August 25, 2014 (Salem, MA) – Interested in enjoying the great outdoors on a tour all about public art murals or while examining the ecology of Salem Sound? Touring Saugus Iron Work National Historic site to find out what archeologist uncovered that reveals how early settlers survived here? How about visiting one of the oldest meeting houses in continual use and standing on its original green, or seeing some of the oldest ecclesiastical Tiffany windows in the world? No matter what your interest, you can find something to learn, explore, and enjoy at Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks and Water, to be held on September 19-21 and 26-28, 2014.

Presented by the Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage), Trails & Sails features more than 150 free events over two weekends and celebrates the rich variety of historic, cultural and natural resources in the Essex National Heritage Area. Encompassing the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, a 500 square mile region just north of Boston, MA, the Essex National Heritage Area was created by an Act of the U.S. Congress in 1996 in recognition of the important role that the county played in American history and the significant heritage resources that still exist in the region. Trails & Sails, now in its 13th year, was created by Essex Heritage to highlight the Area’s treasures and encourage residents and visitors to engage with these resources in different and more meaningful ways with the goal of engendering a commitment to preserving them.

For Trails & Sails 2014, Essex Heritage has partnered with non-profit and for-profit recreational organizations across Essex County to offer 150+ free, fun, and family-friendly events at more than 100 sites that showcase our region’s distinctive heritage, history, culture, and the natural environment. From maritime and railroad museums, to guided nature tours both onshore and off, there are activities happening morning, afternoon and evening that welcome your exploration.

The impressive line-up of Trails & Sails events in the southern Essex County communities of Lynn, Lynnfield, Peabody, Salem, Saugus, and Swampscott includes:

Lynn

  • All About Murals

  • Artists at the Atlantic

  • Lynn Woods Walk

  • Mary Baker Eddy House Tour

  • Pine Grove Cemetery Tour

  • Tiffany Stained Glass Windows Tour

  • Free Guided Tours of the Lynn Museum

  • Lynn Museum Free Family “Artist” Day

  • Walking Tour of Lynn Shoe Factories

Lynnfield

  • Tour the 1714 Lynnfield Meeting House

Peabody

  • Peabody Library History & Architectural Tour

Salem

  • A Season in the Gables Garden

  • Bark Rubbings and Tracings

  • Fish Seining Demonstration on the Beach

  • Guided Tour of Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic

  • Lady of Salem Maritime Public Art Celebration

  • Marine Science Experience: What is it and Why is it Important

  • Sail on the Schooner FAME

  • Salem in 1630: Pioneer Village

  • Salem Marine Society Tour

  • The Influence of Quakers in Early Salem

  • Witch Hunt Timeline Exhibit

Saugus

  • Civil War Monuments of New England

  • Fighting for Freedom: Revolutionary and Civil Wars in Saugus

  • Tools for Survival: Ironworks on the Saugus

Swampscott

  • Mary Baker Eddy House Tour

  • Swampscott Town Hall Tour

  • Tour the Sir John Humphrey House

Visit www.TrailsAndSails.org to see the complete listing of events, design a personalized itinerary, or purchase a hard-copy guide mailed from Essex Heritage for $5.00. A limited number of free printed guides are available at all 12 Essex National Heritage Area Visitor Centers, including the Buttonwoods Museum & Haverhill Historical Society, Lawrence Visitor Center at Lawrence Heritage State Park, and sponsor locations.

Take the Trails & Sails Challenge: MOVE IT!

With events to take place throughout the cities and towns of Essex County, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to get out and challenge themselves during Trails & Sails by participating in Essex Heritage and the YMCA of the North Shore’s Move It! 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge. Register for Move It! online at www.EssexHeritage.org/MoveIt and start tracking any miles you run, swim, hike, and bike through October 2014 for fantastic prizes.

Trails & Sails 2014: Two Weekends of Walks & Water is sponsored by Eastern Bank and TD Bank.

About Trails & Sails

Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks and Water is the premier partnership event of the Essex National Heritage Commission celebrating the historic, cultural and natural treasures of the Essex National Heritage Area. Coordinated by Essex Heritage as an integral part of our mission, TRAILS & SAILS raises regional awareness of the Area’s unique history and promotes the preservation of its heritage sites. www.TrailsAndSails.org 

Heritage Director of Special Events & Communications, Emily Levin manages the Trails & Sails program and is available to answer questions or for interviews. Call 978-740-0444. Email:  emilyl@essexheritage.org