Help us preserve Peabody’s history
Visiting the PHS Safely
The Peabody Historical Society is pleased to announce that we are again open, by appointment, for weddings, visits, and research. To make an appointment to tour the Nathaniel Felton Jr., or Nathaniel Felton, Sr. house, or to conduct research, please call our offices at 1-978-531-0805. We ask that all visitors wear a mask and maintain a social distance, if they are not vaccinated.
For more information on weddings or a tour of the site, please contact the function manager, Tammy Messina, at 978.204.6345.
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
Hurricane of 1938
This summer, Peabody has experienced 2 earthquakes, a tornado warning, heavy rains, flooding and Tropical Storm Henri. So, we thought it was time to revisit another major weather event - the Hurricane of 1938. Proctor's Crossing 218 Lynn Street, near Brown's Pond On...
Ticket to Ride
Peabody's first train line was built in 1846 by the Essex Railroad, ultimately connecting Salem, Peabody, Danvers and Lawrence. On July 4, 1848, 3,000 people traveled the Peabody to Danvers section of the journey and marveled at the innovation. Train Ticket, 1880...
Candy Made in Peabody – “Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie”
Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie in Salem is the oldest, continuously operated candy company in America, and much of its early history was rooted in Peabody. In 1806, Mrs. Spencer began selling gibralters, a hard sugar candy, from her wagon in Salem. Upon her death, the...
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 / kelly.daniell@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