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

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: 

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

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: 

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: 

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: 

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

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: 

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!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

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.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Marketplace

Shop to your heart’s content in our open air bazaar-like market place right in the heart of historic Newburyport’s center. Covering two square blocks, this extravaganza of food and great finds is sure to tantalize all your senses.
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Circus Smirkus | 2025 Big Top Tour

Theater in the Open proudly hosts Circus Smirkus' 2025 Big Top Tour in Newbury Massachusetts!
Theater in the Open proudly hosts Circus Smirkus' 2025 Big Top Tour! Every summer, a freshly auditioned company of Smirkus Troupers, ages 10 to 18, take to the road in traditional mud show fashion for a two-month performance tour of New England. Backed by professional coaches, cooks, musicians and...
1:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Friday Night Party at Salisbury Beach

Salisbury Beach Summer Beach Party every Friday through the Summer.
Get ready for family fun every Friday night all summer long at Salisbury Beach! Starting at 7:15 PM on the Salisbury Beach stage, enjoy a full evening of summer tunes and excitement. DJ Ralphie B will be spinning your favorite hits, while hosting kid-friendly activities that will keep everyone...
7:15 pm to 10:00 pm

Waterfront Concert: Fortune

Fortune will fill the waterfront with music for Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport Massachusetts
Fortune will fill the waterfront with music for Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport Massachusetts! For well over two decades, Fortune has regularly packed venues throughout New England. Hailing from Peabody, MA, this 6-piece band has long maintained a reputation for smooth three and four part vocal...
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Friday, August 8

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

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.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Beverly Homecoming Kids Carnival

Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts becomes a midway of carnival kids games during Beverly Homecoming!
Get ready for a day of festive fun at the Lynch Park Carnival! Join BevRec for an exciting event packed with thrilling games, delicious treats, and a lively atmosphere. Bring your children to experience the joy and wonder of a classic carnival.
Where: Lynch Park
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Bike Safety Rodeo at Lynch Park

Kids and families are invited to Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts for a the bike safety rodeo hosted by Beverly Police!
Free! Fun safety course, bike inspections, and free helmets in the parking lot at Lynch Park. The George Robertson memorial bike rodeo is hosted by the Beverly Police Department, with generous contributions by the Beverly Kiwanis. All who attend will be instructed in bicycle safety, and all can...
Where: Lynch Park
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Beverly Homecoming Ice Cream Social

Ice Cream Social at Lynch Park raises funds for the Beverly Massachusetts Homecoming Fireworks!
Join State Representative Hannah Bowen for an ice cream social at Lynch Park. Ice cream cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children and senior citizens; proceeds to benefit the Homecoming Fireworks.
Where: Lynch Park
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Subscribe to History