Blog, Home, PHS and the Community
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...
Blog, Home, PHS and the Community
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,...
Blog, Home, PHS and the Community
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...
Blog, Home, PHS and the Community
This week, we delve into the history of Santa Claus. In modern times, Santa Claus can best be described as a jolly man with a white beard wearing a red suit, carrying a sack of toys. Until the 1800s, in America, Christmas was considered first and foremost a religious...
Blog, Home, PHS and the Community
This weekend, the Peabody Historical Society & Museum is hosting the 39th Craft Fair and Apple Bake. It is a wonderful showcase of local crafters and artisans. Who doesn’t love a handmade gift? Peabody has a long history of creative makers and...
Blog, Home, PHS and the Community
Our celebration of Halloween has deep and ancient roots. The Celtic Festival of Samhain predates Christianity. This pagan holiday celebrated the end of the growing season. Bonfires were lit to thank the gods for a plentiful harvest and curry favor for the following...
