Lectures, Family Events, and 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 | All proceeds go directly to the maintenance of our non-profit owned historic houses and collections.
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). We additionally will accept SUN Bucks from June 17 – September 1, 2026 to cover admission to any scheduled lecture programs.
Special events are excluded from these discounts. 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.
Upcoming Programs:
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Old South Burying Ground 173 Boston St, Salem, MA 01970, 11 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Join Peabody Historical Society and the Peabody Institute Library in a walking tour of the Old South cemetery to learn about residents and soldiers who lived and fought during the American Revolution. Take a step back in time! Allow time for finding parking. Tour begins at the entrance of the cemetery.
Friday, June 12, 2026:
Bell Inn & Tavern 2 Washington Street, Peabody, MA 01960 | 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. | Join the Peabody Historical Society in welcoming Dr. Erica Lome, curator at Historic New England for an evening discussion of how New England has remembering the American Revolution! This event will be held in the cellar venue area of the Bell Inn and Tavern and there will be time for Q&A at the end. Space limited, first-come-first-serve.
Exhibits
PERMANENT EXHIBITS
Revolutionary and Civil War History at the Gideon Foster House, 35 Washington Street
World War II History at the Osborn-Salata House, 33 Washington Street
ONLINE EXHIBIT
Mapping Revolutionary Peabody!
Take an online tour of Peabody's Revolutionary History through an interactive map exhibit. Peabody's history of the American Revolution is all around you, if you only know where to look! Click on the button to the left to explore our map. See you there! Explore...
CURRENT EXHIBIT
2026 Tours and Walks Schedule
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2026 Special Events Schedule
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Banner photo courtesy of Solare Wedding Photography
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Redware and the Revolution!
Family day to celebrate local pottery history: Redware pottery demonstration, author talk, pinch pot activity, and tour of the museum’s collections!
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 2 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: Smith Barn, 38 Felton Street, Peabody, MA 01960
Peabody was at the heart of the Colonial red earthenware industry roughly between 1770-1850. Potters from around New England used to come here to train and to source the high quality clay from the North River. “Danvers-ware” and “Danvers China” are just some of the names associated with this region’s pottery heritage. Join redware potter Rick Hamelin and archaeologist Justin Thomas on this fun and informative afternoon!
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Rick Hamelin will present a pottery demonstration along with a discussion of specific potters from our Revolutionary War history.
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Rick will facilitate a pinch pot activity open to all ages at the cost of $1. ATM on-site.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Justine Thomas, an archaeologist, will be doing an author talk on his forthcoming book on Peabody pottery, and will provide a guided tour of our collection of redware pottery.
Registration is day-of at the Smith Barn. All are welcome to arrive at any point throughout the afternoon. Fees for the entire day: $5 per adult, FREE for members and youth under 18.