Essex National Heritage Area

General John Glover: Unsung Hero of the Revolution
2026-04-29 18:30 - 19:45 (America/New_York) | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
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 with rollicking sea chanteys — audience sing-along strongly encouraged!
Historian Robert Booth then takes us through the compelling story of how John Glover’s Marblehead roots and family ties shaped his path to becoming a Revolutionary War hero.
He is followed by Larry Sands — Captain of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment — who brings Glover’s battlefield career to life with a lively overview of his major engagements and accomplishments.
Nancy Lusignan Schultz, Chair of the Swampscott Historical Commission and President of Save the Glover! Inc., rounds out the presentations with the latest news on the ongoing effort to preserve General Glover’s historic farmhouse.

This program is part of the Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution lecture series. This series is a partnership between Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime National Historical Park and highlights the unique role of Essex County communities during the American Revolution. CLICK HERE or more information about Conflict & Community programs.

Heritage Friend Event with North Andover Historical Society
2026-05-07 17:30 - 19:00 | North Andover Historical Society, 800 Massachusetts Ave, North Andover, MA, 01845, United States
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 two names and the American Printing Museum until finally becoming the home of the Historical Society in 2019.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour this net-zero certified building, including two exhibit halls, the archive, and community spaces, including their Rev250 exhibit entitled “The Aspirations of Ordinary People.” This exhibit features the first person diary of revolutionary war fighter and carpenter, James Stevens. Attendees will be able to hear the voice of James as passages from his diary are read aloud by a linguist recreating his accent.
This event is free for Essex Heritage members (registration required). Non-member registration is $5 per person. Space is limited, and light refreshments will be provided.
Register HERE.

The Fisherman’s Cause: Atlantic Commerce and Maritime Dimensions of the American Revolution
2026-05-21 18:30 - 19:45 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
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 the impressment of sailors and the disruption of vital trade routes—transformed politically moderate fishermen into radical revolutionaries determined to protect their economic survival. Ultimately, Dr. Magra will highlight that the struggle for American independence was as much a fight for maritime commercial freedom as it was for land-based political rights.
After the lecture, join Dr. Marga for a book signing. Copies of The Fisherman’s Cause will be available for purchase.
Dr. Chris Magra is Professor of Early American History at the University of Tennessee. He is also the Director of the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War. He has published two books on the maritime dimensions of the American Revolution. The Fisherman’s Cause examines the New England cod fisheries and the transatlantic business rivalries and resource competition among fish merchants that helped bring about the imperial crisis. Poseidon’s Curse explains why British naval impressment contributed to the origins of the Revolution. He is currently completing an edited collection of essays on the military history of the Declaration of Independence that will be out with the University of Tennessee Press in July for the 250th anniversary.
While admission to this event is free, space is limited; registration is strongly encouraged.

Heritage Friend Event with Marblehead Museum
2026-06-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen & Slave Quarters, 157 Washington Street, Marblehead, 01945, United States
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 story of enslaved people in Essex County.
After a 4-year renovation, Marblehead Museum is excited to open up the Brick Kitchen’s doors and grounds to visitors. Guests will have the opportunity to stroll the beautifully manicured Lee Mansion grounds, view the new “Resistance and Resilience: Slavery and Freedom in Marblehead” exhibit, and enjoy light refreshments.
This event is free for Essex Heritage members (registration required). Non-member registration is $5 per person. Space is limited.
Free street parking is available by the museum and throughout Old Town (downtown) Marblehead.
REGISTER HERE

“The Spirit of Privateering Prevails Here”: Essex County’s Revolutionary War at Sea
2026-06-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
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 County’s major contributions to the Revolutionary War effort. On the home front, we will examine how privateering changed the economy and daily life in North Shore port communities.
Emily Murphy is the Curator for Salem Maritime National Historical Park and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis, an MA in American Studies from Penn State, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Boston University. Dr. Murphy has been working in public history for over 30 years, including at the Maryland State Archives, the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, MD, Independence NHP, and the Peabody Essex Museum. Her major publications for the National Park Service include the walking tour guide Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Salem, and Merchants, Clerks, Citizens, and Soldiers: A History of the Second Corps of Cadets, for which she was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Barbara from the United States Field Artillery Association. Most recently, she contributed the chapter “’ The Family of Derby Has a Taste in This Way’; The homes of Elias Hasket and Elizabeth Derby” in the book A Material World: Culture, Society and the Life of Things in Early Anglo-America, edited by George Boudreau and Margaretta Lovell, and created an exhibit on Leslie’s Retreat for the Salem Armory Visitor Center. She is currently working on a set of exhibits about privateering that will be installed at Salem Maritime in the summer of 2026.
Space is limited; registration is strongly encouraged

This program is part of the Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution lecture series. This series is a partnership between Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime National Historical Park and highlights the unique role of Essex County communities during the American Revolution. CLICK HERE or more information about Conflict & Community programs.
Image Credit: Privateer battle by Tom Freeman, National Park Service Commissioned Art Collection.

Wild Edibles at Bakers Island with Russ Cohen
2026-06-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Bakers Island Light Station, Bakers Island, Salem, MA, 01944, United States
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 the boat ride aboard Naumkeag and a walking tour of the property with expert Russ Cohen pointing out special species along the trails including the kind you can snack on! Before departing for the main land, enjoy sumac-ade (a natural alternative to Kool-Aid) and a wild goodie or two made by Russ Cohen himself! The wild edibles tour includes over 3 dozen species of edible wild plants that have existed on the island for some time. Also expect to encounter at least six of the additional native wild edible species that were planted last summer.
Please Note:

The lighthouse cannot be climbed at this time.
The rest of the island aside from the 10 acre Light Station is privately owned and all visitors must stay within the 10 acre boundaries.
Guests will not be permitted to visit the Assistant Keeper’s House; that is only accessible to Essex Heritage Members who have booked an overnight stay.
Please read through all the FAQ’s and our Cancellation Policy before purchasing tickets.

