Interested in going on a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site or the Lynn Public Library? Want to examine the ecology of Salem Sound? How about a walk through Lynn Woods to the Stone Tower and Dungeon Rock or an evening stroll through Marblehead to learn about the town’s architectural history? No matter what your interest or passion, you can find something to learn, explore, and enjoy during Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks and Water on September 18-20 and 25-27, 2015!
Presented by Essex Heritage, Trails & Sails features more than 150 free events over two weekends and celebrates the rich variety of historic, cultural and natural resources in the Essex National Heritage Area. Encompassing the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, a 500 square mile region just north of Boston, MA, the Essex National Heritage Area was created by an Act of the U.S. Congress in 1996 in recognition of the important role that the county played in American history and the significant resources that still exist in the region. Trails & Sails, now in its 14th year, was created by Essex Heritage to highlight the unique character of the Area by directly connecting people to place through creative experiences – with the goal of engendering a commitment to preserving them.
For Trails & Sails 2015, Essex Heritage has partnered with non-profit and for-profit recreational organizations across Essex County to offer 150+ free, fun, and family-friendly events at more than 100 sites that showcase our region’s distinctive heritage, history, culture, and natural environment. From historic tours and museums, to guided nature tours both onshore and off, there are activities happening morning, afternoon and evening that welcome your exploration.
The impressive line-up of Trails & Sails events in the southern Essex County communities of Lynn, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Saugus, and Swampscott includes:
Lynn
Guided Tours of the Lynn Museum
History of Pine Grove Cemetery, Part I
History of Pine Grove Cemetery, Part II
Lynn Woods Walk
Photography Walking Tour of Downtown Lynn
Tiffany Stained Glass Windows Tour
Treasures at the Lynn Public Library
Marblehead
“Artworks” Closing Reception
1,1121 Marbleheaders in the War of 1812
Artist in the Gallery with Loren Doucette
Artist in the Gallery with Shelia Farren Billings
Evening Stroll: Marblehead Architecture 1715 to 1815 & Beydon
King Hooper Mansion Art Galleries
Pirates! At J.O.J Frost Folk Art Gallery
King Hooper Mansion Art Galleries
Tour of the King Hooper Mansion
Peabody
Peabody Library History & Architectural Tour
Salem
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Fish Seining Demonstration on the Beach
Gardens by the Sea
Guided Tour of Strandbeest: The Dream Machines of Theo Jansen
Lady of Salem Maritime Public Art Celebration
Marine Science Experience: What is Marine Science and Why is it Important
Medical Astrology Exhibit
Mightier than the Wrecking Ball: A Walking History of Urban Renewal in Salem
Sail on the Schooner FAME
Salem in 1630: Pioneer Village
Salem Marine Society Tour
The Quakers of Early Salem
The Remond Family, Salem’s Early Abolitionists
Saugus
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Saugus Center: A Historic Walk
Swampscott
Tour the Sir John Humphrey House
All Trails & Sails events are free and most are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with the exception of a few events that require reservations. Visitwww.TrailsAndSails.org to see the complete listing of events and design a personalized itinerary. A limited number of free hard-copy guides will be available at the 13 Essex National Heritage Area Visitor Centers, including: the National Park Service Regional Visitor Center in Salem; Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site; Peabody Visitor Center at the George Peabody House Museum & Peabody Leather Workers Museum; the Lynn Museum; and Marblehead Information Booth – as well as Eastern Bank branches after Labor Day (September 7, 2015).