History

Enjoy a guided tour of Halibut Point State Park around the Babson Farm Quarry, unearthing the granite industry era followed by a traditional hand-tool stone splitting demonstration. Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now cascade from rocky headlands to the abundant tidal pools below. The panorama encompasses views from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. This glorious natural landscape is breathtaking and inspiring.

The Paine House (1694), a yellow clapboard saltbox, is a remarkable and rare example of First Period (1620-1725) architecture. Three generations of the Paine family made their home here, including Robert Paine, foreman of the Salem witch trial jury in 1692.

Essex county is home to an extraordinary collection of homes, buildings and artifacts from America's First Period (1625-1725) of European settlement. Explore these architectural treasures and discover what is was like to live in Essex County during America's first century.

Various properties are open to the public on the first Saturday of each month, June - October, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

The Gloucester Schooner Festival is a  wonderful celebration of Gloucester's fishing and maritime history during labor day weekend. This year's festival, hosted by Maritime Gloucester,  is Gloucester’s major marine event, with participating vessels coming from ports along the Eastern seaboard and beyond. There will be both large and small vessels—ranging from 19 feet to over 100 feet in length. You will see new boats and old boats, from newly built (Ardelle - launched 2011) to over 100 years old!

Bring the family to Rockport for a full day of activities on Motif No. 1 Day! Hosted by Rockport Festivals, this festival celebrates Rockport across the arts through the symbol of Rockport’s famous fishing shack, Motif No. 1, the subject of countless paintings and photographs throughout the last century.

The Abbadia Mare Festival is a fund raiser for the Hammond Castle Museum. At this Rennaisance Faire there will be live performances, musicians, great food, demonstrations, comedy, Knights, storytelling, and artisans/vendors from around New England!  Castle Tours will also be available. Perhaps you can be a part of our Human chess Match, or cheer on our knights as they do live steel combat!

Walk through history at Ravenswood Park! Ravenswood has changed from a main thoroughfare to a forgotten backwoods, and now to our favorite local refuge over time. See the evidence in cellar holes, stonewalls, and carriage paths. Learn the stories of a colorful cast of characters who transformed it into a such special place. Pre-registration requested.

Enjoy a guided tour of Halibut Point State Park around the Babson Farm Quarry, unearthing the granite industry era followed by a traditional hand-tool stone splitting demonstration.  Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now cascades from rocky headlands to the abundant tidal pools below. The panorama encompasses views from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. This glorious natural landscape is breathtaking and inspiring.

Greyhounds at the library! Rescue organization Greyhound Friends will be coming to the Newburyport Public Library, and they are bringing four greyhounds for us to meet! Learn about the greyhound breed, the history of greyhound racing, and what it's like to adopt a former racing greyhound. Of course, everyone will get to pet and interact with the greyhounds, so bring your cameras! All ages are welcome: kids, teens and adults.