Stover - CPA 3-16-2022_ Historic Northampton - Shepherd Barn Restoration Application.pdf3/16/22, 3:25 PM City of Northampton Mail - CPA 3-16-2022: Historic Northampton - Shepherd Barn Restoration Application
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=fec0f72d97&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1727400422762300783%7Cmsg-f%3A17274004227623…1/1
Sarah LaValley <slavalley@northamptonma.gov>
CPA 3-16-2022: Historic Northampton - Shepherd Barn Restoration Application
1 message
gerrit <gerrit@crocker.com>Tue, Mar 15, 2022 at 4:50 PM
To: Smolts123@yahoo.com, "Sarah LaValley, Preservation Planner" <slavalley@northamptonma.gov>
Dear CPA Committee:
As a long-time member and supporter of Historic Northampton -- and owner of a commercial space a ways down Main
Street from the museum -- I would like to add my voice to those urging the Committee to approve their application for
funding to complete restoration and adaptation of the Shepherd Barn.
For many years, I wondered what happens to important and impressive artifacts from Northampton's history -- the visible
signs (literal and figurative!) which embody the commercial story of our community.
A few years ago, Historic Northampton devised a creative plan to meet that curatorial challenge, and with support from
your committee among many funding sources, commenced work to do so while also introducing a new and evocative
gathering space to downtown.
As others have noted, in recent years Historic Northampton has not only carried out its core mission of preserving and
interpreting our history, but has also emerged as a vital and exciting contributor to today's community. They are weaving
together past and present, and expanding our city's knowledge and understanding of what 'history' means and to whom it
belongs.
A fully restored and fully realized Shepherd Barn display, performance, and gathering space can bring that vision to
fruition. I hope upon review of this thorough and well-founded application you will decide to grant the requested funds.
Sincerely,
Gerrit Stover
55 Fairview Avenue
17 New South Street/Old School Commons