Essex National Heritage Area

2023 Boat Tour to Misery Island
2023-06-17 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Salem Ferry Dock, 10 Blaney St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound.

Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound. Along the way, hear stories about the rich history of the harbor and how the Misery Islands acquired their unique name. When you arrive, you’ll have 2 hours to explore the trails, open meadows, rocky shoreline, and hidden coves on the island. The Misery Islands are managed by The Trustees. More information about the islands as well as a trail map can be found HERE
Boat Departure Location: Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.
What You Need To Know Before You Go! Frequently Asked Questions
How much does this cost?

Adults: $39
Children (4-12 yr): $29
Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! (A discount code will be provided on membership confirmation letter.)

How long is the trip?
About 3 hours round-trip (30-minute trip to and from the islands, and 2 hours on Great Misery Island)
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.

What should I wear?

Rubber-soled shoes.
Flip-flops not recommended; NO heels.
Comfortable clothing.
IMPORTANT: It’s colder on the water and there is no shelter from the weather on our open boat. Bring an extra layer!

What if it rains or is stormy?
Boat trips depend on the weather. Naumkeag has no rain or sun cover on it. You will be exposed to the elements going to and from the island.
What is the Cancellation Policy?

If Essex Heritage cancels the boat trip: If it is too rainy or stormy or the seas are too rough, and Essex Heritage has to cancel the boat trip, you will be fully refunded the cost of your ticket
If ticket holder cancels: If you cancel because you think it is too sunny, rainy, windy or whatever, but the boat still goes, tickets are non-refundable.
If the boat leaves the dock but cannot land on the island: In the very unlikely event that the boat arrives at Great Misery Island but cannot disembark passengers, you will still have experienced a pleasant boat ride and harbor tour. In this case, you will receive a refund for 50% of your ticket cost(s) (full refunds will only be given if the boat doesn’t leave the dock.)

How will I know if my tour has been cancelled?
Essex Heritage staff will do our best to email all ticketed passengers in advance if your trip has been cancelled. We will also keep an updated weather advisory line at (978) 998-2188.
Is there food or drinking water?
No, we do not have any food or drink available while on board. You are free to bring your own, but please take everything back with you. If you carried it on then you must carry it back.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is NOT permitted on the boat or anywhere on the island.
Are there bathroom facilities?
The bathroom facilities are VERY limited. There are bathrooms at the Salem Ferry dock, but there are no bathrooms on the boat. Once on the island, there are bathrooms along the trail.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are NOT permitted on our boat, with the exception of certified service animals defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA.
Questions?
Please call our Bakers Island Line at (978) 212-9227, if no one answers right away please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
For information about the Misery Islands please visit the website of The Trustees, the regional organization that manages them: https://thetrustees.org/place/misery-islands/
Essex Heritage does not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen personal property.

Salem Witch Hunt: Myths & Misconceptions Walking Tour
2023-06-16 13:45 - 14:55, 2023-06-16 11:45 - 12:55, 2023-06-09 13:45 - 14:55, 2023-06-09 11:45 - 12:55, 2023-06-02 13:45 - 14:55, 2023-06-02 11:45 - 12:55 | Salem Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Learn the true causes and events behind the Salem Witch Trials in our documentary film, then discover the myths during our walking tour.

The Salem Witch Trials happened over 300 years ago, and it has been dramatized in books, documentaries, movies, and even TV shows. Over the years it has been presented so many times in so many ways that the line between fact and fiction gets blurred.
Our walking tour seeks to debunk any misconceptions you might have about the Salem Witch Trials, by sharing historic images, documents, and locations to uncover these myths and discover the truth behind this infamous time period in Salem’s history.
All walking tour tickets include entry to our documentary film Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence which features authentic dialogue taken from court transcripts and commentary by renowned Salem Witch Trial scholars. Scenes depicted in the film were shot at actual locations associated with the Witch Trials of 1692. (Film is shown 11:00am,1:00pm and 3:00pm) You can choose to see the film before or after your walking tour.

