letter of support for Historic Northampton grant request 3-28-24.pdf
44 Willow Street
Florence, MA 01062
617-959-1437
patrick@playsinplace.com
www.PlaysInPlace.com
March 28, 2024 Brian Adams, Chair
Community Preservation Committee c/o Planning & Sustainability City Hall 210 Main St Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mr. Adams, I’m writing to express support for Historic Northampton and their request for funds to study the history and condition of the Parson’s House, as well additional study of the Shepherd House. I’m
a relative newcomer to Northampton, but I have been impressed by Laurie Sanders and Betty Sharpe’s careful stewardship of Historic Northampton. Our community is lucky to have two such capable and forward-looking people helping us access our own history. My theater company, Plays in Place, was fortunate to work with Historic Northampton last year
to create Pulling at the Roots, a series of three one-act plays set at and staged on the Historic Northampton property. Our show helped inaugurate the re-opening of the Shepherd Barn, and we were all delighted by the depth of enthusiasm shown by audiences who were eager to explore just a few of the stories that have helped shape this place over the centuries. The work requested in this grant is another steppingstone for Historic Northampton to develop and utilize the
buildings on their property to provide a continued exploration Northampton’s origins and development. I hope you will grant them the requested funds and continue the organization’s multi-pronged efforts to strengthen and inform and engage the people of Northampton.
Sincerely, Patrick Gabridge Producing Artistic Director
Plays in Place