June 19, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
What new Hingham Downtown Association Executive Director Amy Brown loves most about the downtown area is that it offers “everything you need, all within a leisurely walk.”
Residents and visitors alike can “dine, shop, learn, exercise, or meet a friend in a quaint, cozy, quintessential New England setting that feels homey during any season,” Brown told the Hingham Anchor.
Her goals in her new role include protecting the beauty and history of downtown Hingham “while creating more opportunities for our community and visitors to engage with our downtown and each other,” she explained. “I want to help downtown Hingham reach its full potential, not only for our community but as a place where visitors can come and experience what makes us special.”
Brown’s goals are as simple as installing a bike rack in the center of town and as far-reaching as “reimagining the downtown business community as a destination for travelers from all over the world,” she said. “There is local history, the waterfront, and natural beauty amidst a diverse retail network of contemporary, classic, and eclectic restaurants and shops. The professionals and services anchor the downtown district with their offices.”
Supporting local businesses
While Hingham residents can easily visit a strip mall, big box store, or shop online, the community instead often chooses to support downtown businesses.
“Shopping local is not only about supporting our economy, but also about supporting our neighbors and friends,” Brown said. “As we know since the pandemic, social connections are essential for our well-being, and when you know business owners by name and feel as invested in their success as they are, you become part of something bigger, and that feels good. It’s something you can’t get from a chain store or corporate business.”
When the executive director position became available following Lynn Barclay’s resignation, Brown was enthusiastic about the opportunity to fill that role, feeling that her marketing, sales, events, and development experience would make her a good fit for the job. The HDA agreed, and she assumed her new role on June 1.
“I know I have big shoes to fill,” Brown said. “Lynn did an amazing job and has been very helpful in getting me up to speed.”
It’s all about supporting one another. “The more we can all get out of our homes and engage with our community, the better,” Brown said. “When you meet a new customer or owner, know your server by name, or run into a friend while doing errands downtown, it can change your whole day and sense of community.”
‘Expanding our horizons; making special memories’
That kind of local experience is what Brown hopes to preserve and enhance — including HDA’s signature events such as the Arts Walk and Christmas in the Square. “These help to expand our horizons and make special memories,” she explained. “Our local sponsors help us continue these traditions, and with their support, the HDA can in turn support our downtown.”
Brown, a 17-year Hingham resident who grew up in neighboring Scituate, has three children who have all attended Hingham Public Schools — two who have graduated and one a rising sophomore at Hingham High School.
She enjoys taking walks at Bare Cove Park and More Brewer Park with her friends, family, and dog, Dolly, in her spare time. “I love to create, cook, and spend time outside during any season,” she shared.
Brown, who has a small plant business, has offered pop-up shops locally for several years and works part-time at Acquire Good.
For updates on everything that’s happening in downtown Hingham, visit HDA on Instagram at @hinghamdowntown or their website, www.discoverhingham.com.
everything you need but the right time . That beautiful clock across the street from St. Paul’s church hasn’t had the right time in ten years . Pathetic