Programs & Exhibits

Lectures & Workshops

Programs at Felton-Smith Historic Site, Smith Barn, 38 Felton Street, Peabody, MA Handicap accessible. Information 978.531.0805

Members free | Non-members $5.00

We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health’s WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier. The Museum will provide free admission to our annual lecture program (February, March, April, September, October, and November). Special events are excluded from this discount. See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts. Cardholders should present their cards when they check-in for lectures in order to receive the Card to Culture discount.

Morgan Stutler presents “From Stage to Screen: Verna Felton.”

When: Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, 1pm

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

Former Assistant Curator Morgan Stutler returns to present “From Stage to Screen: Verna Felton.” What does the Queen of Hearts, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and Flora the Good Fairy have in common? They were all played by the one and only Verna Felton. Verna Arline Felton was born in Salinas, California on July 20th, 1890. She was the daughter of Horace Felton and Clara Felton (nee Winder). Horace was a 7th generation descendant of the American branch of the Felton family, who first settled in Peabody, Massachusetts in 1636. Morgan will delve into the life and star power of Verna Felton.

Epoch Preservation, Inc. presents “Gravesite Conservation Basics.”

When: Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 1pm

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

Quilt historian Pam Weeks presents “Soft Protest.”

When: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 1pm

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

In this lecture, Ms. Weeks will talk about the history of storytelling, raising social awareness and protest in textiles and quilts. Stories were quilted into bed coverings as early as 1400, and protest quilts go back to 1830!

Special Events

Annual Member Potluck

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024.

Our Annual Potluck supper will be held at the Smith Barn, Felton Street, Peabody on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Doors open at 6pm and supper begins at 6:30pm. Margaret Abbott once again will be chairing this event supported by her committee. She will be coordinating food donations. Please contact her at 978-535-4924 or [email protected] to let her know what you would like to bring. We look forward to seeing you!

Annual Crafts Fair and Apple Bake Sale

Saturday, November 23rd, 2024. 9am to 4pm. $5 Admission Fee. Children are free.

Holiday Open House

Sunday, December 8th, 2024. 1pm to 4pm. At Nathaniel Felton Junior House and Firehouse Museum.

Exhibits

All galleries are open Monday through Thursday, 10am to 2pm, and by appointment. The following galleries are open:

Gideon Foster House, 35 Washington Street: Revolutionary and Civil War History

Osborn-Salata House, 33 Washington Street: World War II History and “Until the Cows Come Home: Farming in Peabody”

CURRENT EXHIBIT

“Until the Cows Come Home: Farming in Peabody”

Harold, Crystal Lake Farm, January 1937

Come learn about Peabody’s agricultural past and present with our latest exhibit “Until the Cows Come Home: Farming in Peabody.” We tell the stories of individual family farms, explain Peabody’s connection to the Topsfield Fair and show how grassroots efforts truly saved Brooksby Farm. This and so much more will be explored at our newest exhibit!

Tours & Walks

No tours and walks currently scheduled.

Banner photo courtesy of Solare Wedding Photography