WELCOME TO THE NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WINTER CAFE HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday: 8-2 | MUSEUM HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday: 8-2
Established in 1913, the North Andover Historical Society remains dedicated in its mission to discover, preserve, and share the unique history of North Andover. Throughout the years, our mission has evolved, yet one thing remains unchanged - our commitment to bringing history to life for our community in North Andover, the Merrimack Valley, and beyond.
We invite you to join us! Visit our Stevens Center Building, across from the town common to explore our 1646 Bookstore or enjoy a meal at Diane’s Café on the Common or check our exhibits.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of members and donors. Your support enables us to continue important mission focused activities, such as ensuring the care of our collections, conducting research for interpretation and exhibits, and preserving our beloved historic properties, and most importantly, helping to continue to save and share North Andover’s history for the next generation!
Don’t miss out -- become a member today and enjoy membership benefits.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
April 19: REV250 Bus Tour of
North Andover & Andover
The North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) and the Andover Center for History and Culture (ACHC) have come together to bring history to life with an exciting dual-town bus ride celebrating the American Revolution. Along the route, historians will share captivating, local stories of the American Revolution while guests view the historical sites from the comfort of a bus.
Tours are offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on April 19, and will begin and end at NAHS, located at 800 Massachusetts Avenue in North Andover. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. PRESS RELEASE
The 1.5-hour bus tour will retrace the route taken by militia through North Andover and Andover en route to the battle at Lexington and Concord. View historical homes and sites from 1775, where the 18th-century owners played a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s path to independence. Our experienced guides from NAHS and ACHC will share captivating stories and anecdotes about our local connections to the revolution.
In North Andover, the bus will stop briefly for a tour of the historic kitchen and dining room of the Timothy Johnson House where you can enjoy a glass of lemonade. The bus continues on to Andover viewing more historic homes and stops briefly at the west Andover Blanchard Upton House for an outdoor tour and a glass of apple cider. From there, the bus returns to NAHS.
Arrive early, 10:00 am or stay after the bus tour and to join a guided steeple tour of North Parish Church, located next to NAHS. The bell, installed in 1807, was cast by Paul Revere and is one of only 23 that survive today. Continue on to enjoy the special Rev250 exhibits at NAHS, including the personal diary of John Stevens that begins as he marched off to battle, and brings to life what it was like to fight for American freedom.
On April 19 in 1775, ordinary people from our towns marched from the North Parish meeting house through Andover to Concord and Lexington, fighting for liberty, equality, and justice. Connect with your neighbors and foster a sense of pride in our shared history.
Please note; bathroom breaks are encouraged at the NAHS Stevens Center since there are no stops along the route.
Stop by for breakfast or lunch at Diane’s Café on the Common before or after your tour!
In addition to these events, the Friends of the 1836 Meeting House will be conducting steeple tours and viewings of the Paul Revere Bell on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 19. Restrictions apply, the tour is not for young children and requires walking up ladders. A video tour will be available for people who cannot climb the ladders.
Other exciting events celebrating the American Revolution are planned by NAHS and ACHC.
To learn more, visit the NAHS REV 250 page and andoverhistoryandculture.org.
American Revolution Speaker Program
April 1: Local Historian Alex Cain | TICKETS
“Heads of Families and Men of Substance” – The Rise of the Merrimack Valley Minute Men
April 8: David Blauvelt (NAHS) | TICKETS
Revolutionary war graves in the First & Second Burial Grounds
April 15: Antoine Trombino-Ponte (NAHS) | TICKETS
Reconstructing the Voice of James Stevens
April 18: Katie Osgood | TICKETS
The Osgoods: 250 Years Ago They Started a Revolution
April 22: Jonathan Lane
The 250th Anniversary of the Revolution
April 25: Scott Dianis
Old Andover’s History and the American Revolution
All events begin at 6:30 PM in the Worden Theater at North Andover Historical Society (Stevens Center)
Speaker presentations are free for all NAHS members; guests are $10.
FIRST SATURDAY AT THE PARSON BARNARD HOUSE
Join us at the historic 1715 Parson Barnard House historic house museum and experience the house as it was during four different time periods from 1715 to 1830.
Explore The Parson Barnard House, a parsonage built in 1715 and kept as a museum by the North Andover Historical Society.
Each room is appointed to show the change in wealth, style, and taste of the house's inhabitants over time. Built by Rev. Thomas Barnard, a critic of the Witch Trials, then passed on to his son, the Rev. John Barnard. The son of its next owner, Rev Symmes would cast a pivotal vote in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution; next owner Simeon Putnam was the headmaster of the country’s first co-ed schoolhouse. These incredible people and many more would call this stately salt-box home.
A docent will be present to guide your visit and the museum educator will be present with games and work from the 18th century.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5th
WHERE: 179 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA
Open House Hours: 11 AM - 2PM
No Reservations needed. FREE EVENT.
Donations appreciated.
EVENTS & EDUCATION
We offer exciting, engaging, and top-quality educational programs for all ages. See our educational page for details on current field-trips, and homeschooling classes.
Join us this winter at our fun Upcoming Events:
VISIT OUR 1646 BOOKSTORE
The Society's 1646 Bookstore is online and carries a wide assortment of books, prints, and souvenirs.
You can also join or renew your membership here, or buy a gift card for a friend.
Our expanded offerings include Arcadia Publishing's 'Images of America' book series, historic jigsaw puzzles using pictures from our archives, and other items that reinforce North Andover's rich heritage.
MISSION
To seek, save, and share North Andover history!
As a cultural and community hub, the North Andover Historical Society
collects, preserves, interprets and shares its historical properties and artifacts
to educate and excite the public’s imagination while promoting a sustainable future.