Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the 17th century Hooper-Hathaway House co-hosted by The House of the Seven Gables, where you’ll hear stories not shared on a typical visit. Built in 1682, this First Period house was moved to its current location on the Gables’ museum campus in 1911 by Caroline Emmerton to...
Have you ever wondered how shoes are made? Join Essex Heritage and the Beverly Public Library for a fun, hands-on children's program celebrating the incredible life and legacy of Jan Ernst Matzeliger, the brilliant inventor who revolutionized the shoe industry, right here in Essex County and around the world! We'll explore the fascinating history of...
Join us for a morning of networking and regional engagement! The meeting will be held at Topsfield Town Hall (8 West Common Street, Topsfield) on Thursday, April 16 from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Attendees are welcome to arrive at 8:30 am for networking and coffee. The agenda will include announcing our 2026 Partnership Grant recipients,...
Step into the world of 18th-century sailors and discover how crews survived long voyages at sea. In this hands-on program, kids will learn what sailors ate, how they kept food from spoiling, and what they did when someone got sick. Become part of a “crew,” choose supplies for your ship, try salting green beans, and...
Did you know that Salem had the first elephant to ever set foot in America? It's true! Join us and the Salem Public Library at the Salem Armory Visitor Center for a storytime of Salem firsts - we'll be reading books, playing games, making a craft, and enjoying a sweet treat at the end. This...
Join us for a memorable evening of music, history, and conversation as we commemorate the life, military service, and lasting legacy of one of the American Revolution’s most celebrated — and often overlooked — figures. The evening kicks off with a rousing performance by Scurvy Fellows Indeed, a spirited crew of 18th-century privateers who will entertain...
Join Essex Heritage for an evening exploring the rich history of this “good inland town” of Essex County. Our next Heritage Friend Event will take place at the headquarters of the North Andover Historical Society, The Stevens Center, a purpose built museum building originally the home of the American Textile History Museum through its first...
Join naturalist and wild foods enthusiast Russ Cohen on a special edible excursion at Bakers Island Light. Explore Wild Edibles at Bakers Island Light Station Come join naturalist and wild foods enthusiast, Russ Cohen on a special edible excursion out to Bakers Island Light Station, a historic property owned by Essex Heritage. This 4-hour special trip includes...
Join local naturalist and birding expert, Chris Leahy, on his special birding-focused harbor tour which - will delight nature lovers. Naturalist Chris Leahy will be leading this nautical exploration of the marine habits of Salem Sound and help you identify all the birds you’ll see along the way. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of...
Come aboard Naumkeag with lifelong historian, author, and local diver, Captain Ray Bates, Jr., for a harbor tour to visit the sites and hear the stories of the many shipwrecks of Salem Sound. Captain Bates has been exploring shipwrecks since 1969 and has written several books on the maritime disasters that have occurred along Boston’s North Shore...
Join mycologist Jana Harris from Essex Forays for a guided mushroom walk at Great Misery Island. For all those interested in discovering fungi growing on the Misery Island of the coast of Beverly/Salem. This unique island environment hosts conifer and hardwood trees that provide background to growing fungi. Fungi don’t stop there. Animals nesting and...
Come aboard Naumkeag with lifelong historian, author, and local diver, Captain Ray Bates, Jr., for a harbor tour to visit the sites and hear the stories of the many shipwrecks of Salem Sound. Captain Bates has been exploring shipwrecks since 1969 and has written several books on the maritime disasters that have occurred along Boston’s North Shore...
