An Afternoon of Poetry
Join the New England Poetry Club under the open-air tent at the Old Manse for an afternoon of poetry sharing their work in a setting steeped in literary history. Founded in 1915, the New England Poetry Club has long championed poets with ties to… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Cupola with a View
This is our most Instagram-able tour experience and a particular treat for those interested in the architecture of the Great House and its surrounding property. You’ll gain insight into the architectural choices made by David Adler as he designed and built the Great House, the second home the Cranes built… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Formal Flowers, A Tour for Gardeners
Calling all gardeners! Are you interested in how the formal gardens at Castle Hill have grown and changed over the years? Are you looking for inspiration for your own garden? Formal Flowers will take you on a detailed journey into the way the Italian and Rose Gardens were designed and… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: The Cat's Meow
Our children’s tour, The Cat’s Meow is designed for children age 3-8. Imagine living in 1929 and visiting the Crane family at their summer home in Ipswich. The house is so big and Mrs. Crane’s kitty, Ptolemy, has gone missing just before the party! Can you help a family… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Great House
Do you love checking out basements, kitchens, and other out of the way rooms? Our behind-the-scenes tour takes you past the beautiful facade and explores how the house ran when the Cranes were in residence. You’ll learn how a plumbing magnate incorporated the latest technology of the era into his… Read More
Family-Friendly Tour of the Old Manse
Step into the incredible world of The Old Manse, a stunning 254-year-old house that witnessed the dawn of the American Revolutionary War and served as a sanctuary for renowned writers and artists! Join us for a special 30-minute tour designed just for families with young adventurers. Experience history like never… Read More
Home to Two Revolutions: Tour of the Old Manse
Home to Two Revolutions – From the American Revolution of 1775 through the literary revolution of the mid-19th century, on this house tour we share the stories of Manse residents, both the famous and the lesser-known, who influenced and responded to the 19th century social, political and cultural changes that… Read More
Learning with Livestock at Appleton Farms
Learning with Livestock at Appleton Farms Join us for open and free programming and demonstrations every Saturday! Meet the animals of Appleton, learn about why farmers keep animals, and the role they play alongside us on the farm. These rotating family-friendly farm education sessions are for all ages- kids and… Read More
The Legacy of Elizabeth Freeman: A Guided Tour
Step into a pivotal chapter of American history on this guided tour of the Col. John Ashley House— where Elizabeth “Mum Bett” Freeman was enslaved before she boldly sued for her freedom and helped end slavery in Massachusetts. As you explore this 18th-century home, you’ll learn… Read More
The Bloom Room: Guided Garden Tours
Step into nature’s most vibrant and beautiful gallery with a guided garden tour around Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens. These expansive manicured gardens boast both plentiful European-inspired flower beds as designed in the 1920s, as well as newly installed gardens featuring current-day trends and varieties. Discover the intricate 300-year-old history of… Read More
Passport to the Past: Stevens-Coolidge Guided House Tour
Discover the stories behind the walls of one of North Andover’s historic gems. Join us for a guided tour of Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, a Colonial Revival treasure that reflects early 20th-century elegance and global influence. Once the summer home of Helen Stevens Coolidge and John Gardner Coolidge—a diplomat and… Read More
Coskata-Coatue Natural History Tour
Join our expert guides on this over-sand vehicle beach tour and learn about the fascinating flora and fauna at Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Experience beautiful and unique habitats including salt marshes, the barrier beach system, and the marine environment. Learn how sea level rise and more frequent and severe storms threaten… Read More