Upcoming events.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 24th through August 19th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 24th through August 19th for story reading and craft. The target age is 3-5 years, but older and younger kids are also welcome to join. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime will take place under a tent on the grass next to the Little Free Library. We’ll have a few blankets available to sit on, but families are welcome to bring their own if they'd prefer. Parking is available on the grass by the apple trees or along the side of Whittier Road.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 24th through August 19th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 24th through August 19th for story reading and craft. The target age is 3-5 years, but older and younger kids are also welcome to join. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime will take place under a tent on the grass next to the Little Free Library. We’ll have a few blankets available to sit on, but families are welcome to bring their own if they'd prefer. Parking is available on the grass by the apple trees or along the side of Whittier Road.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 24th through August 19th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 24th through August 19th for story reading and craft. The target age is 3-5 years, but older and younger kids are also welcome to join. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime will take place under a tent on the grass next to the Little Free Library. We’ll have a few blankets available to sit on, but families are welcome to bring their own if they'd prefer. Parking is available on the grass by the apple trees or along the side of Whittier Road.
An Afternoon of Poets
Whittier Birthplace Summer Poetry Festival
August 16, 2025 from 3 to 6 PM
Features an acoustic set by Alec K. Redfearn – Providence based composer/noisemaker behind projects such SWRM, D.U.M.E., Dox Malice, (AKR &) The Eyesores, HEVS, Mesmers, Reversible Light, Amoebic Ensemble, and Barnacled
Jason O’Toole is a poet, former punk vocalist, and advocate for elders and people with disabilities. A former Poet Laureate of North Andover, MA, he serves on the advisory board of New England Poetry Club and as treasurer of the Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco. His recent work appears in Another Chicago Magazine, Gargoyle, The Lowell Review, The 2020 Rhysling Anthology, and Love is for All of Us (Storey Publishing). His newest collections are The Strange Misgivings of the Sadly Gifted (Dead Man's Press Ink), Enragés (Beyond Shadows Press), and Wait Out the Burn (Ghost City Press).
Also featuring (alphabetical):
Claire Conroy – Beat poet laureate of Maine
Harry J. Durso – Robert Frost Foundation
Lee Eric Freedman – past poet laureate Swampscott
Jack Giaour – Winner of the 2024 Boom Chapbook Contest
Steve Iannaccone – past poet laureate of Swampscott
Ellie O’Leary – Amesbury poet laureate emerita
Dan Speers – Haverhill poet laureate
Lauren WB Vermette – poet laureate of Portsmouth
Elizabeth Wolf – finalist for the Joy Harjo Poetry Prize
Bob Whelan – Rockport poet laureate
Pop-up shop by Purple Couch Bookshop of North Andover
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 24th through August 19th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 24th through August 19th for story reading and craft. The target age is 3-5 years, but older and younger kids are also welcome to join. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime will take place under a tent on the grass next to the Little Free Library. We’ll have a few blankets available to sit on, but families are welcome to bring their own if they'd prefer. Parking is available on the grass by the apple trees or along the side of Whittier Road.
Exploring Historic Textile Series
This program series is sponsored by the Haverhill Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council! This summer we’ll be Exploring Historic Textiles.
All ages are welcome to join us for this historic textile production workshop. Attendees will get the chance to try weaving on a simple loom (make a pot holder or pocket to take home!), to watch skilled craftswomen practice historic textile production methods (spinning wheel demo confirmed! possibly more to come!), and have the option of visiting the textile exhibit on the second floor of the Whittier Homestead.
This program will be held primarily in the Gus Reusch Welcome Center at the Whittier Birthplace, but for those interested, there is an optional visit to the textile exhibit on the second floor of the Whittier Homestead. Thanks to the support of the Haverhill Cultural Council there is no admission fee to attend.
Accessibility: While the Welcome Center is on ground level and has a ramp or single step up for entry, accessing the second floor of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead involves climbing a steep and narrow staircase.
Homeschool Program
Homeschooling families are invited to a program on the legacy of John Greenleaf Whittier
Suggested ages: 6-12
Suggested donation: $10
Theme: The Wishing Bridge
We’ll start by reading John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem, “The Wishing Bridge” out loud. After discussing the poem together as a group, we’ll learn about different types of bridges. Finally, students will get to build their own bridges with popsicle sticks.
