Battle of Menotomy: Myth, Lore, & History
2025-09-16 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Rebecca Nurse Homestead, 149 Pine Street, Danvers, 01923, United States
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.
