Gateway to Saugus Iron works

Saugus Iron Works on a winter day (Photos by Debbi Collar)

Surviving through another winter, Saugus Iron works celebrated the 50th anniversary of opening its gates to tourists as a National Historic ParkSite. Speeches from area Senators, Representatives, Saugus Selectmen and members of the Essex County National. Heritage Committee kicked off the event at its Annual Spring Meeting held at Saugus Town Hall in commemoration of a site that has often been called one of the hidden gems found within Essex County. Among the attendees were Saugus Selectman, Debra Panetta, Essex Heritage President, John Farmer, Deputy Regional Director, NE Region, Rosalyn Fennell, Senator Brendan Crighton, Representative Donald Wong, Representative Seth Moulton, District Director Rick Jakious, Essex Heritage Treasurer Timothy Felter, Essex Heritage Chief Executive Officer Annie Harris, Superintendent at Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites, Paul DePrey and Essex Heritage Program Manager, Charles Smith.

Saugus Iron Works, 50th Anniversary as a National Historic Site.

Saugus Iron Works, known as "The Birthplace of American Iron and Steel" actually dates back to the 17th century when it was a working forge.

Today, visitors to the area can view a film about the work once done there and learn about life as it was then among its workers. Several buildings on the site include the museum with its artifacts housed inside that were found during an archeological dig. In addition, the forgeboasts a furnace and huge bellows, a working waterwheel, blacksmith shop, and a gift shop and 17th century home. Park Rangers also offer guided tours from May 13through the end of October. Price of admission and of parking - FREE.

Ongoing preparations as Saugus Iron works opens for its 50th anniversary as a dedicated National Historic Park Site.

As mentioned in the meeting, there are many sites within the Essex County area sitting right in our own backyards. The Saugus Iron Works is just one of many. Also announced at the meeting byEssex Heritage Program Manager, Charles Smith, were 12 Partnership Grant Recipients of other historic sites within Essex County.

View the list of recipients on the Essex Heritage Website.

Special Recognition Awards went to Steve Immerman, Montserrat College of Art and Dave Edwards, Essex County Community Foundation.

Following the Annual Spring Meeting, attendees were invited to participate in a behind the scenes tour of Saugus Iron Works as it prepares for this year's opening in May.

Hike along 17th century trails at Saugus Iron Works.

Learn about bog iron and gabbo and its use at the forge...

Its workers...

The tools...

and the bellows

Saugus Iron Works is just one stop along the way of many historic sites, not only throughout Essex county but throughout other areas of New England as well. A recommendation stated at the meeting, concerning all of the "hidden (historic) gems" in our backyards was to "make use of them and enjoy them."