It’s opening Day at the IHC! Decorate the May Pole, make a spring craft, and check out our temporary Exhibit: Threads of Industry: Massachusetts Mills

About the Exhibit

Step inside the textile mills of Fall River and Amesbury through striking historic images of the workers who powered them. See their strength, skill, and sacrifice woven into the very fabric of Massachusetts’ industrial past.

Join the Building a Better World Community Mural Project for a public art-making event at the Industrial History Center! Your ceramic tiles will become part of a mosaic in the Upper Millyard of downtown Amesbury. Materials are provided and this event is FREE. Space is limited so reserve your time slot now!

Session 1, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Session 2, 7:30 - 8:30 PM

Experience the moving story of Anne Frank, the courageous Jewish teenager whose diary remains a testament to the power of hope and resilience during the Holocaust. In a gripping one-woman performance, acclaimed actress Sheryl Faye brings Anne’s story to life, reminding us of the universal quest for freedom and security.

Recommended for ages 10+

$20 Nonmembers, $15 Members

Rescheduled from February 6. If you purchased a ticket for the original date and are unable to attend the rescheduled performance, please message info@amesburycarriagemuseum.org or call 978-834-5058 to arrange a refund or to transfer your credit to a different program.

Join Clare Dombrowski, from the Amesbury Public Library, for a lively and engaging story hour at the Industrial History Center! Each session features delightful stories, songs, dance, and a simple craft inspired by themes of industry, transportation, and Amesbury’s rich history.

This free program is perfect for children ages 3 to 6, with younger siblings welcome to join the fun! Little ones will explore Amesbury’s fascinating past through stories, music, movement, and hands-on creativity.

Get ready to sing, dance, and create while learning about the history that shaped our community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Discover the sustainable art of handmade paper in this engaging workshop led by Mindy Paper! Learn the traditional techniques of paper making, from creating your pulp to pressing and drying your sheets. Whether a beginner or an experienced crafter, this hands-on experience will inspire creativity and leave you with beautiful handmade paper to take home.

Members $20 / Non-members $25

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Amesbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Join Clare Dombrowski, from the Amesbury Public Library, for a lively and engaging story hour at the Industrial History Center! Each session features delightful stories, songs, dance, and a simple craft inspired by themes of industry, transportation, and Amesbury’s rich history.

This free program is perfect for children ages 3 to 6, with younger siblings welcome to join the fun! Little ones will explore Amesbury’s fascinating past through stories, music, movement, and hands-on creativity.

Get ready to sing, dance, and create while learning about the history that shaped our community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Dates: 1/30, 2/27, 3/27, 4/17

Botanical gel printing uses natural plant materials, like leaves and flowers, pressed onto a gel plate covered with acrylic paint. The resulting prints capture the delicate details of the botanical elements. In this class led by local artist Bonnie Brady, you will learn three techniques to produce fool-proof works of art.

Appropriate for beginner to intermediate levels. All materials are provided.

SOLD OUT

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Amesbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Join us for an evening social hour centered around collections. We will curate a grouping of items not normally on display including objects, archives and photographs. Hear from our local experts and get to know your fellow members while using the items as a focal point for discussion.

Available only to current ACM members. Light refreshments available. Not a member yet, Join here!

$5 per person. 21+

Long before European settlers arrived on the banks of the Powow River, Native Americans lived here—farming the land, fishing in the river, and passing down their traditions through the power of storytelling.

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Anne Jennison, a traditional Native American storyteller and historian of European and Abenaki heritage. With over 30 years of experience, Anne brings to life the rich oral traditions of the Northeast Woodlands, sharing lesson stories filled with wisdom, humor, and history. Holding Master’s Degrees in both Storytelling and History, Anne’s performances are deeply rooted in cultural and historical knowledge, offering a captivating glimpse into Indigenous perspectives.

Anne is recognized on the New Hampshire Traditional Artists Roster and is featured in NH Humanities' Humanities To Go program. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the timeless tales of the region’s first people and gain a deeper understanding of Amesbury’s history.

Ages 10+

At our February Exclusive, drop by for coffee, bakery items, and a chance to connect with other members. This event is open to all ages.

There is no charge for children under 12, but please let us know if you are bringing your littles so that we can provide age-appropriate activities!

Create your own personalized felt letter banner in this beginner-friendly workshop led by Christine Hribar! Learn the basics of hand-sewing as we guide you through designing, cutting, and stitching felt letters to craft a unique banner. Perfect for decorating your home, celebrating a special occasion, or gifting to a loved one, these banners are a fun and creative way to express yourself.

Ages 6+

Minimum class size: 4

This program has been canceled due to low enrollment.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Amesbury Cultural Council a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Join Clare Dombrowski, from the Amesbury Public Library, for a lively and engaging story hour at the Industrial History Center! Each session features delightful stories, songs, dance, and a simple craft inspired by themes of industry, transportation, and Amesbury’s rich history.

This free program is perfect for children ages 3 to 6, with younger siblings welcome to join the fun! Little ones will explore Amesbury’s fascinating past through stories, music, movement, and hands-on creativity.

Get ready to sing, dance, and create while learning about the history that shaped our community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Dates: 1/30, 2/27, 3/14, 4/17

From January to May, the ACM Book Club will meet monthly to discuss each of the selected titles. This year’s selection will reflect elements of New England living in the 20th Century. A copy of each book will be reserved for each participant through the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.

This is a free program available to current ACM members. Not a member yet? Join here

See this year’s book selections and register below.

