The year is 1775—tensions with the British Crown are rising, and one question is on every colonist’s mind: Would you fight for independence as a Patriot or remain loyal to the British Crown as a Loyalist? Join us as our two historians face yet another Great Debate that divided colonists and even families during the...
Join us at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center for swashbuckling stories, silly songs, fun games, and a craft! REGISTER HERE This FREE event is presented in partnership with the Salem Public Library. It is geared towards children ages 3+ (with caregivers), but open to all. Registration is encouraged. Enjoy this sneak peek of our...
Join us to learn about the often overlooked parts of local Black history and culture in the 18th century through objects, games, and dance! Join Essex Heritage and Krystina Yeager of Historic Beverly at the Salem Visitor Center to hear the stories of local Black residents in Essex County based on new research that’s been...
Come celebrate the talented winner's of the 2024 Essex Heritage Photo Contest during a special reception on Wednesday, February 12th at 5:30 pm at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center in Salem. Light refreshments will be available and the winning photos will be on display. There will be a brief awards ceremony beginning at 6:00...
Tour the sites of the Great Salem Fire, October 6, 1774 with retired park ranger, Curtis White.Tour the site of the Great Salem Fire, October 6, 1774 with retired park ranger, Curtis White. The fire destroyed shops, a meeting-house, dwellings, and the Custom House. Was the fire a diversionary tactic to deter the arrest of...
Join us for a special program with Anne Jennison who will share some of her favorite traditional Abenaki/Wabanaki woodland stories. Join Native American storyteller, historian, and educator, Anne Jennison, for a special in person performance of traditional Abenaki/Wabanaki stories. This engaging and interactive presentation features the "Animal People" and their adventures in the Northeastern Woodlands....
Are you Team Beverly or Team Marblehead? Where is the birthplace of the American Navy? Two local towns that have argued with each other for centuries over this question. Help us settle the Great Debate once and for all! Come out and support your town as historians K. David Goss (Beverly) and Charlie Newhall (Marblehead) as they battle it...
Join us during April school vacation week for a special family event where we will be “diving in" to all things under the sea! Come enjoy some ocean-themed stories, songs, and games, followed by a craft and the chance to meet and learn about real Salem sea creatures from Salem Sound Coastwatch’s touch tank! REGISTER...
Come celebrate the talented winner's of the 2023 Essex Heritage Photo Contest at a special reception scheduled for March 6th at 6:00pm at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center in Salem. Light refreshments will be available and winning photos will be on display. There will be a brief awards ceremony beginning at 6:30pm. This event...
Join Salem’s own abolitionist, writer, and educator, Charlotte Forten, for a special craft time at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center.Join Salem’s own abolitionist, writer, and educator, Charlotte Forten, for a special craft time at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center. With clay, wood, and coloring materials, kids and their caregivers will contribute to building...
On December 6, 1917, during the height of WWI, a massive explosion took place in Halifax Harbor in Nova Scotia, Canada.On December 6, 1917, during the height of WWI, two ships trying to navigate Halifax Harbor collided resulting in the largest man-made explosion of the pre-atomic age.Essex Heritage President, David Read, will recount the events...
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...
