New at Old York
A sense of place
By Erica Holthausen
Development Director
One of the things that gives York such a sense of place is a commitment shared by many to preserve its local landmarks, like the Old Gaol pictured here, as well as its working landscapes and the natural beauty of the community.
Courtesy photo
My family landed in Guilford, Conn., in the 1600s and never left. Growing up, my grandfather would tell me that it didn't matter how far I traveled, I would always belong to this place and would always love the farm. In my adolescence, I didn't believe him - in fact, I was bound and determined to prove him wrong. At the earliest opportunity, I left New England to attend college in Washington, D.C. My parents referred to it as "the murder capital of the world." I couldn't wait to leave.
While I enjoyed living in D.C., and later Charlottesville, Va., I never really felt connected. I tried to learn about the history of the area and adopt the culture, but it wasn't mine. New England kept calling me home with promises of ocean air, beautiful architecture and a history that I could call my own. I moved back to New England, finally returning home and gladly finding that my grandfather was right all along.
I have always had a strong sense of place, developed through personal experience and knowledge, but also passed down through the generations. A sense of place also emerges as you gain knowledge of the history, geography and geology of an area, its flora and fauna and legends of a place. All five senses are engaged: you can see the white steeples of New England churches, hear the crash of the ocean off the coast of Maine, feel the snow on your face as you ski down the mountain at Sunday River, and taste the sweetness of June strawberries, August corn and fresh-off-the-boat lobster. But nothing brings me back to my grandfather's farm like the smell of all natural fertilizer - cow manure - recently spread on the fields!
Through time, shared experiences and stories help to connect place and people and to transmit feelings of place from generation to generation. Memories of personal and cultural experiences over time make a place special, helping you to define a place and anchor you in it. Developing a sense of place helps us to identify with our region, and with each other. It builds community and leads to more sensitive stewardship of cultural heritage.
I am drawn to York because of its strong sense of place, community and ongoing preservation of working landscapes, New England architecture, history and legends. Even for those of us from away, the unique character of this community is strong and quickly brings you into its embrace. As the new development director at the museum, I have been impressed by the knowledgeable and passionate staff, and am so fortunate to be a part of it all! The more time I spend at the museum, the better sense I have for the cultural heritage of this community. The resources here are extensive and designed to meet the needs of audiences of all ages. From genealogy to local lore, historic preservation to New England architecture, Old York leads the discussion on history, historic preservation and examining how our past impacts our present and future. Here, history is made relevant.
Wendell Berry once said, "You can't know who you are until you know where you are." This is not referring to the kind of location that can be determined by looking at a map or street sign. It refers to the kind of knowing that involves the senses, the memory, the history of a community or a family. It refers to the knowledge of place that comes from an intimate knowledge of the land, history and culture. The more I know of New England, the more I know about myself. It's good to be home.
