PUBLIC NOTICE
Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of the Evergreens Environmental Improvements at the Emily Dickinson Museum
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded The Trustees of Amherst College in Amherst Massachusetts, a Sustaining Cultural Heritage College Collections grant (PF-260799-18) to renovate, restore and make improvements to the Evergreens, including the replacement and expansion of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306108. NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties. If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.
The Evergreens also known as the Austin Dickinson House is located at 280 Main St. Amherst MA 01002. The site is listed in the State Register of Historic Places (Massachusetts Historical Commission #AMH.448) and the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP # 66000363). The property is also within the Dickinson Historic District, a National Register District (NHRP # 77000182) and a Local Historic District (AMH.M). The historical significance of the house and historic district and their eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places is available at: https://catalog.archives.
Architectural
* reconstruct the area way foundation wall reusing the existing bluestone stairs and constructing a new wood plank bulkhead
* repair and repaint the brick and stone foundation masonry in the vicinity of the bulkhead and ramp
* install interior storm window panels and UV filtering shades
* selective plaster ceiling repairs utilizing traditional 3-coat plaster
* install an access hatch at the tower attic stairwell
* enhancement of attic insulation with added plywood catwalk
* selective roof repair, built-in gutter enhancement, additional drip edge flashing
* replace east chimney exhaust hood, stabilize upper chimney brick courses, install new chimney cap
* selectively replace all modern window and door weather stripping with traditional concealed stripping
Mechanical and Electrical
* install split heat pump system in basement
* install new gas boiler in basement to replacement two existing furnaces
* install new ductwork to serve existing floor registers and
* install new electric service and generator hookup from Homestead mechanical courtyard
* remove overhead electric system and provide new electrical conductors in conduits (conduit work completed)
* install Building Maintenance System (BMS)
In a letter dated May 26, 2022, Brona Simon, the State Historic Preservation Officer for the Massachusetts Historical Commission, determined that the proposed improvements to the Evergreen will have no adverse effect. Subsequently, NEH has determined that the project will have no adverse effect (36 CFR 800.5(b)).
As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to FPO@neh.gov. The deadline for submitting comments is Friday, June 24, 2022.
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