Step into the world of medieval and Renaissance culture at Hammond Castle Museum, where the castle itself provides a uniquely dramatic backdrop for a magical day steeped in history and fantasy in a stunning setting.
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.
Enjoy a FREE guided activity (ages 4+) in the gallery. Learn about Cape Ann’s Granite Industry, try a fun art making activity, and join in gallery tour designed for kids and their caregivers, led by a CAM Educator. Afterwards grab a scavenger hunt to explore the property and enjoy the lawn.
Join Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm and the Essex Base Ball Association for a day of vintage base ball as we celebrate the 20th season of this partnership! The four teams of Essex Base Ball, the Newburyport Clamdiggers, Lowell Base Ball Club, Portsmouth Rockingham's, and the Lynn Live Oaks, play using 1864 rules. At these fun, historically accurate games, gloves are not allowed, players pitch underhand, and a ball bounced once and caught is an out. Bring a picnic or partake in beer and hot dogs from our friends at Ipswich Ale!
Experience the WOW factor when you climb up Gloucester’s City Hall clock and bell tower and emerge at the bell level. Views, weather permitting, are awesome. Members of Gloucester’s City Hall Restoration Commission will be on hand to inform you of the history of this architecturally significant building that had graced Gloucester’s skyline for more than 150 years. Please note that while the tower is not handicapped accessible the WPA Murals in City Hall are accessible and are one, if not, the best collection of WPA murals in the Commonwealth.
Explore the American Revolution through immersive, hands-on stations highlighting the era’s diverse people and experiences. In the “Molly Pitcher Room,” learn about women’s roles by crafting toilet roll cannons and herbal tea sachets. The “Black Soldiers & Spies Room” features spy ciphers and artifacts tied to Black patriots. In “The Armory,” students handle replica muskets and explore 18th-century weapons. At the “Colonial Treasury,” they’ll learn about colonial economics and design their own currency.
Maritime Adventure Free Days offers families and kids a unique opportunity to explore maritime history through interactive activities, guided tours, and hands-on workshops. A day of fun and discovery at the Custom House Maritime Museum for the family. These free Saturday events include experiencing a traditional Wampanoag dugout canoe being made by a team of craftsmen. Part of Trails & Sails
Explore the FRIENDSHIP OF SALEM, a replica tall ship based on a 1796 Salem vessel at Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Learn about the voyages of the original FRIENDSHIP and the lives of the crewmembers onboard. The two-decked, three-masted, square-rigged, 342-ton vessel represents New England’s influential role in the development of global and domestic maritime trade. Ongoing repair work is taking place on the FRIENDSHIP, so capacity limits are in place on deck.
Step inside the historic Plum Island lighthouse! Sign up for a free, 15-minute tour by visiting www.friendsofplumislandlight.org. The Trails & Sails tour date is on Sept 20th by appointment. Tours are dependent on weather and rain dates are not available.
The Hannah, the first of several schooners commissioned by General George Washington, began her career as an armed cruiser in September 1775. To commemorate that important part of Marblehead’s history, the Fame – similar in size and appearance to the Hannah (aka Schooner Fame)– will be docked at Marblehead’s Town Landing from 9:00 am to 10:15 am on Saturday, September 20th, and Sunday, September 21st.
