Help us preserve Peabody’s history

Visiting Us
For more information on weddings or a tour of the site, please contact the function manager, Tammy Messina, at 978-204-6345.
To make an appointment to tour the Nathaniel Felton Jr., or Nathaniel Felton, Sr. house, or to conduct research, please call our offices at 978-531-0805.
The Peabody Historical Society & Museum allows personal and commercial photography on the grounds of the Felton-Smith Historical Site to Peabody residents only. Please call 978-531-0805 to request permission. Photography is restricted to Monday through Wednesday. Access may be denied if special events are taking place.
“250 Years of Service: Peabody’s Veterans”
Special thanks to Massachusetts SHRAB and the Veterans Heritage Grant for funding for this exhibit.
Weddings
The historic Smith Barn is situated on a picturesque hilltop surrounded by two hundred and fifty acres of orchards and conservation land. Located at the Felton-Smith Historic Site adjacent to Peabody’s Brooksby Farm, the Smith Barn is the perfect setting for your special day. Rich in beauty and significance, the site represents over three centuries of the region’s history and is home to several historic landmarks.
We are proud to share that the Smith Barn was chosen as Bons Best of 2020, Reader’s Choice for Wedding Venue!
History
Founded in 1896, the Peabody Historical Society & Museum is a center for the preservation, study and enjoyment of Peabody’s cultural heritage. The Society’s collections are of local and national significance and document over 300 years of the region’s history. The Society maintains eight historic properties, an extensive library and archives, and a large collection of china, textiles, furniture and fine and decorative arts.
Postcards from Peabody's Past
Mary Ophelia Stevens: An Advocate for Change
Mary Ophelia Townsend was born on March 29, 1842 in South Danvers (now Peabody), Massachusetts. Mary was the daughter of Daniel Hacker and Rebecca Ophelia (Gould) Townsend. Mary, the eldest of three children, would take on more responsibility with her mother's passing...
The Improbable Life of Grenville Dodge
Major General Grenville Mellen Dodge was born in the Putnamville section of Danvers on April 12, 1831. His parents were Sylvanus and Julia Phillips Dodge. While he spent some of his childhood in Danvers and Rowley, he spent his formative years in South Danvers (now...
Honoring Captain Dennison Wallis
Captain Dennison Wallis was born in Ipswich in 1756 and raised in Danvers (now Peabody). Wallis joined the local minutemen as they gathered at the Old Bell Tavern (image below), at the corner of Washington and Main Streets, on April 19, 1775. From there, the local...
Visit
Peabody Historical Society
33 Washington Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Call
978.531.0805
Fax
978.531.7292
Message
info@peabodyhistorical.org (general info)
nora.bigelow@peabodyhistorical.org (research requests)
Smith Barn
General Gideon Foster House
35 Washington Street, Peabody, MA 01960
Osborne-Salata House
Sutton-Peirson House
Nathaniel Felton Senior House
Nathaniel Felton Junior House
Peabody Historical Fire Museum
Photos courtesy of Solare Wedding Photography and GraVoc Associates