Join former Boston City Archivist John McColgan as he presents his research on the Irish Famine and its connection to the experiences of immigrants who arrived on Deer Island in Boston. McColgan will illuminate this significant chapter of history, followed by an open discussion exploring its enduring consequences. This event offers an opportunity for thoughtful dialogue and reflection on a transformative moment in Irish and New England history.

$15 members / $25 non-members

Image: J.H. Bufford & Co. "View of the new alms house for the City of Boston in the State of Massachusetts, erecting on Deer Island in Boston Harbor. 1849. John P. Bigelow, Mayor. Designed by Louis Dwight & Gridley J. F. Bryant." Print. 1849. Digital Commonwealth

Save your fancy dinners for the 14th! Join us at the Industrial History Center on Valentine’s eve, for a low-key evening of games and good company. Ticket price includes bingo, bonus trivia rounds, and tasty snacks. A cash bar serving beer and wine will be available. While you’re here, check out the latest carriages on display.

While we plan to offer up some fun mystery items throughout the evening, the purpose of these games is to entertain. Please note that no cash prizes will be awarded for bingo.

Members $20/ Non-members $25

Learn three or more basic embroidery stitches and use them to embellish a tote bag with your own unique designs. This workshop is a wonderful introduction to embroidery!

$10.00 per child. Ages 6+

SOLD OUT

Join Clare Dombrowski, from the Amesbury Public Library, for a lively and engaging story hour at the Industrial History Center! Each session features delightful stories, songs, dance, and a simple craft inspired by themes of industry, transportation, and Amesbury’s rich history.

This free program is perfect for children ages 3 to 6, with younger siblings welcome to join the fun! Little ones will explore Amesbury’s fascinating past through stories, music, movement, and hands-on creativity.

Get ready to sing, dance, and create while learning about the history that shaped our community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Dates: 1/30, 2/27, 3/14, 4/17

From January to May, the ACM Book Club will meet monthly to discuss each of the selected titles. This year’s selection will reflect elements of New England living in the 20th Century. A copy of each book will be reserved for each participant through the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.

This is a free program available to current ACM members. Not a member yet? Join here

See this year’s book selections and register below.

Introducing our pilot program of exclusive members only offerings! January’s exclusive is an evening social hour centered around collections. Staff will choose a few items which may include objects, archives and photographs. Enjoy a brief presentation and spend the remainder of the event perusing the display and using the items as a focal point for discussion.

Available only to current ACM members. Light refreshments available.

$5 per person.

Learn Cross-Stitch: Create a Beautiful Bookmark
Join us for a fun and creative series of workshops where children can learn traditional decorative arts and take home their very own handmade projects! The first class will introduce the timeless art of cross-stitch. In this beginner-friendly workshop, children will learn the basics of cross-stitch while creating a beautiful bookmark to take home.

All materials provided. No prior experience is necessary. Ages 6+

$10

At our February Exclusive, drop by for coffee, baked goods, and a chance to connect with other members. This event is open to all ages.

Member Exclusives are open to current ACM members. There is no charge for children under 12, but please let us know if you are bringing your littles so that we can provide age-appropriate activities!

Member rate: $5 Not a member yet? Join today!

Botanical Eco Printing with Cheryl Desjardin
Experience the fascinating process of capturing the beauty of natural plant material on silk. In this workshop, led by Cheryl Desjardin, Textile Artist and Natural Dyer, you’ll create your own beautiful silk scarf to take home.

Ages 16+

$30 Members. $45 Non-members

A handmade creation is a wonderful way to show appreciation for your family and friends during the holiday season. In this workshop, led by local artist, Bonnie Brady, we’ll craft up to ten 5" x 7" notecards using three unique designs, each made with beautiful decorative papers! You’ll also get to take home extra materials to continue making cards on your own.

No experience is needed to join. This workshop is suitable for teens and adults.

$15 Members $25 Non-members

block printing 2.0

Make block print cards with Johanna Finnegan-Topitzer.

This is the second workshop in this series. Beginners and repeat crafters welcome!

REGISTER HERE.

Support the museum by attending our 39th Annual Meeting.

Celebrating a new Exhibit Parallel Lives: Amesbury’s Historic & Modern Citizens, we will host a private reception at the Industrial History Center for an advance viewing. The meeting will follow just around the corner with dinner at Ristorante Molise.

You will meet Museum leadership and get up to date on our plans and progress, while enjoying good food and company.

Members: $45 / Non-members: $50

Rita Parisi from Waterfall Productions will present Gothic Victorian Tales by Candlelight. This theatrical presentation will feature stories about CURSES, DEATH and IMMORTALITY from the 19th-century New England writer, Sarah Orne Jewett. A native of South Berwick Maine, her stories mirror the everyday lives of New Englanders; often reflecting the mysterious and supernatural.

Doors open at 6:15 pm

Members: $15 / Non-members: $25

Join us for an exclusive member-only event—a private tour of the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, MA. Discover the fascinating history of printing, a key industry that played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. From the evolution of printing technology to its impact on communication and industry, this tour offers a unique glimpse into a world that shaped the modern era.

We've arranged a special guided tour just for our members, providing an intimate and in-depth look at the museum's extensive collection. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the rich history of printing in a setting that celebrates the innovation and craftsmanship of the past.

We will meet at the Museum of Printing. To arrange to carpool from the IHC, email sspalding@amesburycarriagemuseum.org

Broom making

Learn the ancient art of broom making wiht Christine Hribar. Create a simple turkey-wing whisk-style broom.

This is the second of three workshops.

REGISTER HERE.