Rebecca Nurse Homestead

Annual Gala Day: 1920's Lawn Party & Open House
2024-06-08 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | Rebecca Nurse Homestead, 149 Pine Street, Danvers, 01923, United States
Join us for our annual summer fundraiser Gala Day!

Enjoy a 1920s Picnic and Lawn Party: play classic games on the beautiful grounds and partake in vintage entertainment and fare.
For this year’s theme we are traveling back to the 1920s! Come experience our version of Gala Day. We encourage guests who would like, to come dressed in their best 1920s attire and spend the day with us!

The site will be open from 11am-3pm. (Event is rain or shine, in the event of a rainy day some things may be moved indoors or cancelled, check back on our FB for most up-to-date info)

General Admission is $15 (plus fees)Under 16 will be FREETickets at-the-door will be $20 (save a couple bucks and pre-purchase) CLICK HERE to order tickets

-Explore the Historic Nurse Homestead Museum and its beautiful grounds.
Live music by Wolverine Jazz Band
Vintage Cars in partnership with The Greater Boston Vintage Society
Vintage Vendors from Picture This Antiques, The Salem Flea Marketplace, Picker Packer & Grumb and Handsome Hobo Neckwear
Try your hand at playing period-style lawn games. We have Badminton, Croquet, Horseshoes, and Lawn Shuffleboard. (But feel free to bring your own lawn games as well.)
Watch silent “moving pictures” & play period table games like cribbage and dominoes.
Free Kids Craft

You are welcomed and encouraged to bring your own snacks or a picnic lunch (please no alcoholic beverages) . Some light refreshments including Pastries, Lemonade, and Rootbeer Floats will also be available for purchase.
There will also be picnic boxes for sale (which must be ordered in advance and will not be available to order the day of the event) CLICK HERE to pre-order.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the original “Gala Day & Garden Party” The first Gala Day in 1912 was also used as a fundraiser to recreate a colonial garden. This year we hope to raise funds to restore and improve our Kitchen Garden!

As an independent 501c(3) non-profit we rely almost entirely on donations and admission fees to preserve this unique historic site.

MUSEUM CLOSED July 16th due to Heat
2024-07-16 09:00 - 14:00

Skeletons in the Closet: The Life and Afterlife of George Jacobs Sr.
2024-09-16 18:00 - 19:00
This presentation by author and board member of the Rebecca Nurse Homestead; Daniel A. Gagnon will explore why 1692 Witch-Hunt victim George Jacobs Sr.’s grave was left unmarked, while Rebecca Nurse’s purported grave was memorialized, how Danvers (Salem Village) confronted its legacy of the witch-hunt, and why the bones of a man executed in 1692 did so much traveling.
Capacity will be limited, pre-registration is highly suggested.
CLICK HERE to register
This event is part of the Trails & Sails event series by EssexHeritage

Mary Estey: Her Life, Execution, and her Historic Legacy
2024-09-23 18:00 - 19:00
Mary Estey’s story is often overshadowed by her sister, Rebecca Nurse, in the history of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. This presentation will encompass Mary’s life from her humble beginnings in Great Yarmouth, her family life, border disputes, through to her execution and her courage in the face of all that was stacked against her. Presented by Rebbecca Nurse Homestead volunteer Mary Louise Bingham, a descendant of Mary Estey.
Capacity will be limited, pre-registration is highly suggested.
CLICK HERE to register
This event is part of the Trails & Sails event series by EssexHeritage

Battle of Menotomy: Myth, Lore, & History
2024-09-28 16:00 - 17:00
Professor Donald Hayes, will be presenting on his recent research and discovery of the role Danvers militias played in the Battle of Menotomy at the time of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Danvers lost seven men that day, second only to Lexington itself. He will highlight what is myth and lore about the events vs what is documented fact. Hayes is a longtime member of the Danvers Alarm List Company, a living history unit reenacting the Danvers Militia of 1775.
Capacity will be limited, pre-registration is highly suggested.
CLICK HERE to register