FAQs
How long is the tour and where does it go?
The tour lasts 60-70 minutes, and travels less than 1 mile around downtown Salem. The tour includes stops at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and the site of the original 17th century jail.
Where does this tour leave from?
All tours leave from in front of the Salem Armory Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket?
You may print out your ticket(s) OR show the confirmation email to the staff at the desk using your phone.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
For detailed information about parking in Salem CLICK HERE
Is this tour handicap accessible?
Not entirely, a few of the areas that the tour goes are uneven, narrow, or dirt paths that are not easily navigated with wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Please also be aware that the tour lasts 60-75 minutes and does not include places to sit so be prepared to stand the entire time.
For any questions and information please call (978)224-2036 or email KathrynR@EssexHeritage.org
PLEASE NOTE: We will only cancel the tour due to extreme rain, so be prepared for any kind of weather as October temperatures can be unpredictable, and this tour takes place entirely outdoors. Ticket holders will be notified by email or cell if we decide to cancel last minute.
Refunds will not be issued if you miss your tour due to parking or traffic; Traffic is heavy in October and parking is extremely limited, please plan in advance to arrive in time. The city keeps an updated list of available parking for each day HERE

"Journey to Juneteenth" with Storyteller Valerie Tutson
2023-06-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
In commemoration of the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, Essex Heritage and the National Park Service are bringing award-winning storyteller, Valerie Tutson, to the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center. Valerie will be presenting “Journey to Juneteenth”, a 45-minute program comprised of a collection of short stories celebrating freedom. During the performance, Tutson will recount the day that news of emancipation reached Galveston, Texas, through the eyes of a fictional character. Audiences will learn about the day General Granger read Order No. 3 and its impact on the fictional character’s life as an enslaved person and what happened to her and her family after.
We would like to thank Valerie Tutson and Arts for Learning Massachusetts for working with us.
The event is free to attend, but registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. All ages welcome.
Register Here.
Please note: This performance will be taking place in the open atrium area of the Visitor Center, kids will be encouraged to sit on the floor, there will be some benches available for seating. A limited number of folding chairs may be provided upon request.

Essex Heritage Spring Annual Meeting
2023-04-27 09:00 - 10:00 | Industrial History Center, Mill 2, Upper Millyard, Amesbury, MA, 01913, United States
Join us for a morning of networking & regional engagement! The meeting will be held at the Industrial History Center at Amesbury Carriage Museum (Mill 2, Upper Millyard, Amesbury) on Thursday April 27, 2023 at 9:00 am. Attendees are welcome to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 am for networking and coffee.
The agenda will include an update on what’s happening in the Heritage Area, announcing Partnership Grant recipients, voting in new Commissioners, special awards, and more.
Click HERE to register. Many thanks to Amesbury Carriage Museum for hosting!

Discovering More About Your Salem Maritime Ancestors
2023-04-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Enjoy Salem Ancestry Days with this free in-person presentation!
Join genealogist Stephen Hartwell on a voyage of discovery as he unearths fascinating records about the seafaring men of Essex County in the 19th century. He will use his own Hartwell seamen as examples, one who became a sea captain and one who committed mutiny!
You will learn about the local repositories and techniques used to research the lives of early mariners of the Salem area, which you can use to find out more about your own ancestors.
REGISTER HERE: https://maritimeancestors.eventbrite.com
Presenter Bio:
Stephen Hartwell is a professional genealogist who works with people to discover the stories of their ancestors, as well as create family history books and/or websites to showcase them. He especially enjoys helping those just starting out on their genealogical journey.
Stephen is a graduate of the Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate Program, an officer of the Essex Society of Genealogists and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. More information can be found on his website at https://shartwell.com.
Presented by Essex Heritage and the Essex Society of Genealogists as part of Salem Ancestry Days.
To learn more about the Essex Society of Genealogists visit: https://www.esog.org/
To learn more about Salem Ancestry Days visit: https://salemancestry.org/

Elephants & Sweet Treats: A Storytime of Salem Firsts - FULL
2023-04-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Did you know Salem had the first elephant ever to set foot in America? It’s true! Join us for a silly story time of fun Salem firsts at the Salem Armory Visitor Center – we’ll be reading books, playing games, making a craft, and enjoying a sweet treat at the end. This event is FREE and geared towards children ages 3 and up, but open to all!
Registration for this event is full.
Click below for a sneak peek of the craft:

