Industrial history center
ProGRAMS and exhibits
History has a new home.
Set in Amesbury’s historic Upper Millyard, the Industrial History Center is dedicated to honoring the city’s industrial history. With programs that serve families, schools, and the community, the IHC is a vital addition to Amesbury’s downtown.
We hope you’ll visit us. Because when we study the past, we understand the present.
The Industrial History Center is operated by the Amesbury Carriage Museum, founded in 1986.
2024 Calendar of Events
The Amesbury Carriage Museum provides a full year of programs for adults, children, and schools. Most of our programs take place at the Industrial History Center. Every year we evaluate the success of our programs and adjust to better serve the public and to introduce new and interesting topics and activities.
Please see our EVENTS page for program details for the upcoming programs, including registration information (as applicable).
Industrial history center Exhibits
Orientation Exhibit
Visit us to learn about Amesbury’s industrial past through our orientation exhibit, A Productive Story: Industry and Worklife in Amesbury.
From the earliest times, many people — first the Abenaki, Penacook, Wabanaki and Pawtucket, and later Europeans — came to what we now call Amesbury. They used the falls of the Powow River to build their lives and produce materials of all types. Ultimately their labor created the industrial landscape we know today as the Millyard. Our city reflects the skill and resilience of these workers, who persisted through the ups and downs of Amesbury’s industrial economy.
Porter Steam Engine at the Industrial History Center.
Porter Manufacturing Company of Syracuse, New York, in 1890.
There were local gristmills along the Powow River from the 1640s. The IHC model gristmill intrigues visitors of all ages. It shows the operation of a complete colonial-period milling system. Even during its carriage-making heyday Amesbury was a small rural community surrounded by farms with agricultural fairgrounds and fall fairs well into the 20th century.
Next you can’t help but notice our steam engine. It’s huge! Although it no longer chugs along to produce power, it was once an important tool for industry. In the 1850s factory work expanded as mill owners used steam engines to supplement the seasonal resource of waterpower.
Last, but certainly not least, look at the prints, photographs, and other illustrations of A Productive Story – Industry and Worklife in Amesbury. These are the people and places that made it all happen.
Today, Amesbury workers still produce a wide range of materials — in traditional machine shops or ultra-modern factories, and in small family-run businesses or international corporations. It’s our 21st century version of the productive story.
Rotating ExhibitS
Parallel Lives:
Amesbury’s Historic & Modern Citizens
(November 2024- April 2025)
An exhibit celebrating the industrious spirit that has characterized our town for centuries. Parallel Lives highlights the continuity and evolution of Amesbury’s workforce and industries, from the historic production of carriages and auto bodies to modern innovation.
Local photographer Robert Schoen has captured the essence of this enduring spirit. Through his lens, we see contemporary Amesbury residents in their places of work, each representing a modern counterpart to a figure from the town's storied past. These images showcase the skills and dedication of today's workforce, drawing striking parallels with historical figures who once walked the same streets and worked in the same buildings.
Hoyt's Peanut Butter Company Collection
Discover the story of Hoyt's Peanut Butter Company, (1902 - 1959) through this fascinating collection, featuring original artifacts from their "Buffalo," "Powow," and "But-A-Kiss" brands. Highlights include a painted depiction of a "Powow" brand tin by local artist, Nate Bibaud, a vintage "But-A-Kiss" tin, and an original company sign. Visitors are invited to explore the history of these iconic products and learn about the stereotypes depicted in two of the brands. This exhibit offers a chance to reflect on the impact of advertising imagery in shaping perceptions and sparking conversations about representation.
Union Delegate Ribbons
(November 2024 - April 2025)
Collected by Frank Cynewski, VP, United Hatters, Cap, and Millinery Workers International Union over his career spanning from 1948 - 1971. These ribbons highlight the importance of unions and the pride of workers dedicated to representing their colleagues.
Amesbury 20th Century Postcard Collection
Step back in time with the Amesbury Postcard Collection, a captivating slideshow featuring scans of 102 postcards from the early 20th Century, showcasing Amesbury's rich heritage. From elegant carriages and bustling steamboats to iconic local landmarks, this collection offers a visual journey through the town's historic charm. On display in the Bailey Room, the slideshow celebrates Amesbury’s unique story through beautifully preserved images.