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 Chris Magra, author of The Fisherman’s Cause: Atlantic Commerce and Maritime Dimensions of the American Revolution, for a free lecture on May 21. Chris Magra’s The Fisherman’s Cause argues that the New England fishing industry was a central, yet often overlooked, catalyst for the American Revolution. During the lecture, Dr. Magra will detail how British naval policies—specifically...
Join Essex Heritage for an evening exploring hidden histories on the North Shore. Our next Heritage Friend Event will take place at the Marblehead Museum’s newly renovated Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen & Slave Quarters. One of only three extant detached slave quarters in New England owned by a historic site, this building helps tell the...
We all learn about the land battles that began the American Revolution, but less is known about the merchants and mariners who risked their livelihoods and lives to take the battle to the British on the high seas. This lecture will explore the world of the privateersmen and navy sailors who supplied one of Essex...
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...
Join Dr. Robert Allison as he discusses the challenges, opportunities, and the role of Essex County as America declared independence in 1776. Why did the American colonies declare Independence in 1776? What were the challenges, and what potential opportunities did they see? How did their thinking change from trying to preserve their long-cherished charter rights...
This lecture, presented by historian Alexander Cain, examines the often-overlooked experiences of American Loyalists from New England, including those from Essex County, during the Revolutionary War. It examines how unwavering loyalty to the Crown led to the loss of homes, freedom, and security for numerous families. Drawing on original petitions and firsthand accounts, the presentation...
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...
