June 2023
Arcaeologist Eric Johnson and Archivist Kit Curran have submitted their report on four industrial sites of interest in the Mill River Recreation and Conservation areas. This fascinating report details the history of North Amherst and Cushman and how the sites fit into the landscape as it was changed over time for manufacturing purposes. Volume I contains the text, Volume II the figures including many annotated photos and outlines of the sites. This exhaustive endeavor will serve as DONA develops the History Trail as well as a valuable reference to future historians of Amherst.
The Mill River Historic Trail Committee has begun work to develop a marked trail highlighting the remains of mills and other buildings along the Mill River in North Amherst. The initial section of the trail will be between Puffer’s Pond and Cushman. With Archivist Kit Curran, Archaeologist Eric Johnson is researching the records for background information and identifying the site locations. In the plans are signage that marks and annotates the ruins and places them in their historical context. If you are interested in participating, indicate your interest to ContactUs@amherstdona.org.