History

Halibut Point State Park is also a granite quarry with a history that goes back billions of years! Over one hundred years ago, the Rockport Granite Company quarried granite stone here. Learn about the buildings, bridges, and breakwaters built to last. Touch tools of the trade. Find out how they moved these large, heavy stone pieces and how they “paved” dirt streets in our new Nation’s growing cities—and around the world! For all ages.

Step back in time at our Renaissance Faire Day! Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of medieval and Renaissance culture with live performances by The Harper & The Minstrel and the L.I.A.R.S. (Ladies of Integrity, Aristocracy, Repute, and Society), offering a mesmerizing blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Celtic music as they stroll through the Museum and grounds.

Essex Shipbuilding Museum wants to celebrate the Fall with friends and neighbors. Come enjoy fun, food, drink and a special race on the river - The Apple Armada! Fun for all ages! This family friendly event is a great introduction to Essex culture.

Traditional Native American storyteller and historian of European and Abenaki heritage, Anne Jennison will give a performance of Traditional Abenaki stories at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA at 1PM. The Crane Estate sits on part of the land also known as Agawam, within the traditional lands of the Pennacook Abenaki confederacy. The Abenaki Peoples have an ancient history and rich cultural heritage, including a vast legacy of stories. Traditional Abenaki stories were, and are, meant for audiences of all ages – the entire community. The stories tell of the world’s creation, the creation of the aki (the land), the nebi (the water), the first awaasak (animal people), the first alnobak (human beings), and teach us how to live in balance with one another. The stories are filled with action, drama, wonder, and even moments of humor.