Preserving the Past: Why the Armory on the Assabet Matters
I’ve spent years photographing places that are easy to overlook. Old factories, abandoned ruins, and even chipped staircase banisters have shaped the way I see the world. They’ve also shaped the way I live my life. Yes, in case you didn’t know, my home is also a restored factory. So preservation is not just my passion, it’s my entire world.
In fact, there’s one place that’s especially close to my heart. The Armory on the Assabet in Hudson, Massachusetts. For years this stunning historical landmark stood empty just waiting for someone to restore it to its former glory.
And now, thanks to a group of devoted residents and the Hudson Cultural Alliance, the Armory finally has a second chance. Their mission is to create a dynamic center that engages, educates, and enriches the community through arts and culture. But they can’t do it alone.
History Needs Our Help
If you know my work, you’ll understand why this matters so much to me. You see, I never look at places like the Armory as beyond repair. What I see is character and craftsmanship etched into every corner. And countless memories that time has carved into every corridor. But once that kind of history gets destroyed, it can’t be rebuilt.
So to me, this project is more than a restoration. It’s about making sure the spirit of the Armory never fades, and giving future generations the opportunity to connect, learn, and create within its hallowed walls.
The good news? The project was recently awarded a $200,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. But in order to move the restoration forward, the community has to match that amount. It’s a massive goal, but with every contribution, the Armory comes that much closer to opening its doors again.
Turning Passion Into Action
When I first heard there would be a charity art auction in benefit of the Armory, it was a no-brainer… I had to contribute. That’s exactly why I’ve chosen to donate one of my favorite pieces, Vietato L’Ingresso. A photograph shaped by my love for forgotten places.
And when I found out that 100% of the proceeds would go directly toward breathing new life into the Armory, it made that decision even easier.
If this mission resonates with you the way it does with me, I'd love for you to be a part of it too. The Armory's donation page is live, and every contribution (no matter the size) brings us one step closer to welcoming the community back inside.
The Hudson Cultural Alliance has poured their hearts into making this vision real, and watching everyone rally around something so meaningful has been nothing short of inspiring. I can't wait to see what happens when the Armory comes alive again. When its halls are filled with voices, creativity, and the kind of energy that only a space like this can hold.
Because when we come together to fight for a landmark like this, we're not just preserving bricks and mortar. We're reclaiming a piece of our shared story.
So join us in making sure the Armory's story doesn't end here.
