A Community Catalyst
The Historic New England Center is a redevelopment project in downtown Haverhill, Massachusetts, where we are transforming two historic industrial buildings and surrounding lots into a campus dedicated to preservation, research, and public engagement with New England’s history. Located in former shoe factory buildings, the project brings our collections, preservation work, and visitor programming together in a single location.
One building houses our primary collections facility, with specialized storage, conservation labs, and archival spaces were we care for more than 125,000 objects and over 1.5 million archival materials documenting the region’s architecture, design, and everyday life. In the other building, the Welcome and Exhibition Center introduces visitors to our collections through exhibitions, educational programs, and events, creating a public gateway to our work and to the stories preserved at The Historic New England Center.
A Building with a History
The Historic New England Center’s story begins in a 1912 reinforced concrete shoe factory in Haverhill, Massachusetts, originally built for strength and durability—qualities that later made it ideal for preserving history. In the 1980s, Historic New England chose this former industrial space to house its growing collections. Located within the Hamel Leather National Register Historic District, the building allowed our unparalleled collection to be carefully safeguarded and thoughtfully managed. As the collection grew and preservation practices evolved, Historic New England purchased the building and an adjacent lot in 2006, laying the groundwork for long-term stewardship. In 2023, we expanded by acquiring the neighboring historic factory and two additional open lots. The expansion marked a new chapter: We established The Historic New England Center for Preservation and Collections, a space dedicated not only to caring for collections but also to welcoming the public into our work.
Looking Ahead
Opening The Historic New England Center marked an important milestone in transforming the former industrial buildings into a vibrant cultural destination. What was once a site of manufacturing is becoming a place of gathering, learning, and exchange. As planning continues, The Historic New England Center will develop as a hub for exhibitions, research, education, and community fellowship. We invite our neighbors in Haverhill—and visitors from across New England and around the world—to explore our collections, find their stories, and help shape the future of preservation in the region.
About Historic New England
Our Mission
We save and share New England’s past to engage and inform present and future generations.
Historic New England is one of the largest and most comprehensive independent preservation organizations in the United States. We welcome the public to thirty-eight exceptional museums and landscapes and operate a major collections and archives center in Haverhill, Massachusetts, that cares for the world’s largest collection of New England artifacts, comprising more than 125,000 decorative arts and objects, and 1.5 million archival documents. Engaging education programs for youth, adults, and preservation professionals, and award-winning exhibitions and publications are offered in person and virtually. The Historic New England Preservation Easement Program protects 129 privately owned historic properties throughout the region.
Every day, we are dedicated to engaging audiences in New England and around the world, fostering appreciation for our region’s heritage and its contributions while inspiring discovery and connection.
Our Approach to Preservation
Historic New England believes in the power of historic preservation to help transform neighborhoods and communities and stimulate greater wellbeing for everyone. The collection and preservation of buildings, landscapes, objects, and archival materials underpin everything we do. Our approach to caring for these resources is grounded in the belief that good preservation enables inclusive access to immersive experiences that educate and inspire. Preservation brings the past into the present and makes it relevant, inviting people to explore the many stories, experiences, and communities that have shaped the region. It encourages a deeper understanding of New England’s history and its place in the wider world.
Your Gateway to History
The Historic New England Center in Haverhill is a gateway to Historic New England’s thirty-eight historic sites across the region, ranging from two-hundred-year-old coastal farms to the Modern masterpiece Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus School, designed as his family home. Through year-round programs, festivals, tours, and learning opportunities, Historic New England sites offer inclusive, honest, and authentic history.
Join Us
Becoming a member of Historic New England means joining a community that values preservation, curiosity, and shared history. Members enjoy access to thirty-eight historic sites, invitations to special programs and events, and opportunities to engage more deeply with the collections and stories that shape the region.