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Newburyport History

Honoring the Past

With history dating back to the 1600’s, Newburyport was well know for shipping and shipbuilding. Now, thanks to our devoted preservationists and historians, Newburyport museums, historic tours, monuments and festivals allow us to learn and respect our cities past.

Many landmarks have even become national attractions, including the Custom Maritime Museum and the US Coast Guard. The Newburyport Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic places, and did you know the first flying field in New England was on the sand dunes and marshes of Plum Island Beach?

Plum Island Light House, Newburyport MA

Plum Island Light House the Newburyport Harbor Light

Tour the Plum Island Light House: May 27th, June 24th, July 22nd, August 5 & 26th or September 9th. It was the 13th lighthouse to be constructed in the US, helping guide boaters into the treacherous mouth of the Merrimack River and into Newburyport Harbor.
Topsfield Fair, Topsfield, MA County Fair

Topsfield Fair – America’s Oldest County Fair Began in 1818

The annual Topsfield Fair is a cherished tradition for many local North Shore families and for fair goers who travel far distances to be part of this amazing fall event

Historic Inns of New England

Historic Inns of New England are more than charming places to stay, as they offer a connection to the past and authenticate the vacation experience. Envision Newburyport, Massachusetts in the
US Coast Guard Birthday, Newburyport

US Coast Guard Birthday an Annual Celebration of Maritime History

The US Coast Guard Birthday is August 4th and 2023 marks 233 years for this oldest branch of the military. The celebration, as in year’s past, also coincides with Newburyport’s
Historic Carousel, Salisbury Beach

Historic Carousel on Salisbury Beach – Newburyport Bank $250K Donation

A beautifully restored historic carousel and new pavilion has been constructed on Salisbury Beach thanks to the efforts of the Salisbury Beach Partnership and a generous $250K donation from Newburyport
Wooden Wheel, Hoist Wheel, Newburyport Liberty Law

What’s Up With That Wooden Wheel at Liberty Law

If you have ever been to a real estate closing at  Liberty Law, you may have noticed a huge wooden wheel on the 3rd floor (hand-notched with evenly-spaced square holes
History of Yankee Homecoming Newburyport

History of Yankee Homecoming Newburyport

Yankee Homecoming History The history of  Yankee Homecoming is far more than just a series of events, it is an annual celebration founded on the ideals that continue to bond
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Moving Wall Visits Plum Island Airport in Honor of Vietnam Veterans

The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. was on display at Plum Island Airport in Newbury, MA during Labor Day Weekend 2021, from

Custom House Maritime Museum

The Maritime heritage in Newburyport, Massachusetts runs deep. Newburyport has many wonderful attractions and the Custom House Maritime Museum is the ultimate destination for all residents and visitors with a
Kabria Baumgartner, African American History, Newburyport

Newburyport’s Kabria Baumgartner Digs into Local African American History

Newburyport resident and renowned historian Dr. Kabria Baumgartner is digging into the rich and often untold history of African Americans in Essex County. Thanks to a $100,000 grant awarded by
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Spanish Tall Ship Nao Santa Maria Sails into Newburyport

In the Spring of 2019, crowds gathered along coastlines from Plum Island to Salisbury to watch the 200-ton Spanish tall ship, Nao Santa Maria, sail into Newburyport. The Custom House
Coast Guard Open House, Yankee Homecoming Newburyport

US Coast Guard

As the the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard, our Newburyport Coast Guardsmen are responsible for some of the greatest rescues, with history dating back almost 200 years. Born Ready, through intense surf and heavy breaking seas, these men and women maintain and handle several sea going vessels including steel hull boats, a utility power boat and Boston Whalers.
Bartlet Mall

Bartlet Mall

Bartlet Mall, a gorgeous historic park at the intersection of Pond and High Streets, is a great place for ice-skating, sledding, and enjoying nature. Its scenic views provide the setting for a wide variety of popular community events. There are wide walkways and a series of footpaths that border the Mall and lead to the Frog Pond. It has also become a highly photographed area by many local photographers.
Plum Island Airport, Newbury MA

Plum Island Airport Managed by Plum Island Aerodrome

Do you know about the impressive history of the Plum Island Airport in Newbury? Many advances in aviation occurred on Plum Island. The first flying field in New England was built on Plum Island. The original runway over the sand dunes and marshes was made of wood!
Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is a historic 231-acre property in Newbury with events and activities for you and your family to enjoy. Much of the land at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is still under active agriculture! Visit the expansive open land and tour the farmhouse to see what life was like in Newbury in the 1690s!
Tall Ships, Newburyport

Tall Ships Visit Newburyport – Maritime Days 2017

Thanks to the Custom House Maritime Museum, the Greater Newburyport Community and curious visitors from near and far, we were fortunate to experience Newburyport’s maritime history through tours and events
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Market Square Historic District – View Exceptional Video

Showcasing Federal-style brick buildings and museums, Market Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Spanish Tall Ship El Galeón Visits Newburyport – May 2016

In May of 2016, the Spanish Tall Ship El Galeón sailed into Newburyport, MA, a city rich with maritime history, thanks to the efforts of the Custom House Maritime Museum.
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