Skills practiced in this program: poetry, engineering, art
Click here to sign up, at least one week prior to the program. Please include the ages and first names of participating kids as well as any relevant allergies or other special considerations we should know in advance.
Open House Weekend
Save the Date: September 19-21, 2025 join us for an open house weekend during Trails & Sails!
Schedule:
Friday, Sept. 19th 10am-4pm
Saturday, Sept. 20th 10am-4pm
Sunday, Sept. 21st 1pm-4pm
Start your visit in the Gus Reusch Welcome Center for an introductory video. Then, take a guided tour of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead, walk the self-guided Freeman Memorial Trail, meet farm animals, and more.
Stop by the barn to view the art show of recent works by local artists depicting the Whittier Birthplace. Artists: do you have artwork of the Birthplace you’d like to exhibit? Let us know!
Our Trails & Sails open house weekend is free for everyone! There is no need to make a tour reservation this weekend. (Regular tours require advanced registration).
Homeschool Program
Homeschooling families are invited to a program on the legacy of John Greenleaf Whittier.
Suggested ages: 6-12
Suggested donation: $10
Theme: The Freeman Memorial Trail
This month we’re taking a short hike along the Freeman Memorial Trail, through the woods and fields around the Whittier Birthplace. At each of the 13 stops along this approximately 1/2 mile trail, we will take turns reading a short section of Whittier’s poetry that describes the scenery. Along the way participants will get to collect leaves and other natural items for the craft at the end of the hike. Please come dressed for the weather and with sturdy shoes for walking over uneven ground. We’ll have sun block and insect repellant available.
Skills practiced in this program: reading, hiking, arts & crafts.
Click here to sign up, at least one week prior to the program. Please include the ages and first names of participating kids as well as any relevant allergies or other special considerations we should know in advance.
"Let's Hike Haverhill"
“Let’s Hike Haverhill” will be meeting here at the Whittier Birthplace for a short hike around our property followed by a short reception in the Welcome Center. More information is available here.
Exploring Historic Textile Series
This program series is sponsored by the Haverhill Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council! This summer we’ll be Exploring Historic Textiles.
Museum-professional Jane Bowers will present on 19th Century “Crazy Quilts,” including both generally what, when, and why they were popular and specifically what she’s learned from examining the crazy quilt in our collection.
This lecture will be held in the Gus Reusch Welcome Center at the Whittier Birthplace. Thanks to the support of the Haverhill Cultural Council there is no admission fee to attend.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 24th through August 19th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 24th through August 19th for story reading and craft. The target age is 3-5 years, but older and younger kids are also welcome to join. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime will take place under a tent on the grass next to the Little Free Library. We’ll have a few blankets available to sit on, but families are welcome to bring their own if they'd prefer. Parking is available on the grass by the apple trees or along the side of Whittier Road.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 24th through August 19th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 24th through August 19th for story reading and craft. The target age is 3-5 years, but older and younger kids are also welcome to join. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime will take place under a tent on the grass next to the Little Free Library. We’ll have a few blankets available to sit on, but families are welcome to bring their own if they'd prefer. Parking is available on the grass by the apple trees or along the side of Whittier Road.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 24th through August 19th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 24th through August 19th for story reading and craft. The target age is 3-5 years, but older and younger kids are also welcome to join. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime will take place under a tent on the grass next to the Little Free Library. We’ll have a few blankets available to sit on, but families are welcome to bring their own if they'd prefer. Parking is available on the grass by the apple trees or along the side of Whittier Road.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 24th through August 19th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 24th through August 19th for story reading and craft. The target age is 3-5 years, but older and younger kids are also welcome to join. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime will take place under a tent on the grass next to the Little Free Library. We’ll have a few blankets available to sit on, but families are welcome to bring their own if they'd prefer. Parking is available on the grass by the apple trees or along the side of Whittier Road.
Exploring Historic Textiles Series
This program series is sponsored by the Haverhill Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council! This summer we’ll be Exploring Historic Textiles.
Retired museum director, Carol Majahad will present on 19th Century Quaker dress, both generally what set Quakers of Whittier’s day apart from other dressing styles and specifically what she’s learned from examining a Quaker dress from our collection.
This lecture will be held in the Gus Reusch Welcome Center at the Whittier Birthplace. Thanks to the support of the Haverhill Cultural Council there is no admission fee to attend.
Preschool Storytime
This week’s Preschool Storytime program is canceled due to extreme heat.
