essex National Heritage Commission

The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) held its Annual Spring meeting Tuesday at the Shalin Lui Performance Center in Rockport.

U.S. Congressman John Tierney attended the meeting and announced legislation that directs the National Park Service to conduct a study for a Salem Maritime National Historic Site boundary study proposal. The boundary study proposal would allow the National Park Service at Salem Maritime National Historic Site to provide programs, heritage preservation and resources to a larger region.

In his remarks to more than 100 meeting attendees, Congressman Tierney congratulated Essex Heritage Executive Director Annie Harris and President Emeritus Tom Leonard for their successes in improving economic development, creating jobs, and preserving resources within the Heritage Area since 1996. In an effort to continue that momentum, the Congressman said his proposed legislation will direct the National Park Service to conduct a study in Salem and along Essex County’s southern coast to determine the suitability and feasibility of including portions within the boundary of the National Park Service’s Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

The study will look at the nationally significant historic resources on the lands in and abutting greater Salem Sound that are currently in public ownership or places where the public is welcome, and evaluate the ways in which the National Park Service may be able to support and expand the interpretation, education and heritage preservation programs that are currently only offered at Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

“The 6^th Congressional District is home to many unique historic, cultural and natural resources, which are studied, visited and treasured. These resources are also critical to economic development and job creation.  As one who has long supported the Essex National Heritage Area, I was pleased to announce this important legislation at today’s meeting. Annie Harris and her team at the Essex National Heritage Commission deserve credit for championing the extension of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site’s boundary. This legislation is the necessary first step in advancing this concept,” said Congressman John F. Tierney. 

“Congressman Tierney has been a tremendous advocate for Essex County, which has the distinction of being one of the earliest heritage areas in the country,” said Essex Heritage Executive Director Annie Harris. “Today’s announcement is an example of his support to expand efforts to preserve and promote the historic, cultural and natural resources in Essex County as well as broader areas of the North Shore.”

Also during the Annual Meeting, a warm welcome was given to Essex Heritage President Emeritus Tom Leonard, who made his first public appearance following a long recuperation. In addition, three regional leaders were welcomed as new Essex Heritage Commissioners: John Farmer, Senior Vice President & Director, Managed Assets, Eastern Bank; Susan Moulton, President, Moulton Consulting; and Peter Webber, Rockport Division Manager, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. They join a group of 150 civic and business leaders representing 34 communities within the Heritage Area who serve as ambassadors and help advance the Essex Heritage mission. 

Director of Heritage Development Bill Steelman reported on the progress of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway and the completion of the Corridor Management Plan (CMP) and Report Summary. The Coastal Byway is an 85-mile, state-designated route linking 13 coastal communities between Lynn and Newburyport. It encompasses the maritime communities of the Heritage Area and leverages the route’s unique and nationally significant heritage to generate economic and quality of life benefits for the region. State Senator Bruce Tarr and 19 community members of the Coastal Byway Corridor Advisory Group (CAG), a volunteer initiative steering committee, were recognized.