Essex Heritage Membership Events
Make Trails & Sails Last All Year Long!
As a member of the Essex National Heritage Commission there are many opportunities to connect to resources in this region. In September Trails & Sails offers hundreds of opportunities to explore the region, but membership makes the fun last all year long. Your connections to place foster stewardship enriching both your life and ensuring the longevity of the natural, historic and cultural treasures here in Essex County, MA. Enjoy Essex Heritage as well as featured partner events. Both offer special Essex Heritage membership rates to attend, just let them know you are a member! Join us and experience the best of the region throughout the year!
2012 Essex Heritage Events
Saturday, May 12, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM CANCELED
** CANCELED **
Lynn Woods Walk
Pennybrook Road Parking Area
(MapQuest Map)
Lynn, MA 01901
Wednesday, May 16, 7:00 PM Featured Partner Event
The House of the Seven Gables Presents:
Strong Women at the Gables: Catharine Maria Sedgwick and Her Spirited Heroines
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
Presented by Lucinda L. Damon-Bach, Associate Professor of English at Salem State University. Catharine Maria Sedgwick, a member of the distinguished Sedgwick family of Massachusetts, made her own mark as a writer. Her spirited fictional heroines defied the stereotypical conduct of women during her time. In her final novel, Married or Single (1857), she argued boldly that women should not marry if it meant that they would lose their self-respect.Advanced reservations required. Please contact (978) 744-0991 and let them know you are an Essex Heritage member. Admission: $10 for Essex Heritage and Seven Gables Members, $15 Non-Members.
Saturday, May 26, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Photo Safari featuring Olympus
Downtown Newburyport and the Custom House Maritime Museum
25 Water Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
Capture the abundant and interesting maritime heritage of Newburyport (the eastern seacoast’s first major commercial port) and the Merrimack River Valley! The Custom House Maritime Museum is a landmark and extraordinary maritime museum (housing a unique collection of maritime art, model clipper ships, and more) perfectly located to photograph Newburyport’s unique downtown and historic waterfront.
Reservations required. Click here for more information about the Photo Safari program & to register online.
Saturday, June 9, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Walk the Eastern Marsh Trail
Friedenfels Road Parking Area
(MapQuest Map)
Salisbury, MA
Jerry Klima, Salisbury Selectman and Coastal Trails advocate, leads us on an interpretive walk of the Old Eastern Marsh Trail! Enjoy a guided, easy walk on this 1.3 mile paved rail trail from the bank of the Merrimack River through woods and pristine sections of the Great Marsh offering beautiful views, world-class bird watching, abundant wildlife and interpretive signs that shed light on the history of this region, Salisbury and the railroad. Our early start will increase our odds of spotting wildlife, including turtles commonly out along the trail digging nests and laying their eggs, during their peak laying season! Jerry will share the historical importance of this property as a railroad corridor and how it has evolved into a significant community resource today. Jerry will highlight exciting developments in the Coastal Trails Network, including a trail connection over the Merrimack River. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Water and light refreshments will be provided. The walk should take an hour and a half to two hours.
This is an easy walk with various natural and historical points of interest along the way. This trip is suitable for anyone in reasonably good condition, including children. Rain or shine, please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Water and light refreshments will be provided. Reservations required. Essex Heritage members $5/Non-members $7.
Saturday, June 16, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM REGISTER
Photo Safari featuring Sigma
Maritime Gloucester
23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930
Photograph Gloucester’s historic working waterfront! At Maritime Gloucester photographers can capture sea creatures in their own hands (or in touch tanks), panoramic views of Ten Pound Island, Rocky Neck, and the State Fish Pier, as well as an ever changing parade of boats and the oldest continuously operating marine railway in the country. Located at the heart of the city’s waterfront, the center is perfectly located to experience the Gloucester’s historic relationship with the sea.
Reservations required. Click here for more information about the Photo Safari program & to register online.
