FOUNDED IN 1896

C. 1904

Smith Barn

C. 1683

Nathaniel Felton House

C. 1852

Osborn-Salata House

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 will be denied if special events are taking place.

The open hours for the Gideon Foster and Salata-Osborn Houses (35 and 33 Washington Street) have changed. We will now be open by appointment only. If you would like to visit, please call 978-531-0805. We look forward to seeing you.

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!

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Exhibit

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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.

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Postcards from Peabody's Past

The Show Must Go On

The Strand Theatre opened its doors at 43 Main Street on April 9th, 1912 with a showing of “Across Panama in 1912.”

The Strand was built by the Structural Stone Co. of Lynn and designed by EA Earp. It was unique as one of the first public buildings in Peabody made of concrete.

The Strand stirred up controversy with the introduction of its Sunday shows. Despite objections from the local clergy, the Selectman gave the Strand a license for Sunday entertainments. On the first Sunday evening, the Strand had a full house. This was especially impressive as the theatre could hold up to 1,100 people.

More images on our Blog.

How far back does Peabody’s leather history go?

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when Peabody's leather working industry started. Indigenous people were the first to use Peabody's waterways for tanning and dressing the skins of fur animals. The earliest written record of tanning for the English settlers comes...