Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, Inc

Our Mission

Scenic beauty of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area exists to illuminate the diverse, rich identity of the Upper Housatonic River Valley region and to preserve and promote its historical, cultural and natural resources. We support, stimulate and advance the region’s economic vitality and quality of life, looking towards a sustainable future for the benefit of residents and visitors. This National Heritage Area facilitates collaboration with regional organizations, working as a catalyst for regional thinking.

The upper Housatonic Valley is noted for its scenic landscape and traditional New England towns. Writers, artists, and vacationers have visited the region for over 150 years, making it one of the country's leading cultural resorts. Encompassing 29 communities in the hilly terrain of western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut, the upper Housatonic Valley is considered by many to be the quintessence of a civilized, independent, and thoughtful retreat.

Many visitors and residents alike, however, are unaware of the underlying history and culture that have shaped and been shaped by the region's landscape. The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area has been created as a means of heightening appreciation of the region, preserving its natural and historic resources, improving the local economy and quality of life, controlling undesirable growth, and promoting the cleanup of the Housatonic River.

Dan Bolognani, Executive Director of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area

The valley has made significant national contributions through its iron, paper, and electrical equipment industries, its scenic beautification and environmental conservation efforts, and literary, artistic, musical, and architectural achievements.

BREAKING NEWS - NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA APPOINTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

April 11, 2004 ... The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area announced today the appointment of Dan Bolognani as its first Executive Director. Mr. Bolognani, a life-long resident of the area, has served on their Board of Trustees for the past five years, and has been the acting Executive Director for the past six months.

No stranger to the non-profit world, Dan has served on several regional Boards, ranging from public education to child care & after-school programs. He currently serves on the Board of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau and as Chairman of the Northwest CT Convention & Visitors Bureau. For the past 10 years Dan has managed operations and marketing at the Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, CT.

Board Chairman Ronald Jones expressed enthusiasm over the appointment, stating "the formal appointment of a Director is the next step in our plans to solidify the heritage area as a catalyst for preservation of the region's heritage assets". The National Park Service, the Federal agency through which heritage areas are created, has lauded the appointment, and has expressed it's support for this next phase of growth for the organization.

The 2007 Annual Report

Our 2007 Annual Report is now available. Download a PDF version for a snapshot of the past year's activities, and the plans for the year ahead. Download by clicking here.


Beckley Furnace, East Canaan, CT	Ashley House, Sheffield, MA	Lakota Dancer