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 Lighthouse the Newburyport Harbor Light
Tour the Plum Island Light House: May 31st, June 21st, July 19th, August 23rd, September 6th or September 20th. The Plum Island Light 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.
US Coast Guard Birthday an Annual Celebration of Maritime History
The US Coast Guard Birthday is August 4th and 2026 marks 236 years for the oldest branch of the US military. This annual celebration also aligns with the history of
Amesbury Days Events – Summertime Traditions Since 1899
This year’s Amesbury Days festivities will take place from June 25, through July 4, 2026, with multiple exciting events each day. The current summertime tradition is passed down from a town festival in 1899 that manifested as a one day outing for the town’s mill workers.
Road to Revolution – Newburyport’s Role in the Revolutionary War
The Newburyport Road to Revolution parade and ceremony was held on Saturday, June 28th to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and to honor Newburyport’s historic significance in
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 eventHistoric 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
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
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
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
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
Explore Newburyport’s Maritime History Discover Newburyport’s rich seafaring heritage at the Custom House Maritime Museum, located at 25 Water Street in downtown Newburyport. Through maritime art, model ships, historical artifacts
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
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
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, 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 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 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 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
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.
