Adult programs

Throughout the year, our programs highlight Amesbury’s history. Offerings include maker workshops, tours, exhibits, community gatherings, lectures, and a book club.

See our events calendar for more details.

Guided Tours

Upper Millyard Walking Tour

The Amesbury Millyard serves as a physical monument to the generations of workers who, by harnessing the power of the Powow River, created work and community during the turbulence of New England’s Industrial Revolution. This tour will explore how Amesbury people and businesses showed creativity and resilience in adjusting and adapting to the boom and bust cycles of industrialization.

Target Audience: Adults and young adults interested in an introduction to Amesbury’s rich industrial history.

Timeframe: 45 minutes. For dates, times, and tickets, see our events calendar.

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Amesbury AUTOMOBILE TOUR

Amesbury, once known as “The Carriage Center of the World,” played a central role in the early auto industry. Amesbury carriage makers were true artisans, known for their careful craftsmanship and mastery of materials in crafting carriage bodies.  This work easily translated to early autobodies and they were able to meet the discerning tastes of wealthy buyers. As carriage factories became electrified in the early 20th Century, many converted to the production of auto bodies. Amesbury’s moderately sized factories carved out a boutique niche of upper-end bodies for Buick, Franklin, Stanley Steamer, Cadillac, Hudson, Rolls Royce, and many others. This tour will explore the sites and stories behind the industry.

Target Audience: Community members (15 years old +)

Timeframe: 1 hour. For dates, times, and tickets, see our events calendar.

Request a guided Tour

We offer private tours for groups of up to 15 people for $10/person. Each tour group will have an opportunity to have a private visit to the museum space. Please fill in the form on the right to schedule a group tour.

Self-Guided Tours

Amesbury Millyard Walking tour

This self-guided walking tour explores Amesbury’s historic Upper and Lower Millyards’ built environment. We invite you to take the tour as if you are visiting an exhibit— think of the Amesbury Mill yards as a gallery or “a museum without walls.” Walk at your own pace. Notice details and read the history as you walk along.

Target audience: Adults and young adults interested in learning about the city’s rich industrial history.

Time frame: Walking the Upper and Lower Millyards with this self-guided resource may take 30 to 60 minutes.