Cape Ann Museums
Cape Ann is known for its coastal beauty and selection of beaches, art galleries, restaurants, antiques, and shopping. But did you know it’s also home to many historic museums? If you’re visiting these seaside towns, make sure stop by these noteworthy destinations.
Elinor Teele
Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Founded in 1976, is dedicated to the preservation of the industry and continued construction of these fine wooden vessels where they still play an integral part in our culture. We are nestled in the heart of Essex between an acre of land set aside in 1668 “for a yard to build vessels and employing workmen for this end” and an active working shipyard whose projects are interpreted through and incorporated into our programs. At the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum one can explore the rare and extensive archives of the local shipbuilding industry through antique shipwright tools, photographs, film and displays.
hammondcastle.org
Hammond Castle Museum – Opens April 1st for the season
Hammond Castle was built in the late 1920s by scientist, inventor, and art connoisseur, John Hays Hammond, Jr. (1888-1965). Sitting high on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the castle brings together a unique combination of art, architectural elements and culture, backstopped by many innovative technological applications.
historicnewengland.org
Beauport, Sleeper McCann House – Opens May 24th for the season
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, a National Historic Landmark, was the summer home of one of America’s first professional interior designers, Henry Davis Sleeper. Perched on a rock ledge overlooking Gloucester Harbor, Beauport was Sleeper’s retreat, backdrop for entertaining, and professional showcase, and an inspiration to all who visited.
Trip Advisor
Maritime Gloucester
Restored industrial harbor buildings with a waterfront campus, maritime museum, Maritime Science Education Center including indoor touchtanks and seasonal schooner sails on historic Gloucester harbor.
Roadtrippers, Alexandra Charitan
The Paper House
The Paper House was constructed between 1922 and 1924 by Swedish engineer Elis F. Stenman as a summer house. He decided to leave the walls unclad and formed only from their varnished newspaper insulation. Eventually, not only was the house made of paper, but furniture as well, including some intricate and beautiful pieces.
If you’re visiting, plan a stay at Briar Brian Inn while you explore everything the North Shore has to offer!
Featured Photo: Lovely Valentine Photography/Harvard Magazine
