Help us preserve Peabody’s history
COVID Update
In an effort to keep our members, visitors, and staff safe, the PHS has closed our headquarters buildings at 33 and 35 Washington Street to the public. Staff will be operating remotely to respond to normal business, museum, and wedding inquiries.
“Play Ball: the Story of Sports in Peabody”
Learn more about Peabody’s legendary teams and local heroes. This exhibit explores universal themes of community and self-development, as well as taking a look at the many sports items the Historical Society has in our collections. Free to the public.
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.
Programs and Events
Celebrating Black History
February is Black History Month.
Carter G. Woodson, a distinguished Black author and journalist, advocated for a Black History Week in 1924. Woodson felt that the lives and accomplishments of Black Americans were not being properly recorded or celebrated. This idea eventually became what we know as Black History Month.
Black History Month is meant to be jumping off point for an on-going, year round conversation. We start that discussion by delving into the life of Sybil Swinerton, the last surviving slave of Danvers, now Peabody. Check out more on our Blog.
Racing through West Peabody
From 1947 to 1962, the West Peabody Speedway captivated audiences with stock car races, demolition derbies and even llama races! Just to name a few! Click on our Blog to learn more!
Dashing through the snow
Today, many of us will be out with our shovels, snow blowers or plows.
In looking at the snow roller image above, we wondered how our ancestors managed big snow storms before today’s technology.
For more information and images – visit our Blog.
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
