September 13

The events of the Civil War and the abolitionist movement in the 1860’s brought tremendous transformations to the US. Lynn was home to many Union soldiers & abolitionists. This self-guided tour passes many sites tied to these histories of Lynn. Over 150 years later, some of these places resemble how they appeared in the 19th…

Explore Danvers through art in this ‘go at your own pace’ self-guided tour. Learn about our historical events and important figures in murals scattered around Danvers that were produced as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). These murals, one’s recent restoration funded by Danvers Rotary Club, tell some of the stories that make up…

Learn how one New England village built close to 4,000 wooden vessels; find a 1797 Paul Revere bell; discover the birthplace of the fried clam; learn about the grave robberies of 1818 as you step back in time to 16 historic sites on the Historic Essex Walking Tour! This self-guided tour has an online brochure…

Salem’s LOOKING UP at the creative and whimsical interpretations of these maritime history inspired figureheads. Over 30 “Ladies” are displayed on lampposts and in business establishments throughout downtown Salem. Each figurehead has it’s own unique story to tell about the sea. Whether literally focusing on the “Golden Age of Sail” or figuratively expressing maritime mysteries,…

Discover the natural beauty of the South Peabody Trail, a scenic network connecting nearly 300 acres of protected open space. Wander through peaceful woodlands and wetlands while spotting native plants, wildlife, and migratory birds that rely on this habitat throughout the seasons. Spring and Sydney’s Ponds provide a tranquil backdrop and an important refuge for…

Rope was used for rigging on ships and was a maritime necessity but was also needed in everyday life. When Henry Wadsworth Longfellow published his poem “The Rope Walk” in 1858 nearly every seaport had a building dedicated to making rope. The sights, smells and sounds of rope making were an everyday part of a…

Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Merrimack River, then wander through the Hand Tub House and the Toll House Museum at your own pace. Try to imagine what life was like here two hundred years ago. The Hand Tub House has been a central figure of the Rocks Village district since it was constructed in…

Explore Quarries, Beaver Ponds & the Underground Railroad: Join a guided 3-mile hike from the Pavilion lot on Middleton Rd in Harold Parker State Forest along the Bay Circuit Trail and Mystic Link Trail. Highlights include historic granite and soapstone quarries, a glacial erratic, beaver activity, ponds, the Skug River, an 18th-century cemetery, and Underground…

* Reservations Required

We will bird along the Hellcat Boardwalk, on Plum Island in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, to see many of the habitats in the Great Marsh and the birds that are there in the late fall.

See a colonial first period National Register listed house along with indigenous geometric painted designs on the beams and paneling. Learn about our fishing industry, the era of summer hotels, the inventions of the lobster trap and dory and the role that was played in the development of the airplane. We also have apotropaic markings…

Come join us for some fun on the water! No experience necessary. Depart from our private beach in one of our safe, stable kayaks or paddle boards and paddle around the historic Rockport Harbor for 30 mins. See lobster boats, Motif #1, the Rockport Break water, and the gorgeous Head Lands property. This is your…

* Reservations Required

This 1 to 1.5 hour walking tour covers the rich history of Rocky Neck Art Colony, showcasing the many artists who worked here, especially from the late 19th century to today. Artists such as Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, Augustus Buhler, John Sloan, Theresa Bernstein, Stuart Davis, and Emile Gruppe found artistic inspiration and community in…

* Reservations Required

Visit the Museum of Printing and take a tour through the history of printing and communications. Don’t be afraid to get inky and participate in our printing demonstrations too!

Humans have walked barefoot for thousands of years – why not follow in their footsteps? Join us at a local, foot-friendly park, with grass, asphalt, and smooth paths to start out on. We will offer guidance on best practices, what to watch out for, and do our best to make this a safe, healthy, and…

The Swampscott Conservancy will lead a walk through forested conservation areas from the dog park in Swampscott to Eagle Hill in Forest River Park, Salem. There are views over Thompson’s Meadow, a large marsh, and from Eagle Hill. Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome. Total distance is around 1.5 miles and will take about…

Come visit Newbury’s restored 1877 School House with all its original desks and charm. Nestled between the beautiful Parker River and Old Town Hill you will find Newbury’s Historical 1635 Lower Green home of Newbury’s first settlement. The Green and its surroundings are part of a newly formed Historic District and part of the Lafayette…

Please note that this event has been canceled.  Climb aboard the historic schooner Adventure for a harbor sail and living history experience. As you cruise Gloucester Harbor, a docent shares how fishermen worked from small dories on the Grand Banks—launching from schooners like Adventure. Hear true stories of risk, skill, and survival while sailing on…

* Reservations Required

This event has been rescheduled for September 20th. You can view the new event listing here.  While experiencing the beautiful rolling fields of Tattersall Farm, attendees will watch a live demonstration onf sheepherding with farm dogs. The sheepherder, Tim Molinara, will interact with the audience and will be available for questions.

Step back in time and experience the sights, smells, and flavors of colonial cooking! Join us for a drop-in Hearth Cooking Demonstration at the Historic John Ward House, where the past comes alive around an open fire. This demonstration brings traditional hearth cooking techniques out of the history books and into the fireplace. Watch as…

Indoor tour of the two-part mansion of Robert “King” Hooper, Marblehead’s most famous Loyalist, with a focus on his large family and the Revolution’s impact on all of them, including the former “King.” It’s a poignant story, with much social history. And it will note why he would have taken that stance in the very…

Ever wonder what a bobbin feels like being wound up with string? Or to quickly weave through thread to make a masterful design? Explore life in Amesbury’s mills during Trails and Sails at the Industrial History Center!