Events
PRIVATE EVENT RENTALS: Contact us for more information, date availability, or to arrange a site visit at info@amesburycarriagemuseum.org or 978-834-5058.

Member Exclusive: Collections Evening
Join us at our next Collections Evening, an exclusive opportunity for members to get a behind-the-scenes look at archives and artifacts not regularly on display. Come enjoy some wine and cheese, get to know your fellow members, and get up close with history!
RSVP to members@amesburycarriagemuseum.org
This event is 21+

2025 Holiday photos in the Millyard
Sunday, November 2 | 9am-2:00pm
Perfect holiday photo? Check!
Get started on the seasonal to do list and book a mini photography session with the talented Kate Donovan. Climb into an authentic farm wagon from the museum’s teaching collection for the perfect outdoor photo featuring simple greenery and historic Mill 2 as a backdrop.
Use your ten-minute session to capture a special memory with the whole family, kids, or just yourselves. Pets are welcome to pose along with their humans.
While you’re here, step in to enjoy cider and some fall activities.

Annual Meeting
Join us for Amesbury Carriage Museum’s 40th Annual Meeting Dinner!
Featuring:
An engaging lecture by Historical Nerdery’s , Alex Cain: "Heads of Families and Men of Substance"- The Rise of the Merrimack Valley Minute Men
Remarks from ACM leadership and the presentation of the second annual Amesbury Carriage Museum Community Service Award to our dedicated volunteer Bruce McBrien.
A generous buffet of your favorite dishes from Ristorante Molise.
Registration: 6:00-6:30. Program starts at 6:30.
Visit the event page to register, see sponsorship opportunities, and learn more about our guest speaker and award recipient!

Community of Makers: Eco Printing with Fall Leaves
Thursday, November 13 | 6:00 PM
Industrial History Center, Mill 2, Upper Millyard, Amesbury, MA 01913
Learn the basics of eco-printing on fabric using local Autumn leaves. Participants will place their choice of leaf matter on two pre-mordanted linen napkins that they’ll eco print, then take home. This fascinating technique yields one-of-a-kind impressions - the beauty of which can be enjoyed long past the season is over.
Member: $35 / Non-member: $45

Kid's Lego Night
In the spirit of industry and innovation, let your child’s creativity loose at our first ever Kid’s LEGO Night!
Kids are welcome to bring their own project, or make their own invention from the Museum’s stash of bricks. A tray or portable workspace is recommended if the child is bringing a set from home.
Parents can browse the Museum or remain close by in the Millyard area. While this program is targeted toward school age children, littles are welcome to hang out (with supervision) in the children’s corner.
$5 per child / FREE with membership Family level and higher

Driving Through History 2025
On September 25, Join us for some prohibition-era fun, as we transform the Industrial History Center into a speakeasy for our annual Driving Through History fundraiser. To celebrate Amesbury’s days as a leader in the early automotive industry, we’ll be featuring live jazz, handcrafted cocktails, live and silent auctions, great food, and games of chance.
Member: $50 / Non-member: $65

SHibori and Indigo Dyeing
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Local artist Cheryl Desjardin teaches the ancient Japanese crafts of shibori and dyeing with Indigo.
Use formulas and techniques inspired by traditional methods used for hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of years. Each participant will design and dye a bandana to take home.
$20 Members / $25 Non-members

Member Meet Up
Join us for a casual meetup at Blue Moon for a chance to connect with your fellow ACM members. Complete an optional trivia sheet for a fun prize!
RSVP to members@amesburycarriagemuseum.org
RSVP not required, but appreciated!

WeDNesDay Morning Play & Music with Miss Alicia
Looking for some musical fun this summer? Join Miss Alicia for a series of 30-minute music lessons. Sing along to catchy tunes, dance, and play some cool instruments.
Designed for ages 0-7, but all are welcome to join in the fun!
This FREE program is sponsored by The Greg T. Jardis Foundation.

Member Exclusive:Carriage Tour
Come see the carriage collection and hear a bit of the History of Amesbury Carriage Museum. We will gather outside the Carriage Barn at 29 Water Street (Lower Millyard) at 5pm. Please be advised that this tour includes stairs. Due to the lack of safety railings in the carriage loft, this experience is not intended for younger children.
Optional: Following the tour, continue the conversation at the Barn Pub & Grille.
This program is FREE with your membership. For questions, or to RSVP, please contact members@amesburycarriagemuseum.org

Was Susannah Martin a Witch? A One-Woman Show by Christine Remus
Join us in commemorating the 333rd anniversary of Susannah Martin's tragic execution during the Salem Witch Trials.
Written and performed by Christine Remus, Was Susannah North Martin a Witch? is an engaging one-act play that brings to life the story of an Amesbury resident who was convicted of witchcraft in 1692. Experience the narrative of Goody Martin's life before, during, and after that fateful day on July 19, 1692. The event will conclude with a Q&A and discussion following the play.
Members: $10 / Non-members: $15

Wednesday Morning Play: Building and Balance
Come Topple towers and balance ballast at this week’s morning play!
Featuring blocks and balance games for independent or cooperative play.
Wednesday morning play is always FREE for family level members.
Non-member: $10 per group (includes siblings and caregivers).
Try your first session for free!
No registration required.

