September 22

The Fay’s Estate (original spelling) area of Lynn, also known as Lynnmere, was the site of the Lynn Mineral Springs Hotel from 1803 until it was torn down in 1916. It was, as has been quoted in Lynn History books, “a mecca for Bacchus and Venus.” It was a playground for the wealthy of that…

Amesbury Oktoberfest runs from 9/18 – 10/3 featuring fun events, delicious food, and top-notch beer. Enjoy a 21+ beer garden, local food, and community fun. Explore downtown Amesbury’s shops and restaurants while celebrating with live music, thanks to our sponsor Munters Corporation! The festivities will kick off with a live oompah band in the Upper…

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,…

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…

Hike the Freeman Memorial Trail at the Whittier Birthplace. This approximately half mile hike starts at the stonewall by Whittier Road, loops around the museum, up into the woods, across the fields, down to the apple trees, and ends across the street at the Welcome Center. Please come dressed to walk over grass, tree roots,…

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of 50 site specific outdoor sculptures at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Sept. 20th – Oct. 16th (opening reception Sept. 27th @ 2pm). Trail head signs will provide catalogs with photos, sculpture locations, artist bios, and statements about each work. Celebrating its 26th year, Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay is the…

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…

Happy 250th, America and Happy 300th, Methuen! As we continue to celebrate our nation’s birthday, we’re looking back at the Bicentennial memorabilia of 1976. Methuen’s own Bicentennial Man, local historian Thomas Spitalere, will have some of his collection of Bicentennial memorabilia on display in the great Hall. This is one of the largest collections in…

Availability is limited; reservations are required in advance. Trails & Sails guests enjoy complimentary Self-Guided Tours to explore the incredible collection and grounds of Hammond Castle Museum. Step inside the breathtaking home of one of the most prolific inventors of the 20th century, John Hays Hammond, Jr. The Museum blends its historical significance as both…

* Reservations Required

American Revolution Era Tableware. Reflecting wealth, social status, and political leanings in the American Colonies. Colonial Music and Dance. How music and dance from Colonial America influenced material culture for over a century. Revolution Celebrated. How would you protect and recall your local history? Explore collected and preserved items related to the American Revolution, honored…

This exhibition features the sabbatical work of Danielle Currier, Professor of Graphic Design at Endicott College, presenting large-scale posters and data-driven infographics exploring equity, policy, and lived experience across the U.S. Central to the exhibition is the LGBTQ+ Youth Climate Score, an original framework visualizing how policy, environment, and support systems impact LGBTQ+ youth state…

BLOOM celebrates the creative growth that unfolds when young people are given the space to express themselves freely. Throughout the year, participants explored what it means to nurture ideas, take creative risks, and flourish together through the arts. We can’t wait to share the joy, color, and imagination that continue to BLOOM from their incredible…

Could the Witch Hysteria have been stopped in a parson’s study? How does a 300-year-old house survive when it’s long gone out of fashion? Open doors, look behind ceiling beams and peer into the large fireplaces of this exactingly restored two-story Colonial House in the quintessential colonial New England small town.

Join Ken Turino, Essex Heritage Trustee and formerly of Historic New England, and historian Chris Mathias for a two-hour walking tour of Nahant’s Greenlawn Cemetery, hosted by the Nahant Historical Society. You will see the plain markers of the victims of the wreck of the Charles A. Briggs during a winter nor’easter. See the headstone…

* Reservations Required

This exhibition highlights Heroes and Sheroes, a powerful series of prints created by Corita Kent at a pivotal moment in her career. Produced between 1968 and 1969, following her departure from Immaculate Heart College and the Immaculate Heart of Mary order, the works reflects a shift toward more direct engagement with the social and political…

Bee Vision presents a vibrant selection of prints from Helen Popinchalk’s Hot House series, combining screen printing, gelatin printing, drawing, and collage. Inspired by the way bees and pollinators perceive the world, the work explores color, light, and bioluminescence through layered, luminous compositions. Drawing from her experience as a third-generation beekeeper, Popinchalk connects her artistic…

Enjoy the elegance and history of 1805 federal-style Hamilton Hall through a guided tour of the building. Learn about the caretaker Remonds’ successful catering business and their family’s dedication to equal rights for all. View famous architect and woodcarver Samuel McIntire’s carved wooden eagle, and our collection of 1890’s – 1920’s period clothing and accessories.…

* Reservations Required

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

Come see citizen science in action. We’ll start with a short session discussing just what microplastics are, and the harm they are doing to our oceans, our ecosystem, and even ourselves. The talk will include real ideas people can use to help reduce the damage to the environment and protect themselves. We’ll include a demonstration…

* Reservations Required

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…

Availability is limited; reservations are required in advance. Trails & Sails guests enjoy complimentary Self-Guided Tours to explore the incredible collection and grounds of Hammond Castle Museum. Step inside the breathtaking home of one of the most prolific inventors of the 20th century, John Hays Hammond, Jr. The Museum blends its historical significance as both…

* Reservations Required