Newburyport Preservation Week

The signature event of the Newburyport Preservation Trust is Newburyport Preservation Week every spring, featuring a varied program of illustrated lectures, architectural tours, social events, and a closing reception to present the Newburyport Preservation Trust's annual Preservation  Awards.

Preservation Week 2023

"Focus On History" --- this year's photography-related theme --- is set for May 19-21, 2023, and events are in the planning stages now. Returning this year after an extended pandemic time-out are the NPT Preservation Awards --- and the public ceremony that celebrates the city's homeowner/stewards of preservation.

NPT members and non-members are welcome to submit nominations for NPT Preservation Awards in several categories. Fill out your nomination form (see link below) in the appropriate category and submit it by the April 1, 2023 deadline. After review of all nominations by the NPT board of directors, awards will be presented to proud homeowner/stewards at the awards ceremony on Sunday, May 21, 2023. For complete details and the Preservation Awards nomination form, click here.

See you at Preservation Week!

Meanwhile, while you're squirming with anticipation, here's a recap of Preservation Week 2022:

Preservation Week 2022

The Mills of Newburyport:
The Dream That Ran Out of Steam
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, May 20-22, 2022

Preservation Week 2022 is over, but just in case you need to refresh your memory, or if you missed the standing-room-only events, the schedule details remain below.

Preservation Week 2022 (May 20-22) focused on the city's industrial history and the adaptation of our old-but-still-robust mill buildings for new uses. The schedule featured one context-rich illustrated lecture (indoors Friday evening at the Custom House Maritime Museum), two guided outdoor walking tours, and two self-guided tours. For complete schedule and event information, download and/or print the 2022 Preservation Week flyer.

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

Keynote Presentation:
The Mills of Newburyport: The Dream That Ran Out of Steam
From 19th-Century Speculation to 21st-Century Preservation

A lively presentation of illustrated context of the city’s mill buildings and industrial history – micro for local details, and macro for broader understanding – by author, historian, and museum professional R.W. Bacon.

Custom House Maritime Museum
25 Water Street, Newburyport
7:00 p.m. reception; 7:30 p.m. illustrated lecture.
Admission: Free; online registration required.

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022

Guided Walking Tour:
Ocean Mills (1846 textile mill)

A fresh-air guided walking tour of the Ocean Mills complex presented by Newburyport Preservation Trust board members Rita Mihalek and Bronson de Stadler.

Park and meet at the north end of Cushing Park, Kent Street, Newburyport.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Admission: Free.

Guided Walking Tour:
Globe Steam Mill Site (1845; razed 1940)

A fresh-air guided walking tour of the Globe Steam Mill site – and the later tannery site – and its adaptation as the Tannery Marketplace, presented by architect and NPT founder Linda Miller.

Meet at The Tannery parking lot, 75 Water Street, Newburyport.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Admission: Free.

Self-Guided Exterior Walkabout:
James Steam Mill (1843 textile mill)
1 Charles Street, Newburyport.

An exterior-only perimeter sidewalk observation of the former mill building now adapted for residential use.

All day public sidewalk access only. Please respect tenant privacy.
Admission: Free.

Self-Guided Exterior Walkabout:
Merrimac Arms (1866); Towle Silversmith Building (1883-1990)
260 Merrimac Street, Newburyport.

An exterior-only perimeter observation of the Merrimac Arms/Towle Building. Interpretive panels are located adjacent to the Merrimac Street sidewalk at the west end of the building.

All day public sidewalk access only.
Please respect commercial/professional operations.
Admission: Free.

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022

Open House & Tours:
Powder House Park & Learning Center

Enjoy a guided tour of Newburyport’s 1822 powder house, restored by the Newburyport Preservation Trust, led by trust co-president Tom Kolterjahn, who guided the multi-year preservation/restoration project.

Godfrey’s Hill
57 Low Street, Newburyport
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Admission: Free.

The Newburyport Preservation Trust was formed to raise public awareness and to advocate for local historic preservation, and is an all-volunteer, registered 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Join us! Consider yourself invited!