A Community of Changemakers: Exploring the History of Black Activism in Essex County
2023-03-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Salem State University
Registration for this event has closed.
Essex Heritage invites you to join us at a FREE symposium on Saturday, March 25 at Salem State University. Local educators, historians, scholars, and students will help us explore the history of African American activism in Essex County, MA. How can primary sources from the region’s past and contemporary voices in the local Black community inform our understanding of how to approach this topic? How are local museums, educators, and cultural institutions exploring these stories? Join us as we consider these and other questions via scholarly presentations, topic-specific break-out sessions, critical discussions, and facilitated activities. Preview the agenda.
List of this symposium’s speakers and contributors with their biographies.
This event is meant to extend the impact of a recently published guide compiled by Dr. Liz Duclos-Orsello (Salem State University) and Dr. Kabria Baumgartner (Northeastern University) called “African Americans in Essex County: An Annotated Guide.”
After the formal portion of the event, attendees are invited to join Dan Lipcan, Ann C. Pingree Director of PEM’s Phillips Library, for a tour of the Peabody Essex Museum’s exhibition “Let None Be Excluded“.
PDPs are available for educators. To receive your PDP, please fill out THIS FORM after the event.
To explore materials from past workshops offered by Essex National Heritage Area that explore Essex County’s rich and diverse history, please visit our Teaching Hidden Histories pages. Many of the primary source materials highlighted in our Teaching Hidden Histories workshops will be explored in our break out session: Hands On History.
Day of the Symposium
Map of Salem State University
This symposium will be held March 25, 2023, at Salem State University’s Central (Harrington) Campus. The symposium will start at 9am, but we encourage registrants to arrive as early as 8:30am to sign in and network with other attendees. Please plan to arrive at Marsh Conference Center (#19 on the campus map) between 8:30am-9:00am. There will be a check in/registration table on the first floor, and conference staff will be able to direct you to the appropriate space.
Parking is available at Salem State for those driving to the symposium. The suggested parking lot for our conference is the one located on Loring Ave. and Canal St., close to the number “30” on the attached map. No parking passes are required. Salem State is an approximately 30 minute walk away from the MBTA station in Salem. The 455 bus route runs from the commuter rail to the university if you are relying on public transportation.
Lunch will be available for purchase at the Salem State Cafeteria or Starbucks on campus.
Evaluation Form to be filled out by participants after the symposium.
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This project is funded by an African American Civil Rights Grant through the National Park Service. This material was produced with assistance from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior under Grant Number [P21AP11739-00]. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.

Essex County in the Early Days of Revolution
2023-03-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
This free, in-person lecture is part of the Essex County Revolution 250 initiative, intended to raise awareness and highlight the diverse stories of Essex County, Massachusetts residents, free and unfree, during the American Revolutionary period.
To learn more about Essex County Rev250 and Essex Heritage visit: https://essexheritage.org/
To learn more about Massachusetts Rev250 visit: https://www.revolution250.org/
Lecture Description:
Many historians who study the early years of the American Revolution tend to focus only on the actions of the residents of Boston and Middlesex County. However, on the eve of the Revolution, Essex County communities to the north established and organized resistance movements to Crown policies that often far exceeded the efforts of their Bostonian counterparts.
Join historian Alexander Cain as we explore Essex County’s role in the opening yearsof the American War for Independence. During his lecture, Alex will review the county’s response to the Stamp and Townshend Acts, the Boston Massacre and the Tea Act. We’ll also explore how the men and women of Essex County unified to prepare for war with England. Special emphasis will be given to the rise of Essex County’s “minute men”, the Salem Affair, the county’s response to the Battles of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill and the Ipswich Fright.
This lecture is free to all. To register, please click here: https://essexcountyrevolution.eventbrite.com
Speaker Biography:
Alexander Cain graduated from Merrimack College in 1993 with a degree in economics and New England School of Law in 1996 with a juris doctor.
Alex frequently lectures on historical issues and developments during the Revolutionary War era. He has written several research articles relevant to New England militias, privateers and loyalists during the American Revolution and has published two books – “We Stood Our Ground: Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution (3rd Edition)” and “I See Nothing but the Horrors of a Civil War”.
Alex is also a frequent contributor to PBS, C-Span, Fox Nation, Concord Magazine, History Camp America and the Journal of the American Revolution. He is a highly sought after consultant for the National Park Service and local historical preservation societies alike.
Currently, Alex is the Director of Education at a Boston area vocational college and resides in Essex County, Massachusetts with his wife, Paula, and his children John and Abigail.
Website: https://www.historicalnerdery.com