Please join us on July 1st!
Cultural Arts Day on the Freeman Trail
This event has been canceled due to forecasted heavy rain.
Homeschool Program
Homeschooling families are invited to a program on the legacy of John Greenleaf Whittier
Suggested ages: 6-12
Suggested donation: $10
Theme: The Barefoot Boy
Together we will read Whittier’s poem, “The Barefoot Boy,” taking note of all the plants and animals mentioned in the poem. Then participants will get to explore the grounds of the Whittier Birthplace, writing or drawing in a journal all that they experience with their 5 senses. Going barefoot for at least part of this activity is encouraged! Finally, we will regroup to compare and contrast this morning’s experiences with those of The Barefoot Boy in 1855.
Skills practiced in this program: reading, writing, observation, the 5 senses, compare & contrast.
Click here to sign up, at least one week prior to the program. Please include the ages and first names of participating kids as well as any relevant allergies or other special considerations we should know in advance.
Vagabond Poetry Caravan
The Vagabond Poetry Caravan makes a stop at the Whittier Birthplace during its national tour!
This event is supported by the Haverhill Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, and HC Media.
Virtual Lecture Series
Join us from the comfort of your own home for our virtual lecture series. Whittier Birthplace Virtual Lectures will take place over Zoom. Prior registration is required.
Suggest donation: $10/household
Speakers: Anne Ferguson of the Whittier Home Museum in Amesbury
Topic: Whittier Home Museum, more details to come
Virtual Lecture Series
Join us from the comfort of your own home for our virtual lecture series. Whittier Birthplace Virtual Lectures will take place over Zoom. Prior registration is required.
Suggest donation: $10/household
Speakers: Emily Esser, art historian
Topic: "In Behalf of Oppressed Humanity:" The Life and Works of Deacon Robert Peckham, Portrait Painter
DESCRIPTION - The early American artist Deacon Robert Peckham is best-known for his charming and likeable paintings, featured in museums across New England. But he left a historical impact beyond most of his peers. Through his portraits of like-minded friends, family, and neighbors, alongside historical records and newspaper ads, we can rebuild a visual legacy of Peckham's life, including his fight for temperance, the end of slavery, and free and fair education. And now, for the first time, we can read Peckham’s beliefs in his own handwriting: his impassioned letters to President and Representative John Quincy Adams.
Virtual Lecture Series
Join us from the comfort of your own home for our virtual lecture series. Whittier Birthplace Virtual Lectures will take place over Zoom. Prior registration is required.
Suggest donation: $10/household
Speakers: Amy Richards, of the Isles of Shoals Historical and Research Association (ISHRA)
Topic: Just an hour-long boat ride from southern Maine and New Hampshire, these islands were initially used as seasonal fishing grounds by Indigenous Peoples, then settled by European fishermen in the late 1700's. Having gained a national spotlight in the late 19th century during The Grand Hotel Era and with the rise in popularity of notable resident, poet Celia Thaxter, they now feature private homes, a large seasonal hotel, a lighthouse and a marine research and education facility. In visiting these islands, you will find great natural beauty, fascinating history and a community dedicated to preserving both. Join us to learn more about this magical place!
Homeschool Program
Homeschooling families are invited to a program on the legacy of John Greenleaf Whittier.
Suggested ages: 6-12
Suggested donation: $10
Theme: The Freeman Memorial Trail
This month we’re taking a short hike along the Freeman Memorial Trail, through the woods and fields around the Whittier Birthplace. At each of the 13 stops along this approximately 1/2 mile trail, we will take turns reading a short section of Whittier’s poetry that describes the scenery. Along the way participants will get to collect leaves and other natural items for the craft at the end of the hike. Please come dressed for the weather and with sturdy shoes for walking over uneven ground. We’ll have sun block and insect repellant available.
Skills practiced in this program: reading, hiking, arts & crafts.
Click here to sign up, at least one week prior to the program. Please include the ages and first names of participating kids as well as any relevant allergies or other special considerations we should know in advance.
Whittier the Abolitionist lecture
Christiana Boehmer will give a presentation on John Greenleaf Whittier the abolitionists at 2pm on Sunday, September 22nd, during our annual Trails & Sails Open House Weekend.