Kurbits 2: Swedish Folk Art
Tuesday July 15, 2025 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Back by popular demand! Local artist Tina Rawson teaches the Swedish folk art of Kurbitz, a colorful painting style characterized by depictions of plants, animals, and landscapes.
$20 members/ $25 non-members
The Community of Makers Workshops are sponsored in part by a grant from
Amesbury Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Amesbury Treasures' Passport to Amesbury
Passport to Amesbury: A Family Treasure Hunt!
Explore Amesbury like never before during Amesbury Days, June 28 or 29, from 12–4 PM!
Join us for "Passport to Amesbury," a family-friendly treasure hunt that takes you through the Industrial History Center (IHC) and other participating Amesbury Treasures sites.
At each stop, answer a set of fun and informative questions to fill your passport. Complete your passport and turn it in for prizes!
Scorecards (passports) can be picked up and redeemed at the IHC or any participating site.
Come discover the rich history and vibrant culture of our town—join the fun and get to know your community!
FREE event. No registration required

Going Places: A celebration of all things that go!
All aboard! Join us at our annual transportation themed event for a day of family fun, celebrating vintage autos, fire trucks, trains, and more!
Follow the “track” and enjoy fun surprises as you work your way around specially marked stops downtown.
Reserve your ticket by June 14th to be guaranteed your free gift at check in!
Sponsored by Bill Cushing, Edward Jones and Water Street Cafe.

WeDNesDay Morning Play & Music with Miss Alicia
Wednesday Morning Play will be FREE to all this week as we kick off the summer season with a visit from Miss Alicia! Bring the littles for a 30 minute lesson followed by open-ended play in our new children’s corner.

Member Exclusive: Patio Picnic
Come listen to the music in the amphitheater from the comfort of the IHC patio. Tables will be available to enjoy a picnic from home or your favorite local takeout and beverages while you enjoy the Music in the Millyard.
RSVP appreciated but not required.
Please email members@amesburycarriagemuseum.org. This event is open to all current ACM members.
Unable to join us on the 12th? Members will have the opportunity to rent the patio throughout the summer. Learn more here!

Hats and High Tea
Saturday, May 17, 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Industrial History Center.
Grab your best hat and join us for an elegant afternoon tea with vintage flair, fun prizes and delectable treats! Enjoy tasty tea sandwiches, perfect petit fours, and a classically brewed cuppa. There will be multiple chances to win a prize in our hat competition and basket drawing.
PRICING: Member: $40 / Non-member: $45

Member Exclusive: Morning in the Millyard
Join us for coffee and pastries at the IHC, then take a guided walk through the Millyard. Leave with a copy of our tour script and impress your visiting friends and families.
All ages welcome. Please RSVP to mkaiser@amesburycarriagemuseum.org

Community of Makers: Kurbits (Swedish Folk Art)
Tina Rawson, Swedish Artist, and Contemporary Impressionist Painter will show you how to make a basic kurbits scroll, the key element of Swedish Folk Art from the 1700s, and tell you how it became so important.
Kurbits is a Swedish folk art style characterized by colorful and elaborate paintings of plants, animals, and landscapes, as well as depictions of everyday life and scenes from the bible. She will share the history of Swedish kurbits with all its twists and turns!" (www.tinarawsonart.com)
$20 Members / $25 Non-members
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.

IHC Spring Opening: May Day for Mill Workers
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.

Community Tile Making
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

Sheryl Faye Presents: Anne Frank
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.

Member Meetup: Brewery Silvaticus
Members! Join us at Brewery Silvaticus on April 24 for a casual meet up. Meet new members and catch up with old friends. RSVP’ s are appreciated, but not required. Email mkaiser@amesburycarriagemuseum.org

Children’s Story Hour
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!

Paper Making
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.

Children’s Story Hour
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

Community of Makers: Botanical Gel Printing
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.

March Member Exclusive: Collections Night
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+

Abenaki Tales: Animal People in the Northeastern Woodlands
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+

Member Exclusive: Coffee Hour
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!

Community of Makers: Felt Banners
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.

Children’s Story Hour
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

Book Club
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.