Community of Makers: Collage Card Workshop
Dec
5
6:00 PM18:00

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

View Event →

39th Annual Meeting
Nov
3
5:30 PM17:30

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

View Event →
Gothic Victorian Tales by Candlelight
Oct
26
6:30 PM18:30

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

View Event →
Member Perk Event: Private Tour of the Museum of Printing
Oct
9
10:00 AM10:00

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

View Event →
Driving Through History
Sep
26
6:00 PM18:00

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

REGISTER HERE.

View Event →
Trails & Sails - Open House
Sep
14
12:00 PM12:00

Trails & Sails - Open House

  • Industrial History Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

View Event →
Member Row - Cancelled
Aug
17
8:30 AM08:30

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.

View Event →
Annie Webster: Amesbury's Modern Day Suffragette
Aug
15
6:00 PM18:00

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

View Event →
Acoustic Jam Session with ZFDM
Aug
12
4:00 PM16:00

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.

View Event →
Summer Wine & Sangria
Jul
27
3:00 PM15:00

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.

View Event →
Upper Millyard Walking Tour
Jul
20
1:00 PM13:00

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!

View Event →
Timeless Elegance
Jun
14
5:00 PM17:00

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

View Event →
Going Places
Jun
8
1:00 PM13:00

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.

REGISTER HERE

View Event →
Children's Music Series
Jun
7
10:00 AM10:00

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.

View Event →
Upper Millyard Walking Tour
Jun
1
1:00 PM13:00

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!

View Event →
Walking Tour: The Automobile Landscape
May
18
1:00 PM13:00

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

REGISTER HERE.

View Event →
Hats & High Tea
May
11
1:00 PM13:00

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

REGISTER HERE

View Event →
Walking Tour: The Automobile Landscape
Apr
27
1:00 PM13:00

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.

View Event →
Unraveling History: from Sheep to Sweater
Apr
20
12:00 PM12:00

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.

View Event →
Color Pencil Drawing
Apr
11
6:30 PM18:30

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

REGISTER HERE

The Community of Makers workshops are sponsored in part by the Amesbury Cultural Council, a local agency of the Mass Cultural Council.

View Event →
Stories from the Past
Mar
28
10:00 AM10:00

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.

View Event →
Stories from the Past
Feb
29
10:00 AM10:00

Stories from the Past

  • Industrial History Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

View Event →
Homeschool Days at The IHC!
Feb
26
10:00 AM10:00

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

View Event →