Redefining Heritage: The Endurance of Folklore
2022-12-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Human beings have always sought to understand the chaos of the world through myth and folklore. Join us on Wednesday, December 21st for a free virtual lecture and open discussion to explore why residents of Essex County use the powerful tool of communal storytelling to explain the unexplainable and understand the unknowable.

REGISTER HERE: https://enduranceoffolklore.eventbrite.com

Lauren McCormack, Executive Director of the Marblehead Museum, will discuss how the robed Wizard Dimond used “magic” to calm stormy seas and bring sailors safely home – and why his neighbors embraced these skills instead of reacting with mass hysteria and hangings, such as was seen in Salem merely 20 years before. Miranda Aisling, Head of Education & Engagement for the Cape Ann Museum, will relate why old tales of a mysterious sea serpent off the shores of Gloucester have been integrated into modern renovations of the museum. Come join us in exploring how the power of story helps us learn about the history of the Heritage Area and feel more comfortable in the world around us.

Redefining Heritage is an ongoing discussion series presented by Essex Heritage. This program invites audiences to participate in a conversation about the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Essex National Heritage Area. Heritage professionals, regional advocates, businesspeople, and other experts present new perspectives on topics that are often overlooked or seen as unchanging. Experts engage with the audience in thinking about how they can be more actively involved in areas of heritage such as conservation, arts advocacy, expanded historical awareness, and other themes relevant to a more inclusive and engaged community. In our evolving and diverse world, it is especially important for all of us to understand important issues from a variety of angles to be more informed citizens.

This program is supported by a grant from the Bridge Street Fund, a special initiative of Mass Humanities.

Regional Education Forum at Marblehead Museum
2022-12-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Marblehead Museum, 170 Washington Street, Marblehead, 01945, United States
FREE Regional Education Forum
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
from 9 AM- 12:00 PM
REGISTER to join us as we spend the morning exploring innovative offerings and education partnerships at Marblehead Museum. Network with other professionals in the region as we learn more about timely initiatives such as the museum’s collaboration with the Marblehead Racial Justice Team to expand narratives. Get a tour of the recently acquired Jeremiah Lee’s Brick Kitchen & Slave Quarters and learn about the process of understanding and interpreting this property’s stories.
This is a free opportunity, but registration is required. REGISTER today!
Please feel free to forward this invite to someone else in your organization who would be interested in attending.
NOTE: This event is FREE – but registration is required..

