FOUNDED IN 1896

C. 1904

Smith Barn

C. 1683

Nathaniel Felton House

C. 1852

Osborn-Salata House

We want to thank Mass Humanities for choosing the Peabody Historical Society and Museum as one of the recipients of the Sustaining Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) Grant.  The Funding from Mass Humanities, state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan, legislated by Congress.

Their support has allowed us to continue our mission of promoting Peabody’s cultural heritage during these difficult times. We are so grateful!

MH Announces SHARP Grants to 90 Organizations – Mass Humanities

Help us preserve Peabody’s history

Updates

For more information on weddings or a tour of the site, please contact the function manager, Tammy Messina, at 978-204-6345.

 

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.

 

Special thanks to everyone who made the Peabody Historical Society their non-profit of choice under the AmazonSmiles program. Amazon will be discontinuing this program on February 20th, 2023. 

 

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

The Murder Trial of the Century

Jessie Burnett Costello was born on September 15, 1902 to Jessie B. Fyfe and Andrew J. Fyfe in Yonkers, New York. Her parents had emigrated from Scotland. The family moved to Peabody, where Jessie met her husband, Captain William J. Costello, a Peabody firefighter...

Valentines For Your Sweetheart

Simple valentine cards were exchanged in America, as early as the 1700s. However, elaborate cards, as seen below, were only accessible to an upper-class clientele until 1847. Many credit Emma Howland of bringing fancy paper cut-out valentines to the masses. In 1847,...

The Festival of Lights

Tonight is the fourth night of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. While it is not one of the Jewish High Holidays, it is the mostly widely celebrated Jewish holiday in America. Let us all share in the celebration and discuss the importance of the Jewish community to...

Visit

Peabody Historical Society
33 Washington Street
Peabody, MA 01960

Call

978.531.0805

Message

[email protected] (general info)
[email protected] (research requests)

Smith Barn

Felton-Smith Historic Site, 38 Felton St., Peabody, MA 01960

General Gideon Foster House

Headquarters/Office Hours
35 Washington Street, Peabody, MA 01960

Osborne-Salata House

33 Washington Street, Peabody, MA 01960

Sutton-Peirson House

31 Washington Street, Peabody, MA 01960

Nathaniel Felton Senior House

47 Felton Street, Felton-Smith Historic Site, Peabody, MA 01960

Nathaniel Felton Junior House

43 Felton Street, Felton-Smith Historic Site, Peabody, MA 01960

Peabody Historical Fire Museum

38 Rear Felton Street, Felton-Smith Historic Site, Peabody, MA 01960