In 2026, the expansive ground floor of Historic New England’s historic, turn-of-the-century shoe factory in Haverhill, Massachusetts, will open to the public as an exciting new Welcome and Exhibition Center, the first stage of a major, multi-year cultural initiative to create the Haverhill Center. Join us for a preview of the imaginative opening exhibition, Shoe Stories: Past, Present, Future, which draws inspiration from the region’s incredible heritage of shoe manufacturing and design, and features objects and archival documents from Historic New England’s collection along with works from contemporary designers. Hear from members of the team and catch a glimpse into the creation of this world-class destination-in-the-making. 

Launching a Welcome and Exhibition Center

Vin Cipolla
President and CEO | Historic New England 
Carissa Demore
Vice President and Chief Policy Director | Historic New England 

Shoe Stories: Past, Present, Future

Michelle Finamore, PhD
Fashion and Design Historian and Curator 
Dr. Nora Ellen Carleson
Curator of Fashion and Decorative Arts | Historic New England 
Lorna Condon
Chief Curator | Historic New England 

Keynote Fireside Conversation

Stuart Weitzman
Founder & CEO, Stuart Weitzman
Michelle Finamore, PhD
Fashion and Design Historian and Curator