The Gateway Arch. This activity guide is the first, of a series of five, focusing on the people and places of Amesbury, and centering on our historic Upper Millyard. This edition features a visit to Amesbury’s Gateway Arch. No doubt, you have passed under this arch many, many times. We hope you’ll learn a bit about this ordinary location with an extraordinary history.

The Gristmill Stone. This immense granite stone in the Upper Millyard is a gristmill stone. Massive stones like this one were used in mills as early as the 1600’s. Local farmers brought their harvested grains (corn, barley, rye, etc.) to the gristmill so their crops could be ground into meal and flour. Visit the Upper Millyard with this activity guide to learn more about Amesbury’s early history.

Mill 2. No doubt, you have passed by this huge brick building many, many times. Old buildings like Mill 2 tell stories about Amesbury. Learning about the past is like solving a mystery. Who came before us? What did they do? What were their lives like? Take this activity guide with you to learn a bit about Amesbury’s built environment with a visit here.

Textile Manufacturing. You may know that textile manufacturing became the dominant industry in Massachusetts during the Industrial Revolution. Amesbury was one of about 45 mill towns that were established across the state. Visit the Upper Millyard with this activity guide and follow up with some at-home activities and further readings.

Powow River. This activity guide is the last in a series of five, focusing on the people and places of Amesbury, and centering on our historic Upper Millyard. Today’s guide brings you to the center of the Upper Millyard: the Powow River. Take this guide with you and use your senses to experience the Powow River and its environment.

craft Activities

Eco-friendly, hands-on activities for all ages! These four activities are a fun way to be creative while reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials: botanical printing, landscape collage, paper bead-making, and yarn & wood ornament-making. Background information, video introduction, and directions are HERE.