Tuesday, June 19, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Endecott Pear Tree Celebration & Lecture
Partnership Lecture Series
Mass General/ North Shore Center for Outpatient Care
102 Endicott Street
Danvers, MA 01923
Essex Heritage in collaboration with Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care, NSMC and Danvers Historical will present a lecture on, and visit to, the Endecott Pear Tree, deemed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be the oldest planted living fruit tree in North America. This event is part of our Partnership Lecture Series to promote healthy and ecologically friendly connections in our community and foster stewardship to ensure the longevity of the natural, historic and cultural treasures here in Essex County, Massachusetts. Join us for a fun evening and celebration with the Endicott Family!Essex Heritage and Danvers Historical Society members $5/Non-members $10/ Endicott Family Members Free.
Reservations required. Please register online above or send checks to: Essex National Heritage Commission, 221 Essex Street, Suite 41, Salem, MA 01970 or call 978-740-0444 for questions and details. Event fees sustain the Essex Heritage Membership program and support partner sites. Please see cancelation policy here.
Wednesday, June 20, 7:00 PM Featured Partner Event
The House of the Seven Gables Presents:
Strong Women at the Gables: Susannah Ingersoll and Her Role in the Business Community
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
Presented by Robin Woodman, Assistant for Harvard Art Museum Archaeological Exploration of the Sardis, Turkey Expedition. She is also a volunteer at The House of the Seven Gables.Advanced reservations required. Please contact (978) 744-0991 and let them know you are an Essex Heritage member. Admission: $10 for Essex Heritage and Seven Gables Members, $15 Non-Members.
Saturday, June 30, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Photo Safari featuring Tamron
Lawrence Heritage State Park & North Canal Historic District
1 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA 01841
Explore the esplanade of a nineteenth-century canal and capture the architectural details of the city’s industrial-era mills and the canal’s gates, locks, bridges and historic Great Stone Dam - all within this National Historic Register district!
Reservations required. Click here for more information about the Photo Safari program & to register online.
Wednesday, July 18, 7:00 PM Featured Partner Event
The House of the Seven Gables Presents:
Strong Women at the Gables: Sophia Peabody and Her Sisters
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
Presented by Megan Marshall, winner of the Francis Parkman Prize and Pulitzer finalist for her book, The Peabody Sisters, Three Women Who Ignited American Romanticism. This landmark book won wide critical acclaim. Her focus for this lecture will be on Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, wife of Nathaniel.Advanced reservations required. Please contact (978) 744-0991 and let them know you are an Essex Heritage member. Admission: $10 for Essex Heritage and Seven Gables Members, $15 Non-Members.
Saturday, July 21
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Photo Safari featuring Nikon
The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
Photograph the site at the House of the Seven Gables - which constitutes its own national historic district on The National Register of Historic places! The property includes 5 historic houses including the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England, an 18th century granite sea wall, and two seaside Colonial Revival Gardens with spectacular views of Salem Harbor. The House of the Seven Gables is also within walking distance of Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Reservations required. Click here for more information about the Photo Safari program & to register online.
Saturday, August 4
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 5:00 PMREGISTER
Photo Safari featuring Canon
Long Hill & the Sedgwick Gardens
572 Essex Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Capture Long Hill’s blooming flower fields at this former family retreat renowned for its gardens for almost a century. The gardens at Long Hill are laid out in a series of separate garden “rooms” surrounding the handsome, Federal-style, brick house. Each “room” is distinct in its own way, accented by ornaments and statuary. On the property, photographers can also explore a popular loop trail through quintessentially New England woodlands dotted by vernal pools and imposing boulders.
Reservations required. Click here for more information about the Photo Safari program & to register online.
Friday, September 21 - Sunday, September 23 & Friday, September 28 - Sunday, September 30
Trails & Sails 2012!
Mark your calendars to join us for two weekends of FREE events that showcase the cultural, historic and natural resources of Essex County. We are in the process of planning 200+ events with our partners which will include: guided tours, open house visits, hikes, walks, sails, paddles, and special experiences for all ages, skill levels and interests. Stay tuned for more details or find out more here!
Wednesday, November 7, 7:00 PM Featured Partner Event
The House of the Seven Gables Presents:
Strong Women at the Gables: The Women in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Life
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
This event will consist of a panel discussion with questions from the audience. Panelist Hilary Salmons is an educator and has led a study group in Newport, Rhode Island for the past 22 years. A Harvard graduate, she is also a member of the Rhode Island Governor’s Council. Panelist Jessica DeStefano, a member of our museum staff, has done extensive research on Hawthorne and is currently writing a book about him.
