Gloucester

Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound. Along the way, hear stories about the rich history of the harbor and how the Misery Islands acquired their unique name. When you arrive, you’ll have 2 hours to explore the trails, open meadows, rocky shoreline, and hidden coves on the island. The Misery Islands are managed by The Trustees. Time allotted is about 3 hours round-trip (30-minute trip to and from the islands, and 2 hours on Great Misery Island). More information about the islands as well as a trail map can be found HERE

"Dogtown" on Cape Ann offers families an intriguing blend of history and natural beauty. Known for its vast woodlands, trails, stone walls, and cellar holes, Dogtown is a place where proud people once lived and worked for nearly 150 years before it was abandoned. The area is rich with tales of witches, widows, and an ill-fated bullfighter, making it a captivating destination for children and adults alike. This two-hour, three-mile walking tour invites families to explore the main roads of this early settlement, meet some of its historical residents, and hear their stories. Visitors will learn how Dogtown got its name, why it was abandoned, and how it has evolved over the past 200 years.

Celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States with Cape Ann Museum! The 4th Annual Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Cape Ann Museum in collaboration with community organizations across the city, began as a grassroots initiative by Gloucester resident Toni Waldron in 2021 and became part of the museum's annual events calendar in 2022. Learn about the Juneteenth Holiday and its connection to Cape Ann history while celebrating Black history through music, dance, and food.