Events

Step into the Hale House for a special Historic Beverly program with Dr. Kimberly Alexander on flax, linen, and the vital role of textiles during the American Revolution. This program will explore how flax was processed into linen and why homespun textiles became important symbols of independence, resistance, and political identity in Revolutionary-era America. Guests will learn...

Historic Beverly invites the community to participate in our annual Reading Frederick Douglass Together program, a powerful public reading of Frederick Douglass’s landmark July 5, 1852 speech, “What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?” As part of this statewide initiative led by Mass Humanities, community members volunteer to read portions of Douglass’s speech aloud, reflecting on...

Meet Revolutionary heroes, merchants, captains, and curious characters among Old Hill's remarkable stones and family tombs. Wander through Newburyport's historic 1730 Old Hill Burying Ground with noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th-generation Newburyport native. Meet Revolutionary War heroes, captains and merchants of Old Newbury, and even a "cool, cool cat" in a stroll...

For Historic Beverly’s July First Friday program, and in recognition of this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, this talk explores the stories of Black soldiers from Beverly during the American Revolution through research conducted using Historic Beverly’s archival collections and ongoing historical research efforts. Participants will learn about the lives and military service of Black...

This year’s reading is our 15th and it takes on heightened significance in light of the 250th Anniversary of its signing. If you wish to participate in the reading, please arrive early to receive a part. We will strive to begin at 11:00, but we do expect more readers than usual, so kindly be prepared...

Join us for Newburyport's 9th annual community reading of Frederick Douglass's powerful speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" An in-person community reading of Frederick Douglass's impassioned 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” will take place on Sunday, July 5, at 10am. Lend your voice to this...

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are well known as "the shot heard round the world" but have you ever heard of the Battle of Moore's Creek? Or the Revolutionary War connection between Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York and Dorchester Heights in Boston? Or the Mecklenburg Resolves? This talk by Professor Abby Chandler focuses...

Join Ghlee Woodworth for a walking tour focused on the memorials of Newburyport’s Black community and Revolutionary privateers. Wander through Newburyport’s historic Highland Cemetery with a special guide - noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th generation Newburyport native. During this special event, Woodworth will focus on the memorials of Newburyport’s once-thriving Black community...

Join Historic Beverly for a commemorative public reading of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Park, the very site where Beverly first heard the Declaration read aloud in 1776. On July 17, 1776, Colonel John Glover gathered his regiment on the parade ground that would later become Independence Park, where they were joined by Beverly...

Follow Newburyport's road to revolution through merchant mansions, taverns, privateering, shipmasters, and Market Square. Join noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth for a walk from the 1808 Cushing House down State Street into the commercial and maritime heart of Newburyport. Hear how taverns, merchant mansions, privateering fortunes, shipmasters, and public spaces helped shape the city...

Commemoration of the 250th anniversary of NBPT's first reading of the Declaration of Independence, with readings, music, reenactors, and more When: Sunday, July 19, 2026; 1:45 p.m. procession, 2:00 p.m. program Where: Brown Square to Market Square, with a stop at FRS UU Church, followed by a waterfront observance and family-friendly activities. Includes: Community readings,...