Advanced reservations required. Please contact (978) 744-0991 and let them know you are an Essex Heritage member. Admission: $10 for Essex Heritage and Seven Gables Members, $15 Non-Members.
Wednesday, December 12, 7:00 PM Featured Partner Event
The House of the Seven Gables Presents:
Strong Women at the Gables: An Orchestra at Her Fingertips
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
Pianist Jacquelyn Schwab will perform vintage 19th century American parlor music, including Stephen Foster and Civil War songs, hymns, spirituals, and ballroom dances. Schwab is best known for her performances on Ken Burns’ Grammy award-winning Civil War documentary, as well as the Emmy award-winning Baseball and Mark Twain documentaries on public television. A folk and classical improvisational pianist, she has a unique style that defies easy categorization.
Advanced reservations required. Please contact (978) 744-0991 and let them know you are an Essex Heritage member. Admission: $10 for Essex Heritage and Seven Gables Members, $15 Non-Members.
Past Events & Photos
Tuesday, April 10, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Essex Heritage
Annual Spring Meeting
Cascia Hall at Merrimack College
315 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01810
8:00 AM: Continental Breakfast Reception
8:30 - 10:00 AM: Business Meeting
See photos from this event here.
Featured Partner Event
Monday, April 2, 11:00 AM
Salem Sound Coast Watch Presents:
Natural History as Public History: Great Rivers of Salem
Sullivan Building Room 108, North Campus, Salem State University
Monday, March 5, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Featured Partner Event
Salem Sound Coast Watch Presents:
Karen Ristuben performs "Just One Word..."
Endicott College Center for the Arts
Rose Performance Hall
376 Hale Street
Beverly MA 01910
Sunday, February 26, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Featured Partner Event
Essex County Greenbelt Association Presents:
Wildlife Tracking
Little River Nature Trail
Newburyport, MA
Saturday, February 25, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Winter Woods Hike
Camp Denison Conservation Area
84 Nelson Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
Saturdays, January 21 thru
February 25, 3:00 - 4:30 PMEssex Heritage Featured Partner Event
Historic New England Presents:
Winter Weekends at the Phillips House
34 Chestnut Street
Salem, MA 01970
Tuesday, February 21, 7:00 PM
An Evening 'Melopoeia' Celebrating the
170th Wedding Anniversary of Nathaniel & Sophia
The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
Saturday, February 18, 1:00 - 3:00 PM The Shipwrecks of Stellwagen Bank
Maritime Gloucester
23 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA 01930
See photos from this event soon.
Tuesday, February 7, 5:00 - 9:00 PM Fundraiser at the Landing to Benefit Essex Heritage
81 Front Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
Sunday, January 29, 1:00 - 3:00 PM Featured Partner Event
Essex County Greenbelt Association Presents:
Indian Meadow Snow Shoeing
168 Garden Street
West Newbury, MA
Thursday, December 15, 7:00 PM Featured Partner Event
Essex County Greenbelt Association Presents:
Ipswich Birding with Jim Berry
PingreeSchool Gymnasium Parking lot
537 Highland Street
South Hamilton, MA 01982
Wednesday, December 14, 7:00 PM Featured Partner Event
The House of the Seven Gables Presents:
The Evolution of Christmas Music in New England
The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
Tuesday, December 13, 5:30 PM Welcome Reception for
New NPS Superintendent Michael Quijano-West
2 New Liberty Street
Salem, MA 01970
Thursday, November 3, 2011, 7:00 PM
Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence
Film Viewing & Symposium
National Park Service Visitor Center in Salem
2 New Liberty Street
Salem, MA 01970
See photos from this event here.
Find out about additional opportunities to see this film here.
Thursday, October, 27, 2011, 4:00 PM
Smolak Farms Tour
315 South Bradford Street
North Andover, MA 01845
Tuesday, October, 25 2011, 8:00 AM Essex Heritage Annual Fall Meeting
The Great House Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 01938
8:00 AM: Continental Breakfast Reception, 8:30 - 10:00 AM: Business Meeting
See photos from this event here.
