Newburyport 250th Anniversary
Year-long Celebration | Events, News & Happenings
Treasures in the Archives
One of the city’s final events in celebration of our 250th Anniversary.
Treasures in the Archives: Newburyport 1764-2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Public Library Program Room
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Trace your genealogy, view early maps and photographs, and learn about Newburyport’s part in several historic wars.
The city will also display a slideshow on shipyards and gravestone restoration. If you have photos to contribute to the presentation, please call the Archival Center at 978-465-4428 x 231.
- Yankee Homecoming Parade
- Yankee Homecoming Parade
- Olde Fashion Sunday
Newburyport 250th Anniversary
Incorporated in 1764 with a population of 2,800, Newburyport was the smallest town in the province of Massachusetts Bay.
The City of Newburyport now welcomes you to celebrate a century of culture and history with pride.
Notify Mayor Holaday
It’s important to Mayor Holaday and our City Officials to receive constructive criticism.
Announcement from Mayor Holaday –
“Mayor Holaday and the Institution for Savings are pleased to announce another exciting event to celebrate Newburyport’s 250th! On Saturday October 18th, there will be a community-wide scavenger hunt and community fair at the Bartlet Mall. Vendors will be at the Mall from noon to 4PM to showcase their businesses. The scavenger hunt will wrap up with a pasta dinner in the auditorium at City Hall later that evening – more details to follow.”
Newburyport 250th Anniversary Clambake, August 2014
What a turnout for the Newburyport 250th Anniversary Celebration at Plum Island Point yesterday.
Travel was made convenient, parking at the Plum Island Airport and getting shuttled to the event free of charge.
Once there, the music was pumping all day long featuring several bands including The Holaday Project with Joe Holaday of Beatlejuice.
Our pals from the U.S. Coast Guard were also front and center, allowing kids on their mobile watercraft for an up close look at what it takes to navigate our Newburyport area waters.
All this activity made us work up a hunger, so it was over to the tent for some David’s Seafood lobsters and clams, as well as hotdogs, hamburgs and corn on the cob from Tendercrop Farm served up by Newburyport.com VIPs Starboard Galley and Port City Sandwich Co.
Thanks goodness Mill River Winery and Newburyport Brewing Company were also on hand, because there was plenty of cheers to be had when Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday unveiled Newburyport’s new flag – a clean boat on a brilliant blue background to represent our beautiful coastal city.
Kids also enjoyed kite making and flying, as well as a little beach volleyball, before Dianne’s Fine Desserts presented us with an enormous spread of delicious cakes and cheesecake. Thumbs up!
Last call was aboard the nearby Captain’s Lady cruise ship for families to travel the Merrimack River, greeted by a cool ocean breeze.
Thank you to all that donated their time to make this event such a wonderful experience!
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Things to Do
Attractions

Plum Island Beach
PI beach is family-friendly sand, surf and sun 35 miles north of Boston, and a bike ride from downtown Newburyport.
History

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