History

Family Forest Festival

Join Mass Audubon to celebrate the forest with your family at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Journey back in time with Mass Audubon and the Topsfield Historical Society on a child-friendly guided hike with hands-on games and activities to learn about the people and wildlife who have called these forests home. Try your hand at building a kid-sized log cabin, see and use real historical carpentry tools, and learn the names and stories of the towering trees and woodland wildlife all around us. Late fall is a wonderful time to take a hike with friends and family and give thanks for the resources and beauty that nature provides for us all. The hike is approximately 1 hour long, set at a leisurely pace with stops to explore. Fun forest activities, snacks, hot drinks, and a roaring fire in our cozy barn are ongoing throughout the program.

When: 
Saturday, November 23, 2019 1-4pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Tour
Walk
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Mass Audubon
History

Essex Police Department's Annual Car Show

Essex MA Annual Car Show hosted by the Essex Police Department

Come to the 6th Annual Classic Car Show in Essex. Find Antiques, Classics, Muscle, Special Interest, Trucks and Motorcycles.  The show is centrally located in Essex MA with antique and specialty shops and restaurants within walking distance. Don’t miss this very special opportunity to enjoy Essex.Sponsored by First Ipswich Bank.

When: 
Sunday, September 29, 2019 1 - 4pm
Location: 
Downtown Essex
Essex
History
Antique Cars
Essex

Vikings in Port

Vikings come to Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts as part of Trails and Sails!

Experience life on and around an authentic Viking ship. Vikings are known for their “raiding and trading” but they were also master crafters in wood, metal and fabric arts. Based around our flagship Polaris, visitors will get to see, feel, and hear the sounds of costume, metal working, and wood working. They will get to experience what it was like aboard a small Viking longship and even try their hand at rowing.

When: 
Daily, September 21-25, 2019 9am-7pm
Location: 
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem
Exploration
Demonstration
Presentation
Festival
History
Discovery
Live Music
Maritime
Heritage
Salem Heritage Days

Historic Ice House Tours

Tour Cape Pond Ice and chill with the coolest guys in town!

Chill with the coolest guys in town! Enjoy a cool visit to Cape Pond Ice Company, icing Gloucester's fleet since 1848. We were featured in Sebastian Junger's account of The Perfect Storm. Tours highlight the history of the ice industry, with vintage film of natural ice harvests. See first hand 300-pound block ice being made (up to 350 tons per day), fishing vessels taking on ice and ice sculptures being carved in our historic icehouse on Gloucester's working waterfront. Part of Trails & Sails

When: 
Saturdays, September 21 & 29, 2019 11am-Noon
Location: 
Cape Pond Ice
Gloucester
Tour
History
Trails & Sails 2019

Medicine in Colonial Salem - Witch House

Learn about colonial medecine at the Witch House in Salem Massachusetts as part of Trails and Sails!

Join us at the Witch House and Pioneer Village for a look at medicinal curiosities from the 17th century. At the Corwin House (a.k.a. the Witch House) we will share an exhibit featuring some of the more startling remedies our New England settlers trusted such as “snail water” and “skull moss”. The exhibit will be included in admission and free to Trails and Sails attendees each day of the festival.

When: 
Saturdays and Sundays, September 21-29, 2019 10am-4:45pm
Location: 
The Witch House
Salem
Hike
Walk
Outdoor Activity
Trails & Sails 2019
History
Demonstration

Privateer Trail Walking Tour

Tour the Privateer Trails in Beverly MA as part of Trails & Sails!

Join Historic Beverly on a journey through Beverly to visit the homes and businesses of some of Beverly's most famous privateers, including the legendary Hugh Hill! We will also experience some beautiful waterfront views as our guides explain how these sites would have looked and been used. Walking tours offer insight into the hidden history of Beverly and introduce you to its key events and major figures. Rain or shine; in case of severe weather, check with us that day. Part of Trails & Sails!

When: 
Saturday, September 20, 2019 2-3:30pm
Location: 
Historic Beverly
Beverly
Tour
History
Maritime
Trails & Sails 2019

USCG Tall Ship Eagle Comes to Salem!

USCG United States Coast Gaurd Cutter Barque Eagle comes to Salem Massachusetts!

The Coast Guard Barque EAGLE is making a port call in Salem, MA this August - arriving August 9 and staying through August 11!  The ship was built in 1936 in Germany, and commissioned as Horst Wessel, one of three sail training ships operated by the pre-World War II German navy. At the close of World War II, Horst Wessel was taken as a war reparation by the United States, recommissioned as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle and sailed to New London, Connecticut. Eagle provides an unparalleled at-sea leadership and professional development experience for future officers of the U.S. Coast Guard.