This event is part of the Trails & Sails event series by EssexHeritage

"None Ought...Keep Fellowship With Devils"; Reverend Parris Returns
2024-10-05 14:00 - 15:30
Join the congregation as Reverend Parris will lead a Puritan plain style morning service and preach the sermon that he delivered on March 27, 1692, soon after the outbreak of the witchcraft episode throughout Essex County.
Donald Friary, a Salem resident and historian of religion and architecture in early America, will appear in costume and in character as Reverend Parris.
Following the service, Friary will discuss the Puritan plain style in the service of worship, the sermon, meetinghouse architecture, and Puritan literature.
The entire program will last between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Tickets are $20 per person. Registration is required. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
This program is hosted in partnership with Essex Heritage

Lecture and book signing with Dan Gagnon
2024-10-12 14:00 - 15:30
Historian Daniel A. Gagnon will discuss his biography of Salem Witch Trials victim Rebecca Nurse, A Salem Witch: The Trial, Execution, and Exoneration of Rebecca Nurse. In this first full account of Nurse’s life, he explores 17th-Century Salem, Nurse’s role in the events of 1692, and challenges previous interpretations of the 1692 Salem Witch-Hunt

Dan serves on the board of directors of the Rebecca Nurse Homestead Museum, is a member of the Danvers Historical Society, and is Chairman of the Town of Danvers’ Salem Village Historic District Commission. He has shared his research through many in-person and online programs, including C-SPAN’s television program American History TV, and has served as a subject-matter expert for local media

Twilight Tours: Magic in the 17th Century
2024-10-13 17:15 - 18:15, 2024-10-19 17:15 - 18:15, 2024-10-26 17:00 - 18:00
These are the only evening tours that we do of the Homestead, they will be offered only on select weekend nights this October.

The feature portion of this special event will be a talk in our replica Village Meeting House about 17th century Puritan beliefs in magic and witchcraft. We will discuss what was considered magic in the 17th century and the kinds of evidence used to accuse and convict people during the Salem Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692.

Also part of the evenings activities is a walk-thru of the circa 1678 Nurse Family home. You will you wander through the completely candle lit home and you will be able to imagine what it was like living here over 330 years ago.
Here you will also see a special exhibit with various items used for countermagic from the 17th century and modern day.
Adults: $15 Seniors: $13 Children (6-16): $10

Important Information:

To those who have sensitivity to dark spaces, or flickering lights please note that the interior of the Nurse family home will be lit only with flickering candles, and it will be partially dark inside.
For this experience we do NOT allow the use of flashlights or flash photography while in the house .
This is NOT a spooky or haunted attraction. The candlelight provides a glimpse into what a typical colonial house interior would look like in the early fall.

Please plan travel time accordingly as added traffic in October could delay arrival, also prepare for any kind of weather, temperatures can be unpredictable this time of year. Guests should plan to be on site approximately 1 hour for this program.
Due to limited entry tickets and high demand for tickets in October, refunds will only be given with 48 hours notice. Any questions please call (978)774-8799.

Patriots Day Remembrance & Trolley Tour
2025-04-21 07:30 - 12:30
Every year on Patriots Day, the members of the Danvers Alarm List Company gather to honor the brave men from Danvers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Jason Russell House on April 19th, 1775, by participating in a special mini-marathon of commemoration ceremonies.
This year, in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of Patriots Day, we’re expanding our programming. For the first time, we’ll offer Trolley transportation, allowing not only our reenactors but also members of the public to join us at each of our historic stops. Our knowledgeable reenactors will share the story of the 16 mile march made to the Battle of Menotomy and the lives of the men we lost that day.
At each stop of the graves and monuments dedicated to the seven Danvers men, we will hold a brief ceremony and a volley salute. Reenactors will also bring history to life with engaging spoken dialogue aboard the Trolleys.
Trolleys will pick-up and drop-off at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead. There is plenty of parking available but once we leave the Homestead at 7:50am we will not be returning until around 12:30pm, so please keep this in mind. (We will have portable toilets available at the Nurse Homestead before departure and upon return.)
For the list of stops and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE

