ICYMI: Essex Heritage Offering Over 100 Free Fall Events This Weekend

Interested in going on a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site or the Lynn Public Library? Want to examine the ecology of Salem Sound? How about a walk through Lynn Woods to the Stone Tower and Dungeon Rock or an evening stroll through Marblehead to learn about the town’s architectural history? No matter what your interest or passion, you can find something to learn, explore, and enjoy during Trails & Sails:Two Weekends of Walks and Water on September 18-20 and 25-27.

Presented by Essex Heritage, Trails & Sails features more than 150 free events over two weekends and celebrates the rich variety of historic, cultural and natural resources in the Essex National Heritage Area. Encompassing the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, a 500 square mile region just north of Boston, MA, the Essex National Heritage Area was created by an Act of the U.S. Congress in 1996 in recognition of the important role that the county played in American history and the significant resources that still exist in the region. Trails & Sails, now in its 14thyear, was created by Essex Heritage to highlight the unique character of the Area by directly connecting people to place through creative experiences – with the goal of engendering a commitment to preserving them.

For Trails & Sails 2015, Essex Heritage has partnered with non-profit and for-profit recreational organizations across Essex County to offer 150+ free, fun, and family-friendly events at more than 100 sites that showcase our region’s distinctive heritage, history, culture, and natural environment. From historic tours and museums, to guided nature tours both onshore and off, there are activities happening morning, afternoon and evening that welcome your exploration.

The impressive line-up of Trails & Sails events in the southern Essex County communities of Lynn, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Saugus, and Swampscott includes:

Lynn

• Guided Tours of the Lynn Museum
• History of Pine Grove Cemetery, Part I
• History of Pine Grove Cemetery, Part II
• Lynn Woods Walk
• Photography Walking Tour of Downtown Lynn
• Tiffany Stained Glass Windows Tour
• Treasures at the Lynn Public Library

Marblehead

• “Artworks” Closing Reception
• 1,1121 Marbleheaders in the War of 1812
• Artist in the Gallery with Loren Doucette
• Artist in the Gallery with Shelia Farren Billings
• Evening Stroll: Marblehead Architecture 1715 to 1815 & Beydon
• King Hooper Mansion Art Galleries
• Pirates! At J.O.J Frost Folk Art Gallery
• King Hooper Mansion Art Galleries
• Tour of the King Hooper Mansion

Peabody

• Peabody Library History & Architectural Tour

Salem

• Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Fish Seining Demonstration on the Beach
• Gardens by the Sea
• Guided Tour of Strandbeest: The Dream Machines of Theo Jansen
• Lady of Salem Maritime Public Art Celebration
• Marine Science Experience: What is Marine Science and Why is it Important
• Medical Astrology Exhibit
• Mightier than the Wrecking Ball: A Walking History of Urban Renewal in Salem
• Sail on the Schooner FAME
• Salem in 1630: Pioneer Village
• Salem Marine Society Tour
• The Quakers of Early Salem
• The Remond Family, Salem’s Early Abolitionists

Saugus

• Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
• Saugus Center: A Historic Walk

Swampscott

• Tour the Sir John Humphrey House

All Trails & Sails events are free and most are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with the exception of a few events that require reservations. Visitwww.TrailsAndSails.org to see the complete listing of events and design a personalized itinerary