Programs & Exhibits

Lectures & Workshops

Programs at Felton-Smith Historic Site, Smith Barn, 38 Felton Street, Peabody, MA
Members free | Non-members $5.00
Handicap accessible. Information 978.977.0514

Local historian and author Anthony M. Sammarco presents “Jordan Marsh: New England’s Largest Store”.

When: Sunday, March 12, 2023, 2pm

Where: Smith Barn, 38 Felton Street, Peabody, MA 01960

Jordan Marsh opened its first store in 1851 on Milk Street in Boston selling assorted dry goods. Following the Civil War, the store moved to Winthrop Square and later to Washington Street between Summer and Avon Streets. The new five-story building, designed by Winslow & Wetherell, unveiled the novel concept of department shopping under one roof. It attracted shoppers by offering personal service with the adage that the customer is always right, easy credit, art exhibitions and musical performances. By the 1970s, it had become a regional New England icon and the largest department store chain in the nation.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Peabody Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. We are grateful for their support!

Local historian Curtis White presents “Peabody’s Captain Samuel Brown: Civil War Hero”.

When: Wednesday, October,11th, 2023, 1pm

Where: Smith Barn, 38 Felton Street, Peabody, MA 01960

Local historian Ted Quinn presents “Peabody Firefighting”.

When: Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, 1pm

Where: Smith Barn, 38 Felton Street, Peabody, MA 01960

Special Events

West Peabody Speedway Reunion

Please note that this is a Saturday event! We had it listed incorrectly on some promotional materials.

Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 10am to 4pm

The Smith Barn, 38 Felton Street, Peabody, MA

Members Free / Non-Members: $5.00; this is a cash-only event.

Racing historian Carl Silva and Jack Peterson will show their extensive collections of stock car racing artifacts from the West Peabody Speedway.

If you have any racing memorabilia from the West Peabody Speedway to showcase, please contact Jack Peterson at 978-406-1619 prior to April 1st.

NOTE: No race cars/trailers are allowed on site.

Patriot’s Day Celebration

HONORING THE FALLEN SOLDIERS FROM SOUTH DANVERS AT THE BATTLE of LEXINGTON
MORNING EVENTS IN PEABODY

Monday, April 17th, 2023

Ceremonies Sponsored by: Peabody Historical Society & Museum, the City of Peabody and the Peabody Veterans Council

8:40 AM – Danvers Alarm List at Jacobs Lot – (access via Lowell St. opp. Edgehill, adjacent to Independence Bikepath)

9:30 AM – Reconsecration of South Burying Ground (Main St. at Salem line) Special ceremony to recognize restoration work at this historic cemetery

10:15 AM Ceremony at Lexington Monument (Washington at Sewall St.) collation to follow at the Gideon Foster House, 35 Washington St.

Sewall Street to be closed to traffic from Holten to Washington Street from 10am to 10.30am

Additional information here.

Annual Membership Dinner

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023. Doors open at 5:30pm

Details to follow closer to the event.

Members Potluck Dinner

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023. 6:30pm.

Details to follow closer to the event.

Exhibits

Exhibit hours: Monday – Thursday 10 am to 3 pm. Free to the public.

CURRENT EXHIBIT

“250 Years of Service: Peabody’s Veterans”

The Peabody Historical Society and Museum gratefully acknowledges funding from the Veterans Heritage Grant, provided by the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board, for use in this exhibit.

We have resumed our regular hours – Monday through Thursday, 10am to 3pm.

Tours & Walks

No tours and walks currently scheduled.

Banner photo courtesy of Solare Wedding Photography