History

Gloucester Maritime Rendezvous

The Gloucester Maritime Rendezvous celebrates the combined heritage of two great fishing towns and their connection to the sea. Gloucester, Massachusetts and Luneburg, Nova Scotia. In this annual tradition, once more the Gloucester International Dory Racing Committee hosts the Canadian Dory Rowing Association from Nova Scotia to compete against the best dory rowers from Gloucester, going head-to-head on Gloucester's historic harbor. Boat tours and deck tours happen daily and there are many opportunities available to sail aboard the particitpating vessels!

When:

July 6-9, 2023

Location:

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Hands on History

Each weekend in July and August the House of 7 Gables invites young (and young at heart!) guests to explore different elements of colonial life through hands-on activities. These drop-in programs will run 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Saturdays and Sundays and are free with the purchase of admission. This summer, we will be exploring traditional children’s games and the art of calligraphy. Stop in for some hands-on fun!

When:

Weekends through August 2023 11am-3pm

Location:

House of Seven Gables

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Balch House | Kids Summer Drop-ins

Kids are invited to Balch House in Beverly Massachusetts to play with and make colonial era toys!

Historic Beverly's Hale Farm is host to a fun and interactive series of drop in activities for kids of all ages, available any time the property is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. Kids are encouraged to try some colonial games and then make their own to take home!

When:

Mondays & Saturdays, July 3-29, 2023 12-4pm

Location:

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Reading Frederick Douglass Together

Reading with Frederick Douglass at Hale Farm in Beverly Massachusetts will feature "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

The Hale Farm is hosting a community reading event of Frederick Douglass's famous speech titled "What to the American Slave is the Fourth of July?" The event is part of the Reading Frederick Douglass Together initiative and will feature Nathan Richardson portraying Frederick Douglass. The event is a collaborative effort involving the City of Beverly, North Shore NAACP, Salem United, Waring School, and other organizations. Special guest speakers will also be present.

When:

Saturday, July 1, 2023 10-11AM

Location:

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Plum Island Airport RC Aviation Day

Plum Island IMAC Scale Aerobatics Competition is hosted by Plum Island Airport RC Club in Newburyport Massachusetts!

Come to Historic Plum Island Aerodrome, 2B2, in Newbury, MA for the 2023 AVIATION DAY! Join your hosts, PIARCF- Plum Island Airport Radio Control Flyers for a day to live out the club's mission: a non profit supporting the airport, aviation, the community, Aero modeling, and the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

When:

Saturday, May 6, 2023 9am

Location:

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Dineh Tah Navajo Dancers at MPL

The Dineh Tah Navajo Dancers will perform at the public library in Manchester by the Sea

The Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dancers are visiting Manchester from the Navajo Nation for the 155th commemoration of the Navajo Treaty. The agreement was signed by two Indian Peace Commissioners, Colonel Samuel F. Tappan of Manchester, (1831-1913) and General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891). The Dancers will be acknowledging the life and legacy of Colonel Tappan and the key role he played in negotiating the 1868 Navajo Treaty.

When:

Thursday, May 18, 2023 6:30-8pm

Location:

Manchester Public Library

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Magnolia Street Fair

Come browse the crafts and other wares at a qunitessential NE outdoor market!

Come to the Street Fair in Magnolia Village! Crafters of all kinds will line Lexington Avenue showing their wares, a huge craft fair will line the street, and more. Don’t miss this one! Inside the MLC the Magnolia Shoppe will be open along with the opportunity to purchase large pictures of old time Magnolia and have your questions answered by Judy Gilliss. All proceeds will go to benefit the Magnolia Historical Society.

When:

Saturday, July 19, 2014 9am-4pm

Location:

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Ipswich Harvest Fest

Come to Spencer Peirce Little Farm for the Ipswich Harvest Fest! Come enjoy live music by the Orville Giddings Band, delicious BBQ, & Vintage Base Ball with 1860's rules! As if that's not enough to be excited about, this year we are pleased to announce that the festival will be complete with all new kids activities and a bouncy house! So brings the kids (and the dog!) down to the farm for a day and fall fun!

When:

Saturday, September 14th 2013, 12-6pm

Location:

Spencer Peirce Little Farm

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War of 1812 Bicentennial

Come to Salem Maritime to celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812!

War of 1812 Day at Salem Maritime National Historic Site! Salem Maritime will be celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with living history programming throughout the day. Meet some of Salem's 19th century citizens, and hear their views on this controversial war. Family activities and Junior Ranger programs will be offered all day.

When:

Saturday, September 29, 2012 10am-4pm

Location:

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

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Magnolia Roadshow

The Magnolia Road Show is a sale, auction and appraisal service hosted by the Magnolia Historical Society that is intended to raise funds for the purchase of the Blynman School on Magnolia Avenue. This massive sale of thousands of items acquired by the Historical Society is a way to purge their inventory and take steps to preserve a landmark in the village of Magnolia.

When:

Saturday August 25, 2012 9am-8pm

Location:

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Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

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...

Where: Maudslay State Park

7:00 am to 8:00 pm

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Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

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...

Where: Maudslay State Park

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

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.

Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

11:00 am

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Saugus Iron Works Tours

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.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

2:00 pm

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Friday Night Party at Salisbury Beach

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...

Where: Salisbury Beach Stage

7:15 pm to 10:00 pm

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Saturday, August 30

Kids Sail Free on the Schooner Lannon

Schooner Thomas E. Lannon is a fixture on the Gloucester Harbor vista throughout the day in the warm months, but to really experience the Lannon, you need to come aboard and go for a cruise! Sail and see lighthouses, castles, scenic beaches, and magnificent waterfront homes.

Where: Schooner Thomas E. Lannon

10:30 am to 12:00 pm

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Boat Tour to Misery Island

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...

Where: Salem Ferry Terminal

11:00 am to 2:00 pm

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Long Hill Garden Tours

The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...

Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

11:00 am

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CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

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Saugus Iron Works Tours

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

2:00 pm

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Fireworks and Beach Concerts at Salisbury Beach

Join us at Salisbury Beach for an unforgettable family night out! Every Saturday through the summer, enjoy spectacular fireworks (weather permitting) that light up the sky. Before the fireworks, there's a live concert starting at 7:30 PM on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage, perfect for families with...

Where: Salisbury Beach Stage

7:30 pm to 11:00 pm

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Schooner Festival Fireworks

Following the Gloucester Schooner Festival's Parade of lights in Gloucester Harbor, A fireworks display will light up the sky over Gloucester Harbor to celebrate a great day of maritime history and tradition. Good va

Where: Gloucester Harbor

9:15 pm

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Sunday, August 31

Todd Farm Market

From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families! Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!

Where: Todd Farm Market

5:00 am to 3:00 pm

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Gloucester Schooner Festival 2025

The Gloucester Schooner Festival is a wonderful celebration of Gloucester's fishing and maritime history during labor day weekend. This year's festival, hosted by Maritime Gloucester, is Gloucester’s major marine event, with participating vessels coming from ports along the Eastern seaboard and...

Where: Downtown Gloucester, Where: Gloucester Harbor, Where: Gloucester Harbor Walk, Where: Ocean Alliance

7:00 am to 10:00 pm

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