Boat Departure Location: Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.
Tickets:

Adults: $40
Children (4-12 yr): $25
Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! (A discount code will be provided on membership confirmation letter.)

Are there restrictions on who can go?
YES. All passengers must be:

At least 4 years old (No infants; in arms or baby carriers)
Capable of negotiating the boat ramp and the rugged island terrain without assistance.

Treasure Islands of Salem Sound with Chris Leahy
2026-07-10 10:00 - 12:00 | 10 Blaney Street, 10 Blaney Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
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 Salem Harbor and learn more about the amazing array of bird species who call the north shore home during the summer months.
Boat Departure Location: Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.
Tickets:

Adults: $40
Children (4-12 yr): $25
Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! (A discount code will be provided on membership confirmation letter.)

Are there restrictions on who can go?
YES. All passengers must be:

At least 4 years old (No infants; in arms or baby carriers)
Capable of negotiating the boat ramp and the rugged island terrain without assistance.

Shipwrecks of Salem Sound with Captain Ray Bates Jr.
2026-07-17 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-08-14 13:00 - 14:30 | 10 Blaney Street, 10 Blaney Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
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 and Cape Ann. Essex Heritage is thrilled to partner with Ray, as he leads a tour sharing and locating the shipwrecks along the coast of Salem, Beverly and Marblehead, allowing passengers to truly “dig into the past and unearth long-lost stories for themselves.”
All passengers will receive a signed copy of Ray’s book, Shipwrecks North of Boston: Volume 1 , Salem Bay.
Ray Bates will have both volumes of his book and prints of his shipwreck map for sale following the tour.
Boat Departure Location: Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.
Tickets:

Adults: $40
Children (4-12 yr): $25
Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! (A discount code will be provided on membership confirmation letter.)

Are there restrictions on who can go?
YES. All passengers must be:

At least 4 years old (No infants; in arms or baby carriers)
Capable of negotiating the boat ramp and the rugged island terrain without assistance.

Misery Island Mushroom Walk
2026-07-17 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-10-02 16:30 - 18:30 | Misery Island, Salem, MA, 01944, United States
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 living on this island contribute significantly to the growth of fungi and lichens on the island’s stone ruins. Join us on an exploratory walk around the island with Jana Harris of Essex Forays, certified in Wild Mushroom Food Safety and a member of Boston Mycological Club. Jana will ID mushrooms as we go and learn about edible and non-edible species. The trip will last about 2.5 hours and will give participants a chance to look closely at mushroom species that thrive in this secluded environment. Depending on weather, there will be different types of mushrooms to explore.
Please wear sturdy shoes, long pants, garden gloves, bring a water bottle, tick and bug repellent, ID field guide and a basket (optional). Please be aware that there is a lot of poison ivy off the trails on the island, so gloves and long pants are highly suggested.

Hannah in Context: What really happened, and why did it matter?
2026-09-17 18:30 - 19:45 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Captain Michael Rutstein recounts the events leading to the battle between schooner Hannah and HMS Nautilus, Oct. 1775.

Join Captain Michael Rutstein as he covers the events leading up to the famous battle between the armed schooner Hannah and HMS Nautilus in October 1775. He will walk us step by step through the engagement, and wrap up with the repercussions of this event and its impact on the course of the Revolution here on the North Shore.
Michael Rutstein: After drafting and then reluctantly abandoning a business plan to create a replica of Hannah, Rutstein commissioned local boatbuilder Harold Burnham to build a representation of the 1812 Salem privateer FAME in 2003. For 23 seasons, FAME sailed out of Pickering Wharf in Salem to critical and popular acclaim. In April 2026, FAME was sold to the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships in Boston.

While admission is free, space is limited; registration is strongly encouraged.
CLICK HERE to Register

This program is part of the Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution lecture series. This series is a partnership between Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime National Historical Park and highlights the unique role of Essex County communities during the American Revolution. CLICK HERE or more information about Conflict & Community programs.

Great Misery Island Birding and Nature Tour with Chris Leahy
2026-09-18 08:00 - 11:30 | Misery Island, Salem, MA, 01944, United States
Join naturalist Chris Leahy for an in-depth exploration of the nature and birds of Great Misery Island.

Explore the birds and environments of Great Misery Island.
With 83 acres of varied habitats, Great Misery Island – now protected by The Trustees – offers a fascinating mix of natural and human history. On this 3.5-hour trip (including 30-minute boat ride each way), you will explore these varied elements with naturalist and Cape Ann resident, Chris Leahy. Of special interest will be the commencement of fall bird migration. We will spend the morning walking slowly on well-maintained trails, some of which go uphill, but not very steeply. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and insect/tick repellant are recommended.
Boat Departure Location: Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.
Tickets:

Adults: $40
Children (4-12 yr): $25
Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! (A discount code will be provided on membership confirmation letter.)

Are there restrictions on who can go?
YES. All passengers must be:

At least 4 years old (No infants; in arms or baby carriers)
Capable of negotiating the boat ramp and the rugged island terrain without assistance.
