Nurturing an
Enhanced Sense of Place
AMHERST VILLAGE HISTORIC DISTRICT, AMHERST, NH
About Us
Promoting a place-based identity for forty-five communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire that share a uniquely American story.
Founded in 1994 as a non-profit organization, the Freedom’s Way Heritage Association is identified in the enabling legislation for the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, enacted March 30, 2009, as the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area.
As a partnership endeavor, the Freedom’s Way Heritage Association serves as facilitator, host, and guide for heritage area-wide presentations, activities, and initiatives that recognize and preserve the unique identity of the region. We are committed to promoting, preserving, enhancing, and curating the natural, cultural, and historical resources that define its sense of place.
We are a catalyst for communication and collaboration. Strategic and entrepreneurial, we promote a place‐based identity for the region working with partner organizations to fulfill our mission. As one of only sixty-two National Heritage Areas in the United States, we tell a distinctly American story unique to this region and inclusive of the multiple perspectives of those who live and work here.
Mission & Vision
We connect the people, places, and communities of the Heritage Area through preservation, conservation, and educational initiatives to protect and promote our shared resources and encourage residents and visitors to explore our landscape, history, and culture.
The Heritage Area is a place where people are inspired by the historical and intellectual traditions that underpin the concepts of freedom, democracy, conservation, and social justice. Building upon this legacy, we collaborate to create strong communities and support a regional identity.
Four goals established in the management planning process guide our work.
1. To foster a culture of stewardship to preserve the natural, cultural, and historical resources of the Heritage Area as a legacy for future generations.
2. To engage and collaborate with organizations, interests, and individuals to create a shared regional vision as a living link across landscapes, history, and time.
3. To promote sustainable communities throughout the Heritage Area that reinforce its character and sense of place.
4. To inspire generations of lifelong learners through innovative educational and interpretive initiatives that connect stories – past and present – to residents and national and international visitors.
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, LANCASTER, MA
2025 Board of Directors
- Franca Barricelli, President
- Heather Leavell
- Kara Fossey, Treasurer
- Peter Lowitt
- Suzi Fonda, Clerk
- Sara Siskavich
- Jane Becker
- Kisha Tracy
Staff
Patrice Todisco, Executive Director
ptodisco@freedomsway.org
Desiree Demski-Hamelin, Deputy Director
dhamelin@freedomsway.org
Congressional Delegation
- Senator Maggie Hassan (NH)
- Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-05)
- Senator Ed Markey (MA)
- Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02)
- Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH)
- Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02)
- Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA)
- Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06)
- Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03)
Highlight
What is a National Heritage Area?
Partner Spotlight
Minute Man National Historical Park
