Museum of Old Newbury

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Museum of Old Newbury Founded in 1877, the Museum of Old Newbury is a non-profit, member-supported organization dedicated

The Museum of Old Newbury inspires the imagination and promotes excellence in history, fine and decorative arts, architecture, and historic preservation to advocate life-long learning and the entrepreneurial spirit. A non-profit, member supported organization established in 1877 with the purpose of preserving and presenting the history, art and culture of Old Newbury, the museum has continued this scholarly tradition for 140 years and has greatly expanded its scope and outreach. Our goal is to make our rich history and culture more accessible, more relevant, and more connected to our day-to-day lives in the community.

Well, friends, though executive director Bethany Groff Dorau and board and committee member Paige Baumann would probably...
10/25/2026

Well, friends, though executive director Bethany Groff Dorau and board and committee member Paige Baumann would probably qualify for Townie awards on their own merits, this one was for the gorgeous and iconic Cushing House, home of the Museum of Old Newbury. It was a rocking good time at the Custom House Maritime Museum, a perfect place for a party! 🎉
And The Thirsty Whale NBPT , another winner, was the perfect spot to gather after the awards. We are grateful to be townies, since we love this town! ❤️⚓️🇺🇸
Thank you, The Townie , for making it happen!

Seen in today's : According to an announcement in the paper on this day in 1807, twelve shares in the Essex-Merrimac Bri...
10/23/2026

Seen in today's : According to an announcement in the paper on this day in 1807, twelve shares in the Essex-Merrimac Bridge belonging to Lord Timothy Dexter would be sold on this day in 1807. His High Street mansion was also for rent, with terms available by applying to executors Enoch Titcomb and Nathan Hoyt. Dexter had died exactly one year earlier, on October 23, 1806. This postcard image of the Dexter House is part of our collection. NewburyHistory.org

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ADVENTURES IN THE ARCHIVES!What did voting look like in Newburyport more than 200 years ago?This wee...
10/22/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ADVENTURES IN THE ARCHIVES!

What did voting look like in Newburyport more than 200 years ago?

This week’s story, courtesy of Perkins Art & Research Center volunteer Susan Squires begins with something much more recent: a campaign card for George E. Twomey of 193 High Street, discovered behind an old built-in bookcase. Twomey served as a Massachusetts state representative from 1964 to 1972 and campaigned under the slogan, “For Conscientious Leadership.”

That small card inspired an investigation into Newburyport’s first presidential election in 1788.

On December 18 of that year, a major snowstorm had left local roads nearly impassable, but 265 men still made their way to the courthouse on Lower State Street to vote. Voting was limited to free adult men who met property or income requirements, and there was no secret ballot. Everyone knew how everyone else voted.

Those voters overwhelmingly supported George Washington for president and also weighed in on a local congressional contest between Jonathan Jackson of Newburyport and Benjamin Goodhue of Salem. Jackson won the Newburyport vote, but Goodhue carried the district.

From open voting and property requirements to campaign cards and modern elections, the way Newburyport votes has changed dramatically—but the process has always reflected the political life of the community.

Read the full story on our website. https://www.newburyhistory.org/further-reading/2026/10/20/adventures-in-the-archives-voting-in-newburyport-through-the-centuries

Seen in today's : On this day in 1884 the paper announced that the Newburyport roller skating rink would present the cel...
10/22/2026

Seen in today's : On this day in 1884 the paper announced that the Newburyport roller skating rink would present the celebrated Speedwell Brothers of New York, who would perform triple tricks and acrobatic riding on one bicycle. This would be the only chance to see them, as their stay in New England was limited. This image is from that day's paper. NewburyHistory.org

Seen in today's : C***r season had arrived, as evidenced by the paper on this day in 1926. Bailey’s C***r Mill in Byfiel...
10/21/2026

Seen in today's : C***r season had arrived, as evidenced by the paper on this day in 1926. Bailey’s C***r Mill in Byfield and the Old Newbury C***r Mill on Merrimac Street in Newburyport were both open for business, with front page ads alerting readers. This image is from that day's paper. NewburyHistory.org

Seen in today's : On this day in 1959, the paper noted that all 31 buoys in the Plum Island River between Newburyport an...
10/20/2026

Seen in today's : On this day in 1959, the paper noted that all 31 buoys in the Plum Island River between Newburyport and Plum Island Sound had been removed for the winter by Harbormaster Percival W. Lowell of Newbury. The buoys would be cleaned and repainted before being set out for the 1960 boating season. This late-1960s image of the old Plum Island Bridge being torn down is part of our collection. NewburyHistory.org

Seen in today's : Good news on this day in 1903: there would be about 15,000 tons of coal in the coal pocket by the end ...
10/19/2026

Seen in today's : Good news on this day in 1903: there would be about 15,000 tons of coal in the coal pocket by the end of the week, with more coming in by schooner. The 1902 Anthracite Coal Strike in Pennsylvania had led to a severe shortage the previous year, with residents having to strictly conserve fuel and rely heavily on wood to heat their homes. This undated image of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Co. is part of our collection. NewburyHistory.org

Seen in today's : On this day in 1930, the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank had started a new “Tax and Coal Club.” Sm...
10/16/2026

Seen in today's : On this day in 1930, the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank had started a new “Tax and Coal Club.” Small deposits of between $1 and $5 dollars a week would be made automatically from members’ accounts to help them save for their tax and coal bills, thus alleviating the yearly worry and strain of providing money to meet them. Savings checks would be sent to members just before their bills came due. This 1967 image is from the Newburyport Public Library's Bill Lane Photograph Collection. NewburyHistory.org

Address

98 High Street
Newburyport, MA
01950

Opening Hours

Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+19784622681

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