Historic Beverly

Historic Beverly

Historic Beverly | Museums & History | Beverly, MA

About Historic Beverly

Historic Beverly is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Beverly’s history with everyone. Through three historic properties, five centuries of collections, and thousands of stories, the organization brings local and regional history to life for residents, students, researchers, and visitors. Furthermore, it serves as a research center, community gathering place, and regional visitor destination all in one.

Our Experience

Since 1892, the organization has stewarded some of the most significant historic sites and collections on the North Shore. Holdings span manuscripts, photographs, maps, maritime documents, genealogical records, and decorative arts — with particular strength in American Revolution and early republic history. Additionally, Historic Beverly partners with organizations including Beverly Main Streets and the Essex National Heritage Area to deliver collaborative programming throughout the year.

Core Offerings

• Three historic house museums open to the public
• Rotating exhibits on local and regional history
• Public lectures, walking tours, and author talks
• Research library and archives open to the public
• Educational programs for students in grades 3 through 12
• Adopt an Artifact conservation program
• Membership programs for individuals, families, and businesses
• Volunteer opportunities at all three sites

Historic Beverly’s Three Historic Properties

The organization stewards three remarkable sites, each telling a distinct chapter of Beverly’s story:

• The John Cabot House (117 Cabot Street) — A Georgian-style brick mansion built in 1781, now serving as headquarters, museum, research library, and regional visitor center. Free admission.
• The Balch House (448 Cabot Street) — One of the oldest surviving homes in Massachusetts, dating to 1679, open seasonally with guided tours.
• Hale Farm (39 Hale Street) — The 1694 home of Reverend John Hale, Beverly’s first minister and a figure in the 1692 Salem witchcraft trials, open seasonally with guided tours.

Public Programs & Exhibits

A rich calendar of programming runs throughout the year, including lectures, walking tours, author talks, coffee conversations, and special events exploring Beverly’s history from the colonial era through the 20th century. Moreover, rotating exhibits at the Cabot House present nationally and regionally significant stories in an engaging, accessible format.

Research Library & Archives

The Historic Beverly Research Library and Archives, located at the Cabot House, is a premier resource for local and regional history. Collections include books, directories, maps, historic photographs, newspapers, maritime records, and genealogical materials. In addition, primary sources such as diaries, letters, and ledgers provide rich detail for researchers at every level. Researchers are welcome by appointment during open research hours.

Education & Conservation

Educational programming serves students from grades 3 through 12, connecting classroom learning to the region’s rich history. Meanwhile, the Adopt an Artifact program invites supporters to fund conservation work on specific objects in the collection, directly contributing to the preservation of Beverly’s heritage for future generations.

Membership & Support

Membership comes with free tours at all three sites, library and archives access, program discounts, and a subscription to the print newsletter. Patron-level members and above enjoy reciprocal admission at more than 1,400 arts and historical institutions across North America. Consequently, membership is one of the most rewarding ways to support Beverly’s history while enjoying year-round benefits.

What Makes Historic Beverly Special

Few organizations in the region combine preservation, education, research, and community engagement the way Historic Beverly does. Three distinct historic properties spanning four centuries offer something for every level of interest. Additionally, a strong commitment to accessibility — through Card to Culture, Museums for All, and military family programs — ensures that Beverly’s history truly belongs to everyone.

Contact Historic Beverly

Cabot House: 117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Balch House: 448 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Hale Farm: 39 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 922-1186
Email: info@historicbeverly.net
Website: historicbeverly.net

Three houses, five centuries, thousands of stories — Historic Beverly is where Beverly’s past comes alive for everyone.