Redefining Heritage: Muñecas Sin Rostro (Faceless Dolls Project)
2022-11-30 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
Kick off the 2022 Redefining Heritage series with a discussion about the Muñecas sin Rostro (Faceless Dolls Project). This project is a creative and educational arts initiative started by the Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM), a program of North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSCDC). Inspired by the traditional Muñecas sin Rostro made by Liliana Mera Limé, an artist and pottery worker from the town of Moca in the Dominican Republic, the project invites individuals to combine creativity and narrative through the creation of a unique paper doll in a few basic steps. As a celebration of heritage, these stories will represent and help preserve the diverse identities that reside in El Punto.
REGISTER HERE: https://redefiningheritagefacelessdolls.eventbrite.com
Since Spring of 2021, the PUAM and Salem Maritime ran a series of workshops both virtually and in-person at NSCDC’s community space, Espacio in el Punto. Each workshop involves three components: storytelling, designing, and building. The storytelling portion allows participants to answer prompts about their own heritage and how they perceive elements of their heritage through their senses and memories. Participants translate these stories into drawings, stamps, words, and more that they design onto the paper doll template. Lastly, everyone builds their doll into its proud, three-dimensional form, finishing with the iconic faceless head.
NSCDC’s goal is to grow the Faceless Dolls Project over time as a way to consistently gather, celebrate, and honor community stories through mindfulness and craft. It serves as a way for neighbors and friends to get to know each other better.
The National Park Service at Salem Maritime National Historic Site partnered with NSCDC to co-create an exhibit featuring dolls and stories by residents of El Punto (Salem’s Point neighborhood). The exhibit celebrates Salem’s global community, Caribbean connections, and Latino stories.
Join Yinette Guzman, Design & Placemaking Project Manager for the NSCDC, and Nora Halloran, Education Park Ranger for the National Park Service at Salem Maritime and Saugus Ironworks National Historic Sites to learn more about this ongoing initiative, explore the intersections of art and history, and how the use of art can help us tell continuing stories of culture, from past to present.
Following the presentation, there will be a moderated Q&A. Live captions are available during this presentation.
About the speakers:
Nora Halloran, Education Park Ranger at Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites. Nora joined the education team at Salem Maritime in 2018. Her primary focus is interpretation and education on the history of slavery in Essex County. Originally from California, Nora has worked in National Parks across the country for 10 years. Prior to arriving in Massachusetts, she worked in Everglades National Park in Florida.
Yinette Guzman is a designer, multidisciplinary artist, and advocate who is passionate about community engagement. At North Shore CDC, Yinette spearheads the Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM), where she curates and manages new and existing murals. Yinette’s goal with PUAM is to build a deeply connected art museum that not only represents the community but is also community made. In the future, Yinette’s focus is to bring more Immersive (special exhibits) works to PUAM to narrate the stories of the residents of the Point in Salem, and expand from murals to sculptures. Yinette worked developing 3Dimensional architectural models for Architect Moshe Safdie practice in Somerville MA for over 10 years. At the firm, Yinette led the digital computing tools for the model making team. As an immigrant of the Dominican Republic, Yinette believes in giving back to the community through mission work, collaborating with local partners and leading local church groups. In terms of her personal interest, she invests her free time in exploring her creative ideas by making art, which comes in different mediums, 3D sculptures, acrylic paintings and digital drawings that get laser cut. She holds a BFA in Architecture from Massachusetts College of Art & Design.
Redefining Heritage is an ongoing discussion series presented by Essex Heritage. This program invites audiences to participate in a conversation about the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Essex National Heritage Area. Heritage professionals, regional advocates, businesspeople, and other experts present new perspectives on topics that are often overlooked or seen as unchanging. Experts engage with the audience in thinking about how they can be more actively involved in areas of heritage such as conservation, arts advocacy, expanded historical awareness, and other themes relevant to a more inclusive and engaged community. In our evolving and diverse world, it is especially important for all of us to understand important issues from a variety of angles to be more informed citizens.

Eerie Stories on Salem Sound
2022-10-29 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-10-29 14:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-22 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-10-22 14:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-15 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-10-15 14:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 and 1 more date | Central Wharf, 193 Derby Street, (docked behind Waite & Peirce), Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us aboard our boat Naumkeag for 1 hour of live storytelling on the Salem Sound. You’ll be enthralled by Salem’s dark and historic past!
Escape the crowds this fall and take to the sea, where haunting tales and harbor views await! Join us Saturdays in October at 2:00pm & 4:00pm to dive into the dark side of Salem’s history. On this 1 hour boat tour, your guide will relate tales of murderous plots, public executions, and strange sightings. You’ll find that the facts of Salem’s past are stranger than any fiction you could dream up. Come ride the waves of history – just keep a weather eye for privateers!
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: https://eeriestoriesonsalemsound.eventbrite.com
Tours depart from the end of Central Wharf, behind the Waite & Pierce Museum Store (193 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970). Walk all the way to the end of the wharf, your crew will be waiting at the dock to greet you!
Please plan on arriving 10 minutes prior to departure, to ensure that you don’t miss the boat. Be advised that it can get chilly on the water and there is no indoor seating on the boat. We recommend a warm, wind-resistant coat for the best experience.
Important Information:

This tour covers grim topics of true history, and is recommended for audiences 12 and above.
Parking is extremely limited in October so please plan ahead, we cannot hold the boat if you are running late. For detailed information about parking and transportation to Salem in October CLICK HERE
With the high demand for tickets in October full refunds will only be given with a week notice.
Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on the boat, and if you are visibly intoxicated you will not be permitted to board.
Pets are NOT permitted with the exception of certified service animals defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA.
Public restrooms are available behind the Waite and Peirce building; there are no restrooms on board the boat.