12th Annual Gala Day: Vintage Lawn Party
2025-06-07 11:00 - 15:00
Celebrate the elegance and charm of a bygone era at our 12th Annual Vintage Lawn Party, inspired by the original Gala Day garden parties held at the Homestead from 1912 through 1929! Whether you prefer the elegant Titanic-era fashions of the early 1910s, the practical wartime styles, or the vibrant flapper looks of the Roaring Twenties. Pull out your vintage attire, pack a picnic, and spend the day with us—or come as you are in modern casual and simply soak in the nostalgic ambiance.
The site will be open from 11am-3pm.
General Admission is $20 at-the-door. To pre-purchase tickets CLICK HERE. (Under 16 are FREE)

Explore the Historic Nurse Homestead Museum and its beautiful grounds.
Live music by Wolverine Jazz Band
Instant Portrait Photos by Vintage Girl Studios
Try your hand at playing period-style lawn games. We have Badminton, Croquet, Horseshoes, and Lawn Shuffleboard. (But feel free to bring your own lawn games as well.)
Watch silent “moving pictures” & play period table games like cribbage and dominoes.
Free Kids Crafts

You are also welcome and encouraged to bring your own snacks or a picnic lunch (please no alcoholic beverages). Some light refreshments including Pastries, Snacks, Lemonade, and Rootbeer Floats will also be available for purchase.
Pre-Purchase one of our picnic baskets (must be ordered in advance) CLICK HERE to order.

Battle of Menotomy: Myth, Lore, & History
2025-09-16 18:00 - 19:00
Professor Donald Hayes, will be presenting on his recent research and discovery of the role Danvers militias played in the Battle of Menotomy at the time of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Danvers lost seven men that day, second only to Lexington itself. He will highlight what is myth and lore about the events vs what is documented fact. Hayes is a longtime member of the Danvers Alarm List Company , a living history unit reenacting the Danvers Militia of 1775.

PLEASE NOTE: capacity will be limited, tickets are first come first served.
This FREE event is part of the Trails & Sails event series by Essex Heritage

The Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of Sarah Towne Cloyse, Formerly Bridges
2025-09-20 15:00 - 16:00
Join us as our volunteer Antonio Stuckey presents the life, accusation, and fate of Sarah Towne Cloyse. As the youngest of three sisters caught up in the hysteria of 1692, Sarah watched in horror as the witch trials consumed not just her, but her beloved sisters Rebecca Nurse and Mary Estey as well.
PLEASE NOTE: capacity will be limited, tickets are first come first served.
This FREE event is part of the Trails & Sails event series by Essex Heritage

Mary Estey: Her Life, Execution, and her Historic Legacy
2025-09-22 18:00 - 19:00
Mary Estey’s story is often overshadowed by her sister, Rebecca Nurse, in the history of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. This presentation will encompass Mary’s life from her humble beginnings in Great Yarmouth, her family life, border disputes, through to her execution and her courage in the face of all that was stacked against her. Presented by Rebecca Nurse Homestead volunteer Mary Louise Bingham, a descendant of Mary Estey.
PLEASE NOTE: capacity will be limited, tickets are first come first served.
This FREE event is part of the Trails & Sails event series by Essex Heritage

Fall Faire
2025-09-27 13:00 - 17:00
Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful autumn afternoon in a truly special setting.
Explore the historic Nurse Homestead and learn the rich stories of early colonial life in the fall. 🎵 Enjoy the captivating folk and historic-styled sounds of Crowninshield Punch performing throughout the afternoon—the perfect soundtrack to your historic adventure. 🍎 Savor delicious seasonal goodies, from hot squash soup, to fresh-baked molasses cookies and other autumn pastries, we’ll have treats that capture the essence of the season. Browse and purchase historic inspired artwork by Lauren (@Truffke on Instagram)
CLICK HERE to purchase Tickets

Spring in the Village
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-17 10:00 - 15:00
Join us for our first-ever 17th-century living history event at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead! Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of 17th-century New England, with living history reenactors dressed in period-accurate clothing styles from across the 1600s, demonstrating how families lived, cooked, and worked. There will also be 17th-century militia displays and demonstrations on the grounds (weather permitting).
This event is May 16 & 17th from 10:00am-3:00pm
Regular museum admission applies for this event
