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National Heritage Designation for Upper Housatonic River Valley
Following a two-year study of the Upper Housatonic River Valley in Connecticut and Massachusetts, the National Park Service has concluded that the area meets the cultural and public interest criteria for being designated as a National Heritage Area. Dr. James O'Connell, author of the newly released report, stated that designation would "heighten appreciation of the region, preserve its natural and historic resources and improve the area's economy and quality of life."
The relatively new National Heritage Area program seeks to preserve and celebrate nationally significant regional cultural, historical and natural heritages. The federal government, through the National Park Service, provides technical and financial support for locally owned and initiated projects. Congress has recognized 23 such areas, three of them in New England. The Upper Housatonic Area would run from Kent north to Pittsfield.
Copies of the report are being distributed to heritage organizations, local and state governmental authorities, local business groups and other interested participants for further comments and planning. The report may be found on the Internet at <www.nps.gov/boso/upperhousatonic>.
Ron Jones, Chairman of the Upper Housatonic Valley Heritage Area, Inc., the not-for-profit regional coordinating group, noted that "this is a major step in our efforts to achieve the many benefits of Congressional designation." Mr. Jones recently met in Washington with aides of Representatives Nancy Johnson and John Olver and of Senator Joseph Lieberman, and with members of the National Park Service staff.
Prior to filing the report with Congress, the Park Service will hold three public meetings to receive comments and additional thoughts. The first will be on Wednesday, January 15 at the Salisbury Town Hall; followed by a Thursday, January 16 meeting at the Stockbridge Town Hall. Both of these will begin at 7 p.m., and all having an interest are encouraged to attend. The third meeting will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 18 at the Berkshire Atheneum in Pittsfield.
Dr. O'Connell reviewed many broad aspects of the region's heritage, finding four themes especially worthy of heritage attention. The area has long been known as America's "Lake District," home to past and present authors, artists and musicians. The nationally significant contributions of the iron and paper industries have led to the development of industry heritage trails. These combine with the very special natural landscape, including areas reclaimed from the earlier industrial predations. Finally, the independent spirit of an area once referred to as America's "Fourteenth Colony" calls for recognition.
"This is a wonderful opportunity," noted Mr. Jones, "but it will take a continuing effort by all of the communities to make it work." The Upper Housatonic Heritage Area group will continue to work with local heritage and environmental organizations, local and state governmental officials, businesses, schools and others interested in receiving the designation and working with the Park Service to obtain support for local preservation projects. "We will have a wonderful federal-local partnership for preserving and celebrating local projects," added Mr. Jones.
Copies of the report will be distributed during December and may be requested by contacting UHVHA, Inc. at PO Box 493, Salisbury, CT 06068. For more info call Dr. James O'Connell of the National Park Service at 617-223-5222; or Ronald D. Jones of UHVHA at 860-435-9183.
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