Please contact RyanC@essexheritage.org with any questions.

Essex Heritage Fall Annual Meeting
2022-10-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, NH, 01930, United States
Join us for a morning of networking & regional engagement! The meeting will be held at Cape Ann Museum (27 Pleasant St, Gloucester) on Thursday October 6, 2022 at 9:00 am. Attendees are welcome to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 am for networking and coffee.
The agenda will include an update on what’s happening in the Heritage Area, voting in new Commissioners, special awards, and more.
Many thanks to our friends at Cape Ann Museum for hosting!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Eerie Stories on Salem Sound
2022-10-01 16:00 - 17:00, 2022-10-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Central Wharf, 193 Derby Street, (docked behind Waite & Peirce), Salem, MA, 01970, United States
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Join us aboard our boat Naumkeag for 1 hour of live storytelling on the Salem Sound. You’ll be enthralled by Salem’s dark and historic past!
Escape the crowds this fall and take to the sea, where haunting tales and harbor views await! Join us Saturdays in October at 2:00pm & 4:00pm to dive into the dark side of Salem’s history. On this 1 hour boat tour, your guide will relate tales of murderous plots, public executions, and strange sightings. You’ll find that the facts of Salem’s past are stranger than any fiction you could dream up. Come ride the waves of history – just keep a weather eye for privateers!
Tours depart from the end of Central Wharf, behind the Waite & Pierce Museum Store (193 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970). Walk all the way to the end of the wharf, your crew will be waiting at the dock to greet you!
Please plan on arriving 10 minutes prior to departure, to ensure that you don’t miss the boat. Be advised that it can get chilly on the water and there is no indoor seating on the boat. We recommend a warm, wind-resistant coat for the best experience.
Important Information:

This tour covers grim topics of true history, and is recommended for audiences 12 and above.
Parking is extremely limited in October so please plan ahead, we cannot hold the boat if you are running late. For detailed information about parking and transportation to Salem in October CLICK HERE
With the high demand for tickets in October full refunds will only be given with a week notice.
Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on the boat, and if you are visibly intoxicated you will not be permitted to board.
Pets are NOT permitted with the exception of certified service animals defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA.
Public restrooms are available behind the Waite and Peirce building; there are no restrooms on board the boat.

Please contact RyanC@essexheritage.org with any questions.

Misery Island Mushroom Walk
2022-09-09 16:00 - 19:00 | Salem Ferry Dock, 10 Blaney St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 AT 4:00PM
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: https://miseryislandmushrooms.eventbrite.com
Explore the fungi of Great Misery Island.
Join us for a guided mushroom walk 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 in a major way to fungi/lichens growth on stone ruins of the island. Join us on an exploratory walk around the island with Jana Harris of Essex Forays, certified in Wild Mushroom Food Safety and member of Boston Mycological Club. Jana will ID mushrooms as we go and learn about edible and nonedible species. Walk will last about 2 1/2hr and will give participants a chance to look close up 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 (poison ivy is here), bring a water bottle, tick and bug repellent, ID field guide and basket (optional). Space is limited to 17participants. Please be aware that there is a lot of poison ivy off the trails on the island.
Boat Departure Location: Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.
Tickets
Please read all the information listed below before purchasing your ticket(s).

Adults: $35
Children (4-12 yr): $18
Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! Not a member? Sign up here: essexheritage.org/membership

What You Need To Know Before You Go! Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trip?
About 3 hours round-trip (includes 30-minute boat ride each way).
What should I wear or bring with me?

Rubber-soled shoes.
Flip-flops not recommended; NO heels.
Comfortable clothing (long pants recommended)
Garden gloves
Tick and bug repellent
ID field guide
IMPORTANT: It’s colder on the water and there is no shelter from the weather on our open boat. Bring an extra layer!
Pack water and a snack if needed.

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.

