Community of Makers: Collage Card Workshop
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
Community of Makers: Fall Workshop Series for Adults
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!
39th Annual Meeting
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
Gothic Victorian Tales by Candlelight
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
Member Perk Event: Private Tour of the Museum of Printing
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
Community of Makers: Fall Workshop Series for Adults
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.
Driving Through History
Join us for our biggest fundraiser of the year — it’s guaranteed to be a great time!
Bringing back last year’s popular speakeasy theme, you’ll get a free drink ticket if you dress up with a 1920s /30s vibe.
Check out vintage automobiles, enjoy jazz tunes, and feast on a scrumptious buffet. Play games of chance to win prizes and bid on auction items including rides in antique vehicles.
And, you’ll barely recognize the museum turned into a speakeasy serving beer, wine, and gin cocktail tasters.
Members: $50 / Non-members: $65
Trails & Sails - Open House
The Automobile Landscape
Join us for a family-friendly open house about all things automobiles! Amesbury, known as “carriage town,” also had a thriving early automobile industry. Makers including Pontiac, Durant, General Motors, Cadillac, Rolls Royce, and more chose Amesbury carriage makers to build their first automobile bodies.
Come learn about this hidden history of Amesbury and see vintage and antique vehicles and artifacts from the early automotive era on display.
FREE. No registration required.
Member Row - Cancelled
This event is cancelled due to low water levels.
Join us for an exciting journey up the Powow River in Lowell’s Boat Shop historic dories.
Disembark in Amesbury’s Heritage Park, walk to the Industrial History Center in the Upper Millyard, and socialize while enjoying some locally sourced treats.
This row is for adults (18+) and will involve moderate physical activity.
Annie Webster: Amesbury's Modern Day Suffragette
Join us for an inspiring evening about the life of Amesbury legend Annie Webster, a modern-day suffragette who came of age at the turn of the 20th century.
Enjoy an interactive theatrical performance with a captivating portrayal by Sally Nutt and facilitated by Christine Remus, both local talents.
Members: $15 / Non-members: $20
Register HERE
Acoustic Jam Session with ZFDM
Ready to rock out? Join us for the final session of our Children’s Summer Music Series, featuring Zach Fields Drums & Music! Borrow some of our provided instruments to join the fun. It’s sure to be a blast!
All ages welcome
FREE - No registration required
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.
Summer Wine & Sangria
Enjoy a taste of wine on a summer afternoon in the ambiance of the Industrial History Center in the Upper Millyard.
Taste a selection of wines from Mill River Winery
Enjoy a summer-fresh Sangria
Sample an array of tasty appetizers
Enter a raffle to win a wine basket
John Tavano and Chuck Walker will play Latin, jazz, bossa nova, and classical music.
$35 members / $40 non-members
Register HERE.
Upper Millyard Walking Tour
Amesbury’s Upper Millyard is a monument to the workers who harnessed the power of the Powow River to create work and community. This tour will explore how Amesbury people and businesses showed creativity and resilience in adjusting and adapting to boom and bust cycles on industrialization.
This tour is recommended for adults and young adults who are interested in an introduction to Amesbury’s rich industrial history.
RSVP to sspalding@amesburycarriagemuseum.org. This tour is free but we welcome donations!
Flatbread Fundraiser
Dine in or take out and a portion of your purchase supports the museum!
Children's Music Series
Family-Friendly Music Lessons
Join Miss Alicia for a 30-minute music extravaganza! Sing along to catchy tunes, dance, and even try your hand at playing some cool instruments.
All ages are welcome!
Free and open to the public.
ACM at the Amesbury Block Party
Join us again this year at Amesbury's Block Party in the Lower Millyard. We'll have a carriage on display and will welcome folks into the historic Salisbury Point Railroad depot with a collection of local artifacts on display.
Free and open to the public.
Timeless Elegance
Classic Dories & Vintage Cars
A special program for Amesbury Carriage Museum and Lowell’s Boat Shop members
Rain date: Saturday, June 15th
Celebrate the timeless elegance of classic dories and vintage cars. Mingle with like-minded enthusiasts and create lasting memories against the backdrop of our rich maritime and automotive heritage.
Meet at Lowell’s Boat Shop at 5 PM for an hour of rowing up the Merrimack to the Powow River in a classic dory.
Walk from the Lower Millyard landing to nearby Industrial History Center (10-minute walk).
Enjoy pizza and beverages with fellow members.
Conclude the evening at 8:30 PM with a scenic drive back to Lowell’s Boat Shop in a vintage car.
Lowell’s Boat Shop and Amesbury Carriage Museum membersP: $20
LBS members: email Dorithy at dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com
ACM members: REGISTER HERE
Going Places
Join us for a celebration of all things vehicles! Grab your tickets for a journey through history at the Industrial History Center and in downtown Amesbury.
Lego vehicle building and 30-foot test track, paper airplane engineering, antique carriages and vehicles on display, a three-stop “train” journey featuring ice cream and a visit to an 1864 railroad depot. Raffles, crafts, and more!
Parents and children under 2: free (no need to register)
Children 2 and up: $10 per child
ACM Family Member rate: $5 per child.
