WHAT WE DO
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORY INITIATIVES
Massachusetts is the Cradle of the American Industrial Revolution. We fund educational history and preservation projects along the MCRT corridor–and eventually along trails that network with the MCRT.
We will fund Historic Preservation projects along the MCRT corridor –and eventually trails that directly connect to the MCRT.
Restoring, renovating, or replicating lost mile-markers and other distinctive railroad signaling features or signage.
HISTORICAL INITIATIVES
Kiosks illustrating then-and-now by calling out forgotten villages and early industrial sites and by showing contemporary changes in the land.
QR code signage offering in-depth historical information along the entire corridor, accessible via smartphone scanner, leading to links to our website with detailed material about locales along the trail
SMALL, QUICK, TARGETED, FEASIBILITY
STUDIES
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VIA SMALL, QUICK FEASIBILITY STUDIES
The MCRT has been identified as a high priority for the Commonwealth’s trail and greenway system in numerous visions and statewide planning documents. The Massachusetts Historical Commission has also written several letters regarding the MCRT’s buildout to ensure that the extensive historic resources along this corridor are not only preserved but called out by the creation of a historic district in some places along the MCRT.
A new Mass DOT Feasibility Study (March 2021) examines ways to reassemble the missing pieces of the original Mass Central corridor. Such obstacles have been identified—and work-arounds can be created. Our organization guides citizen initiatives to these areas and funds jump-start projects that connect to the MCRT.
There are several projects that connect to the MCRT that can use this effort. We envision using the technical expertise and capability of Conservation Works LLC.
A FREE, MONTHLY, E- NEWSLETTER
Since early 2017, we have published a monthly, newsletter with a circulation of over 10,000 people regionally. It provides very readable up-to-date news you can use and newspaper stories about rail trail developments in our neck of the woods.
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Constant Contact, our web host, names our newsletter in the top 10% for reader engagement in their worldwide client base.
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Click here to subscribe to our free and fun newsy newsletter.
In the coming weeks we will be developing a protocol for groups or communities who would be interested in submitting grant requests. We will be announcing that in an upcoming e-newsletter.
KIOSKS FOR HISTORY
MILE-MARKERS
ONE OF THE FIRST PROJECTS THE NN HELPED FUND WAS THE FAMOUS MURAL ON THE MANHAN RAIL TRAIL IN EASTHAMPTON. THIS WAS DONE BY MURALIST NORA VALDEZ AND THE CHILDREN OF EASTHAMPTON IN 2002. THIS IS A PROJECT THAT IS WELL LOVED BY THE COMMUNITY.
HOW WE DO IT
The Norwottuck Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Donations can be made by clicking the DONATE button below, linking you to our donations host, Guidestar’s portal, Network for Good.
If you prefer to send a check, please make it out to the 'Norwottuck Network' and send it to:
Craig Della Penna
62 Chestnut Street
Florence, MA 01062