What is the trip like?
It is an adventure aboard Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag…

Sit back and enjoy a 30-minute trip from Salem to Great Misery Island.
Arrive at Great Misery Island to disembark on the beach.
Walk with mycologist, Jana Harris, for a 2-hour exploration of the fungi that inhabit Great Misery Island.
Be ready to depart from Great Misery Island the designated time for a 30-minute ride back to Salem.

What if it rains or is stormy?
Boat trips depend on the weather. Naumkeag has no rain or sun cover on it. You will be exposed to the elements going to and from the island.
What is the Cancellation Policy?

If Essex Heritage cancels the boat trip: If it is too rainy or stormy or the seas are too rough, and Essex Heritage has to cancel the boat trip, you will be fully refunded the cost of your ticket
If ticket holder cancels: If you cancel because you think it is too sunny, rainy, windy or whatever, but the boat still goes, tickets are non-refundable.

How will I know if my tour has been cancelled?
Essex Heritage staff will do our best to email all ticketed passengers in advance if your trip has been cancelled. We will also keep an updated weather advisory line at 978-998-2188.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is NOT permitted on the boat or anywhere on the island at all.
Are there bathroom facilities?
The bathroom facilities are VERY limited. There are bathrooms at the Salem Ferry dock, but there are no bathrooms on the boat. There are facilities located on Great Misery Island, but they are limited and will not be easily accessible during the walk.
Questions?
Please call Essex Heritage’s Visitor Information Desk (located in the National Park Service Visitor Center) at 978-224-2036. The Visitor Information Desk is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM.
Essex Heritage does not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen personal property

Wild Edibles at Bakers Island Light
2022-09-09 10:00 - 14:00 | MA
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.
Boat Departure Location: Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.
Tickets
Please read all the information listed below before purchasing your ticket(s).

Adults: $35
Children (4-12 yr): $20
Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! Not a member? Sign up here: essexheritage.org/membership

What You Need To Know Before You Go! Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trip?
About 4 hours round-trip.
What should I wear or bring with me?

Rubber-soled shoes.
Flip-flops not recommended; NO heels.
Comfortable clothing.
IMPORTANT: It’s colder on the water and there is no shelter from the weather on our open boat. Bring an extra layer!
Wild edibles may be available to nibble and sip on during this adventure but, it won’t be a full lunch. There will be a scheduled break for lunch, so please pack a sandwich or snacks, plus water, if you will need it.

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.

What is the trip like?
It is an adventure aboard Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag…

Arrive at our stone beach.
Disembark and follow special host Russ Cohen as he points out the native and invasive species that inhabit the 10 acres owned by Essex Heritage.
Enjoy an hour and half of guided discovery and explore the edible options while learning about living off the grid.
Please Note: The lighthouse cannot be climbed at this time.

What if it rains or is stormy?
Boat trips depend on the weather. Naumkeag has no rain or sun cover on it. You will be exposed to the elements going to and from the island.
What is the Cancellation Policy?

If Essex Heritage cancels the boat trip: If it is too rainy or stormy or the seas are too rough, and Essex Heritage has to cancel the boat trip, you will be fully refunded the cost of your ticket
If ticket holder cancels: If you cancel because you think it is too sunny, rainy, windy or whatever, but the boat still goes, tickets are non-refundable.
If the boat leaves the dock but cannot land on the island: In the very unlikely event that the boat arrives at Bakers Island but cannot disembark passengers, you will still have experienced a pleasant boat ride and harbor tour. In this case, you will receive a refund for 50% of your ticket cost(s). (Only full refunds will be given if the boat doesn’t leave the dock.)

How will I know if my tour has been cancelled?
Essex Heritage staff will do our best to email all ticketed passengers in advance if your trip has been cancelled. We will also keep an updated weather advisory line at 978-998-2188.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is NOT permitted on the boat or anywhere on the island at all.
Are there bathroom facilities?
The bathroom facilities are VERY limited. There are bathrooms at the Salem Ferry dock, but there are no bathrooms on the boat. Once on the island, there is only one composting toilet facility at the Light Station.
Questions?
Please call Essex Heritage’s Visitor Information Desk (located in the National Park Service Visitor Center) at 978-224-2036. The Visitor Information Desk is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM.
Essex Heritage does not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen personal property.