When: 
Friday, August 9, 2019 Noon-7pm
Saturday, August 10, 2019 10am-2pm
Sunday, August 11, 2019 10am-7pm
Location: 
Wharf at Blaney Street
Salem
Boat
Sailing
Tall Ship
Tour
Open House
History
Salem Heritage Days

Salem's Essex Street Fair

Take advantage of the Massachusetts Tax Holiday at the Essex Street Fair Salem!

The Essex Street Fair is a two-day event held in downtown Salem and is part of the Slemn Heritage Festivities! Come visit the Essex Street Fair during Salem Heritage Days to see over 40 vendors, listen to some live music, and enjoy historic Salem. Vendor sales include jewelry, handmade crafts, art, food, and much more! The Essex Street Fair will be held along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and you can shop on Saturday & Sunday, August 11 & 12, from 10am-6pm. This event brings thousands of visitors, so you do not want to miss out!

When: 
Saturday, August 10, 2019 10am-6pm
Sunday, August 11, 2019 10am-6pm
Location: 
Downtown Salem
Salem
Food
Fair
Shopping
Festival
History
Salem Heritage Days

Battle for Newbury at Spencer-Peirce

Come see a historical demonstration of militia encampment and battle demonstrations at Spencer Pierce Little Farm.

Meet Revolutionary War soldiers from both sides of the conflict. Members of the Continental Line and His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot will enact a battle to see what might have happened if the British had tried to recapture Boston by way of the Massachusetts North Shore. See colonial crafts and trades, mingle with reenactors, tour the camps, watch musket and cannon demonstrations, and take part in kids’ activities and games. Tour the 1690 manor house, the home of two of Newburyport’s Revolutionary War heroes! Sip an Ipswich Ale Brewery cask ale, a local beer brewed in the old style.

When: 
Saturday, June 8, 2019 11am-5pm
Sunday, June 9, 2019 11am-2pm
Location: 
Spencer Peirce Little Farm
Newbury
History
Farm
Reenactment

Pages

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point
Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Sing & Dance with the Music Man
Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham
10:00 am to 10:45 am
♦ Read More →

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle
A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Come to Hammond Castle for the 6th annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration. Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out. Delight in the enchanting ambiance of Christmas and White Birch trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of...
Where: Hammond Castle Museum
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Gingerbread Contest at Wenham Museum
Wenham Museum Gingerbread Contest is free to enter and open to all!
Everyone's invited to enter Wenham Museum’s gingerbread contest! Individuals, families, groups, teams–all are encouraged to create a Gingerbread House for this friendly community competition.
Where: Wenham Museum
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Trustees Winterlights at Stevens Coolidge Place
The Trustees of Reservations Winterlights at the Stevents-Coolidge Place North Andover North Andover.
Winterlights is back! Join the Trustees for a magical outdoor experience at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, and see the gardens aglow with your favorite light installations as well as marveling at new components. Bring the whole family for a fun and safe outdoor experience. Winterlights runs...
Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
4:30 pm to 8:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Sunday, December 22

A Christmas Carol Panto
Theater in the Open celebrates the holidays with their interpretation of Dickens' Christmas Carol at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport!
Bah, humbug! Theater in the Open celebrates the holiday season with this Dickens classic, presented in true TITO style. So be prepared for anything to happen!  
Where: Firehouse Center for the Arts
3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Trustees Winterlights at Stevens Coolidge Place
The Trustees of Reservations Winterlights at the Stevents-Coolidge Place North Andover North Andover.
Winterlights is back! Join the Trustees for a magical outdoor experience at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, and see the gardens aglow with your favorite light installations as well as marveling at new components. Bring the whole family for a fun and safe outdoor experience. Winterlights runs...
Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
4:30 pm to 8:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Monday, December 23

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point
Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Sing & Dance with the Music Man
Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham
10:00 am to 10:45 am
♦ Read More →

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle
A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Come to Hammond Castle for the 6th annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration. Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out. Delight in the enchanting ambiance of Christmas and White Birch trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of...
Where: Hammond Castle Museum
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Lego Time at MPL
Children in grades 2 and up are invited to come to the Manchester Massachusetts Library's Lego Club
Drop-in, unstructured Lego building fun! Come with friends or come to make new ones, this program is for kids ages six and up. 
Where: Manchester Public Library
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Tuesday, December 24

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point
Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Music Together - Tuesday in Marblehead
Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® of Salem classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45...
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead
10:00 am to 10:45 am
♦ Read More →
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