Set sail on a full-scale replica of the famous 1812 privateer schooner FAME. Launched in 2003 from the H. A. Burnham Boatyard in Essex, MA, our new FAME takes the paying public for cruises on Salem Sound, where pirates, privateers, East Indiamen and men of war have been making history for 400 years. FAME sails up to five times daily, from May through October, from Pickering Wharf Marina in downtown Salem.
Visit Lowell’s Boat Shop for a guided tour during Trails & Sails 2022! Founded in 1793, Lowell’s Boat Shop is the oldest continuously operating wooden boat shop in the United States. Now a National Historic Landmark, Lowell’s continues to build wooden boats in the traditional method, with a mission of passing that knowledge on to the next generation through the Apprentice Program. Located on the banks of the Merrimack River in Amesbury, Lowell’s Boat Shop welcomes guests to take a step back in time and learn about the unique history and craft of wooden boat building.
One of Beverly's most familiar landmarks, this lighthouse commands a spectacular view of Salem Sound, and 3 other lighthouses. An enduring monument to Beverly's nautical heritage, it is one of 5 Massachusetts lighthouses that still retains its original Fresnel lens.
Come to the Salem Maritime National Historic Visitor Center to imagine what life was like at sea as you rummage through the sea bags of a ship’s boy, a sailor, and a captain. Try writing your name using signal flags used to send messages at sea. Then, make a Sailor Valentine out of sea shells like the ones sailors would create for their loved ones back home.
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.
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 2022!
Join us for a walking tour of Fish Flake Hill Historic District! The site of the town’s revolutionary and early national period maritime industries, and home to Beverly’s merchants and sea captains, Fish Flake Hill was the town’s primary business district until the mid-nineteenth century. Rain or shine event, in case of severe weather, check with us that day. This event is free to all as part of Trails and Sails.
Presented by the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the annual Salem Maritime Festival in August hosts an exciting array of free family fun festivities, including live music, traditional craft demonstrations and seaport trade exhibits, story-telling, and family fun! Each year, music, demonstrations, exhibits, and children's activities are available throughout the park and on Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!
The Merrimack Valley Ship Model club will exhibit a wide range and variety of ship models displaying tiny miniatures, and modest rowing craft in contrast with ocean going vessels. MVSMC members will be at the exhibit demonstrating modeling techniques and sharing back ground stories about the models on display.
Learn about Salem's maritime history and view "Lady of Salem" public art through a guided walking tours of the "Ladies." This festive Beautification Committee public art project features over 15 artistically decorated ship figureheads adorning downtown Salem. Tours will focus on Salem's maritime history, the public art project, and Salem's community involvement in public art. Maps for self-guided tours and Lady of Salem photo opportunities will be available. The project is supported by a Salem Cultural Council grant.
