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
Was there a University of Peabody?
Yes, but not in the way you are thinking. From 1921 to 1936, the University of Peabody was a semi-professional football team based in Peabody.
For more information and images – visit our Blog.
What was Main Street called before….Main Street?
1659 Common Land Highway
1692 Highway to North Fields
1736 Ye Town Common Road to Stones Plain
1750 Ye Road to Salem Village
1806 Road from Salem to South Meeting House
In 1843, Main Street was officially given its name.
For more fun facts and images of Main Street, visit our Blog.
Was George Peabody the inspiration for “Scrooge”?
Let’s dig into this historical Christmas rumor. Head to our Blog for more.
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
