Discover the stories behind the places.

Explore historic homes, museums, gardens, and other special places throughout Essex County with Essex Heritage’s Heritage Friend Event series. Hosted in partnership with local organizations, these gatherings offer an opportunity to enjoy guided tours, explore collections, and meet the people who care for our region’s historic, cultural, and natural resources. Each event introduces a different place and the stories that make it unique, whether you’re visiting for the first time or seeing a familiar site from a new perspective.

Heritage Friend Events are always free for Essex Heritage members. Registration is required, and space may be limited.

Upcoming Events

We’re planning our next Heritage Friend Events:

  • Cape Ann Museum – December 10, 2026 Save the date!
  • Museum of Old Newbury – date TBD

Check back soon for more details about these upcoming gatherings. In the meantime, you can view other programs on our events calendar.

Sites We’ve Explored

From historic houses to museum collections and garden landscapes, our Heritage Friend Events bring people together to experience the many sides of Essex County. We are deeply grateful to our partners for welcoming us and sharing their knowledge, collections, and stories.

Jeremiah Lee Mansion & Garden with Marblehead Museum
John Cabot House with Historic Beverly
The Pickering House with the Pickering Foundation
Custom House Maritime Museum
Phillips Library with the Peabody Essex Museum
Long Hill with The Trustees
Museum of Printing
Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm with Historic New England
Nahant Historical Society
Hooper-Hathaway House with The House of the Seven Gables
The Stevens Center with North Andover Historical Society
Jeremiah Lee’s Brick Kitchen & Slave Quarters with Marblehead Museum
Rebecca Nurse Homestead

Keep Exploring with Essex Heritage

Heritage Friend Events are one of the many benefits of Essex Heritage membership. Join us to enjoy these gatherings at no cost, along with discounts on select programs and experiences, while supporting the places and stories that make Essex County special.

Become a Member

Interested in Hosting?

Help introduce Essex Heritage members and supporters to your organization! We welcome opportunities to partner on Heritage Friend Events that highlight the places, collections, and stories of the Essex National Heritage Area.

To learn more about hosting, contact Heather Goss at heatherg@essexheritage.org.