Chris Boehmer is a nonfiction writer, songwriter, and storyteller who lives in Andover, MA. She’s researching and writing on the historical antislavery movement in Essex County, and John Greenleaf Whittier is one of her favorite subjects. You can read her blog at antislaveryinessexcounty.substack.com.
Join us in the Gus Reusch Welcome Center at the Whittier Birthplace for this is a free event. No registration is required. Come early or stay late for a tour of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead. Tours will be offered from 1-4pm on Sept. 22nd.
Open House Weekend
Save the Date: September 20-22, 2024 join us for an open house weekend during Trails & Sails!
Schedule:
Friday, Sept. 20th 10am-4pm
Saturday, Sept. 21st 10am-4pm
Sunday, Sept. 22nd 1pm-4pm
Start your visit in the Gus Reusch Welcome Center for an introductory video. Then, take a guided tour of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead, walk the self-guided Freeman Memorial Trail, meet farm animals, and more.
New this year! Art show of recent works by local artists depicting the Whittier Birthplace. This exhibition is supported by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council. Artists: do you have artwork of the Birthplace you’d like to exhibit? Let us know!
Our Trails & Sails open house weekend is free for everyone! There is no need to make a tour reservation this weekend. (Regular tours require advanced registration).
Homeschool Program
Homeschooling families are invited to a program on September 17th.
Suggested ages: 6-12
Suggested donation: $10
Theme: East Haverhill History
Visit three historic sites in East Haverhill! The program starts at 10am at the Whittier Birthplace (305 Whittier Road) for a historic games and a tour of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead. Learn about poet & abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier. Then drive down the road to the East Parrish Meeting House (150 Middle Road) to learn about the history and architecture of this c.1838 church. Attendees will get to ring the bell! Finally drive to Rocks Village to tour the c.1829 Hand Tub House and and Toll House (1 River Road) and learn about the history of the Rocks Village neighborhood, early firefighting, and the bridge.
Click here to sign up, at least one week prior to the program. Please include the ages and first names of participating kids as well as any relevant allergies or other special considerations we should know in advance.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Haverhill Cultural Treasures Tours at Twilight
Haverhill’s Cultural Treasures will be offering Tours at Twilight (5-8pm) on Thursday, August 15th under a single admission ticket. Visit as many or as few of the Treasures as you wish that evening.
Tickets will be honored through the end of October for those who cannot make it to all sites in one evening. Please see each organization for their regular visitation hours and procedures outside the Tours at Twilight hours. Some sites require reservations outside special event times.
Adult tickets are $25, kids 17 and under are admitted for free.
The Haverhill Cultural Treasures is a collaboration between the Buttonwoods Museum, Duston-Dustin Garrison House, Haverhill Firefighting Museum, Museum of Printing, Rocks Village Hand Tub House, Tattersall Farm, Whittier Birthplace, and Winnekenni Castle.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
THIS WEEK: we’ll be joined by the Haverhill Public Library’s book van! Bring your library cards and pick out some HPL books to take home after our weekly story and craft.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Novelist Meet-Up
Writing can be a lonely and isolated experience. At 2pm on Sunday July 21st the Whittier Birthplace and the Haverhill Public Library invite local novelists to an open house in the Gus Reusch Welcome Center (305 Whittier Road) to meet other novelists. Bring a writing friend and make a new one!
Poetry Happening
A Poetry Happening live and in person at the Whittier Birthplace! Free to attend. All ages welcome.
Saturday, July 20th noon to 2pm.
Hosted by Dan Spears, Poet Laureate of Haverhill and Jason O’Toole, Poet Laureate of North Andover. Featuring a line of great local poets with open mic to follow.
Preschool Storytime
Canceled this week due to extreme heat!
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays June 25th through August 20th
Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to join us each Tuesday from 10am-11am from June 25th through August 20th for story reading and craft. This is a free program and no registration is required.
Juneteenth
Change of Venue!
Due to the expected heatwave, this event has been moved indoors to the Buttonwoods Museum (240 Water Street, Haverhill) and will NOT be held outdoors at the Whittier Birthplace.
In partnership with the Buttonwoods Museum we are hosting a “Reading Frederick Douglass Together” event for Juneteenth. Community members are invited to a group reading and discussion of Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July"?”
Light refreshments will be provided. Parking is available next door at Linwood Cemetery & Crematory. Following the reading of the speech, a discussion will be led by Haverhill School Committee Representative Yonnie Collins about Douglass's relevance to today.