September, 16-18 & 23-25, 2011 TRAILS & SAILS 10th Anniversary!
Your Passport to Essex County, MA
September, 3 - 5, 2011
Friendship Sails!
In September Essex Heritage and the National Park Service presented Friendship Sails! during Gloucester's 27th Annual Schooner Festival!
August, 5-12, 2011
Essex Heritage Northern National Parks Tour
Salt Lake City • Jackson Hole
Oregon Trail Museum • Yellowstone National Park • Old Faithful • Grand Teton National Park
Saturday, July 30, 8 AM - 12 PM Photo Safari Featuring Canon
Philips House & Gardens of Salem
See event photos here!
Saturday, July 9, 8 AM - 12 PM Photo Safari Featuring Nikon
Brooksby Farm, Peabody
See event photos here!
Saturday, June 18, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Photo Safari Featuring Tamron
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
244 Central Street
Saugus, MA 01906 (map it)
See event photos here!
Saturday, June 4, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Photo Safari Featuring Olympus
Crane Beach & Castle Hill
299 Argilla Road
Ipswich, MA 01938 (map it)
See event photos here!
Thursday, May 12, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Walk the Trails of Dogtown
Dogtown Road (Parking Area)
Gloucester, MA 01930 (map it)
See event photos here!
Wednesday, April 13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care
102 Endicott Street, Danvers, MA 01923
See photos from this event here!
Tuesday, April 12, 8:00 - 10:00 AM
Essex Heritage Semi-Annual Meeting
Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street Rockport, MA 01966
See photos from this event here!
Thursday, March 31, 11:30 AM - Closing
Dough Raiser To Benefit Trails & Sails!
Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill
970 Paradise Road
Swampscott, MA 01907
Thank you to Uno's Pizzera in Swampscott for helping us host our Dough Raiser last week and to all those who attended in support of Trails & Sails!
Friday, March 25, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Star Party! Viewing Our Night Sky
Veasey Memorial Park
201 Washington Street
Groveland, MA 01834
See photos from this event here!
Thursday, March 10, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Spring Thaw: Introduction to Vernal Ponds
Parker River National
Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
See photos from this event here.
Sunday, February 20, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Winter Woods - Snow Shoeing
Camp Denison Conservation Area
84 Nelson Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
See photos from this event here.
Friday, February 11, 2011, 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Eagle Fest Photo Excursion
6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
See photos from this event here.
Sunday, January 30, 2011, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Bald Eagles & The Lower Merrimack River
Meeting Location: Park & Ride
Storey Avenue/Rte 113 (1-95, Exit 57)
Newburyport, MA 01950
See photos from this event here.
Sunday, January 23, 2011, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
The Shipwrecks of Stellwagen Bank
Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center
23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930
See photos from this event here.
Thursday, November 4, 2010, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
From Vine to Wine!
Jewell Towne Vineyard,
just outside of downtown Amesbury, MA
See photos from this event here.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 8:00 -10:00 AM Essex Heritage Annual Meeting
Lynch Park Carriage House, Beverly, MA 01915
See photos from this event here.
Friday, October 8, 2010, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
New England Farm Tour & Picnic Lunch
Green Meadows Farm, Hamilton, MA 01982
See photos from this event here.
September 17-19 & 24-26, 2010
Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks and Water!
See photos from Trails & Sails here.
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
Please note, events may be held rain or shine. Please dress accordingly! Should Essex Heritage and a host partner need to cancel an event due to unsafe weather conditions or another unforeseen cause, registrants will receive a full refund for their tickets.In order to manage events, individual cancellations must be received 3 business days prior to the event date to be eligible to receive a refund. Admission will be refunded less the cost of the electronic ticketing fee associated with credit card and online purchases. Those tickets purchased by check will receive a full refund. Cancellations received after this deadline will be considered for a refund on an individual basis. Cancellations are accepted via email to Elizabeth OR by phone, at 978-740-0444, and must be received before the cancellation deadline.Thank you for your understanding.