Patriots Day Remembrance & Trolley Tour
2025-04-21 07:30 - 12:30 UTC | Rebecca Nurse Homestead, 149 Pine Street, Danvers, 01923, United States
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

Gala Day Vintage Lawn Party
2026-06-27 11:00 - 15:00
Step back in time and celebrate the elegance and charm of a bygone era! Our 13th Annual Vintage Lawn Party is inspired by the original Gala Day garden parties held at the Homestead from 1912 through 1926 — and this year, we’re celebrating the full span of that golden age.
Come dressed in the era of your choice: the elegant Titanic-era fashions of the early 1910s, the practical wartime styles of the mid-decade, or the vibrant flapper looks of the Roaring Twenties. Or come as you are and simply soak in the nostalgic ambiance. All are welcome!

Listen to music from the period
Play Lawn games; we have Badminton, Croquet, Horseshoes & Lawn Shuffleboard (feel free to bring your own too!)
Enjoy various silent “moving pictures”
Play table game like Cribbage & Dominoes
Visit with members of the 1910 Camping Society and see their vintage camping setup
Explore the historic Nurse Homestead Museum and beautiful grounds
Catch a comedic take on the historic pageants of the 1910s, with a special focus on the Nurse Homestead!

Admission:
This is our annual summer fundraiser — pay what you can! All donations go directly toward the restoration and preservation of this historic Homestead.

Food & Refreshments:Bring your own picnic lunch or snacks (no alcoholic beverages please)
Refreshments available for purchase, Pastries, Snacks, Lemonade & Root Beer Floats
Pre-purchase a picnic basket to have ready for pickup on-site — limited day-of supply available!

This event is rain or shine; in the event of rainy conditions, some of the activities will be relocated indoors. Self-guided tours of the buildings only guided tours will not be available during this event.

Pre-Purchase one of our picnic baskets (must be ordered in advance) CLICK HERE to order.
