Railroads and Gloucester’s Fishing Industry
We’re kicking off a new Afternoon Enrichment series for adults with historian Paul Romary, who brings Gloucester’s 19th-century fishing story to life in surprising ways. His talk uncovers the overlooked role of the railroad in turning Gloucester into a world-renowned fishing port after the Civil War. While most accounts focus on fishermen at sea, Romary […]
Candlelight Tour
Candlelight Tour of the Claflin-Gerrish-Richards House Step back in time as you explore one of the nation’s earliest homes by the flickering glow of candlelight. On this 30-minute guided tour of the 17th-century Claflin-Gerrish-Richards House, you’ll hear stories of yesterday—some curious, some mysterious—as you explore the rooms where generations once lived. For these special evenings, […]
Amelia Earhart: Beyond the Skies
Most people know Amelia Earhart as the trailblazing pilot who vanished over the Pacific in 1937 — her plane still missing to this day. In this program for adults, Dr. Margie Arnold explores Earhart’s remarkable life beyond aviation, from her work as a Boston social worker and engagement to a Marblehead man, to her advocacy […]
Finding Mingo: Slavery’s Legacy
Finding Mingo: Slavery’s Legacy in a New England Town Dr. Elizabeth Matelski uncovers the history behind the legend of Robin Mingo, a formerly enslaved man whose name lives on at a popular Beverly beach. Drawing on local archives and centuries of mythmaking, this talk explores how the story of Mingo reveals New England’s hidden ties […]
The 18th-Century Coromandel Chest
Join us for a fascinating look at one of the Claflin-Gerrish-Richards House’s most exquisite treasures — an 18th-century Coromandel chest located on the home’s second floor. Speaker Emily Pearce, Executive Director of Schooner Adventure in Gloucester, MA, will explore the artistry, history, and global craftsmanship behind this remarkable piece of lacquerwork furniture. Following the talk, […]
Henry Knox and the Noble Train of Artillery
Jonathan Lane presents: “The Resources of His Genius Supplied the Deficit of Means” — Henry Knox and the Noble Train of Artillery Join historian Jonathan Lane, Executive Director of Revolution 250, for a fascinating talk on one of the most remarkable stories of the American Revolution. 250 years ago, a 25-year-old Boston bookseller named Henry […]
MA’s Winter Olympians—Past and Present
Kat Cornetta presents: "Massachusetts' Winter Olympians—Past and Present" Join Kat Cornetta, a sports writer who covers Olympic sports, to look at influential Winter Olympians from the Commonwealth. The rich history of winter sports success in Massachusetts continues today with the team headed to February's games in Milan-Cortina. Afternoon Enrichment Series • Included with general museum […]
Wenham Soldiers of Color in the Revolution
Robert Corcoran presents: "Wenham Soldiers of Color in the Revolution" At the time of the Revolutionary War, Wenham had a population of about 700. Two hundred twenty-two men and boys fought on behalf of the town. Four of Wenham’s soldiers were men of color, three of whom were enslaved. In recognition of Black History Month […]
Freedom Suits and the Abolition of Slavery in MA
Afternoon Enrichment for Adults with Dr. Anna Suryani: "Freedom Suits and the Abolition of Slavery in Massachusetts in the 1780s" One of the earliest states to abolish slavery was Massachusetts, which prohibited the institution from 1783. This came about when two enslaved individuals, Elizabeth Freeman and Quock Walker, and their lawyers, were successful in challenging […]
Author Talk with Katherine Howe
Afternoon Enrichment for Adults: Author Talk with NYT bestselling author Katherine Howe Join New York Times bestselling author Katherine Howe for a lively conversation about her latest novel, A True Account: Hannah Masury’s Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself. Blending historical research with page-turning adventure, the novel follows a young woman who disguises herself […]
The Underground Railroad in Essex County
Afternoon Enrichment for Adults: The underground railroad in essex county Join historian Gordon Harris for a fascinating look at the Underground Railroad in Essex County, MA. In the 19th century, a secret network helping those escaping slavery, known as the Underground Railroad, ran north along the coast from Boston through Lynn and Marblehead to Salem, […]
Barrence Whitfield & His All Star Band – SOLD OUT
A Wenham Museum Fundraiser with Barrence Whitfield and his All-Star Band Live at Wenham Museum Get ready for an unforgettable night of high-energy soul and rock with Boston music legend Barrence Whitfield. A longtime fixture of the Boston music scene and a Beverly resident, Whitfield is known for his electrifying performances and powerhouse voice, often compared to […]