Register by June 1st and each child receives a conductor’s hat, scarf, and wooden train whistle! And, receive a free raffle ticket.
Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event.
Children's Music Series
Family-Friendly Music Lessons
Join Miss Alicia for a 30-minute music extravaganza! Sing along to catchy tunes, dance, and even try your hand at playing some cool instruments.
There will be another session on Friday, July 12th at 3 PM.
All ages are welcome!
Free and open to the public.
Upper Millyard Walking Tour
Amesbury’s Upper Millyard is a monument to the workers who harnessed the power of the Powow River to create work and community. This tour will explore how Amesbury people and businesses showed creativity and resilience in adjusting and adapting to boom and bust cycles on industrialization.
This tour is recommended for adults and young adults who are interested in an introduction to Amesbury’s rich industrial history. The next scheduled tour will be July 20th.
RSVP to sspalding@amesburycarriagemuseum.org. This tour is free but we welcome donations!
Walking Tour: The Automobile Landscape
Join us for a walking tour of downtown Amesbury as we explore and discover our industrial past. Tour participants will learn about the early history of the automotive industry, revolutionary developments, and how auto bodies were produced here for Rolls Royce, Cadillac, and much more!
Members: $10 / Non-members: $15
Hats & High Tea
A celebratory event honoring moms, sisters, aunties, caregivers, and families. Come for our elegant afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches and all the trimmings. Wear a fun hat and maybe win a prize! Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a tea or coffee gift basket.
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Industrial History Center, Mill 2, Amesbury MA
Adult members: $40 / Adult non-members: $45
Walking Tour: The Automobile Landscape
Join us for a walking tour of downtown Amesbury as we explore and discover our industrial past. Tour participants will learn about the early history of the automotive industry, revolutionary developments, and how auto bodies were produced here for Rolls Royce, Cadillac, and much more!
Today’s tour is CANCELLED
Please sign up for the May 18th tour instead.
Unraveling History: from Sheep to Sweater
Spring opening of the Industrial History Center!
Celebrate the millyard’s rich legacy of textile production by exploring the journey from sheep to sweater with us!
Meet Castor, a local sheep
Touch and see wool in several stages of the production cycle
See weaving & spinning demonstrations
Try crocheting with Bextrordinary Creatures
Make your own knitting needles
Swap sweaters - exchange your vintage sweaters or hand-knit goods
Free and open to the public.
Color Pencil Drawing
Hats Off: Color Pencil Drawing Techniques with Johanna Finnegan-Topitzer
Inspired by the ACM’s historic hat collection, learn methods to bring drawings to life.
Members: $15 / Non-members: $20
The Community of Makers workshops are sponsored in part by the Amesbury Cultural Council, a local agency of the Mass Cultural Council.
Stories from the Past
Children’s Story Hour Series:
Fabric & cloth
For ages 3 to 6.
Embark on a journey through time with Clare Dombrowski from the Amesbury Public Library.
Enchanting tales inspired by different industries — from the clang of factories buzz of innovation, these tales will transport your child to a bygone era. This is the last session in this series.
Admission free.
RSVP to by clicking HERE.
Drop in also welcome.
Mix & Mingle - Community Night @ the IHC
Join us at the museum for a fun and informational time!
Meeting museum leadership, mingle with wine & cheese, play mixer bingo, learn about our programs AND win raffle basket and prizes!
Free and open to the public. No registration necessary.
Bring a friend (or two)!!!
Collage with Johanna Finnegan-Topitzer
Create a collage “millscape” inspired by Amesbury’s millyard.
Members: $15 / Non-members: $20
The Community of Makers workshops are sponsored in part by the Amesbury Cultural Council, a local agency of the Mass Cultural Council.
Amelia Earhart: Pioneer in Aviation
People of Amesbury; Winter Lecture Series
Amelia Earhart: Pioneer in Aviation
Ages 8 +
See Sheryl Faye portray Amelia’s indomitable spirit and passion for flying in the multi-media, one-woman show.
Stories from the Past
Children’s Story Hour Series:
Working together - Labor & women’s history
For ages 3 to 6.
Embark on a journey through time with Clare Dombrowski from the Amesbury Public Library.
Enchanting tales inspired by different industries — from the clang of factories buzz of innovation, these tales will transport your child to a bygone era. The next session in this series is on March 28.
Admission free.
RSVP to by clicking HERE.
Drop in also welcome.
Homeschool Days at The IHC!
Discover, Explore, and Learn Together!
Join us for a series of monthly meetups at the Amesbury Carriage Museum's Industrial History Center.
Engaging lessons
Hands-on activities
Inclusive and neurodiverse-friendly environment
Time for connecting
Homeschooling families and friends of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome. Ages 5 - 12. 🗓️ When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
January 19 - Industrial Revolution; We will learn about the invention that changed the world— the steam engine!
February 26 - Water Power; We will learn about alternative energy sources that powered the mills and build our own water wheels. SOLD OUT
March 11 - The People of The Millyard; We will learn about the Amesbury inventors and create our own inventions. SOLD OUT