Plan a visit
Samuel Dale Stevens, Jr. founded the North Andover Historical Society in 1913 to preserve the history and traditions of his community. An early collector of both local and New England objects, he was particularly interested in documenting everyday life from 1690 to 1830. Exhibits chronicle the early history of the town from its incorporation as Andover in 1646, separation as the North Parish in 1710 and re-incorporation as North Andover in 1855 to the present day. The Society maintains two sites that feature museum galleries with permanent and changing exhibits featuring North Andover in the 17th through the 20th centuries.
The 1789 Johnson Cottage
An artisan's home and workshop, showcasing daily life of men and women in the mid-nineteenth century. Includes collections of early New England furniture, pewter, tools, household items and local artifacts. The Historical Society maintains a Library/Archive which houses personal, town and church records documenting the community since 1646. The library also contains genealogies, photographs, ephemera and an inventory of historically and architecturally significant North Andover buildings.
The 1715 Parson Barnard House
Home of Andover's third minister, Thomas Barnard. The house features rooms furnished rooms, gardens, exhibits and architectural evolution that depict community life 1715 to 1830. The property also includes a c.1812 barn with 19th-century farming equipment, vehicles and a schoolroom.
Hours of Operation
Offices: Wednesday afternoons 1-3 Call or email for other available times . Following a weekend event at the society, the offices will be closed on the Monday immediately following.
Museum Gallery and Johnson Cottage: Wednesday afternoons 1-3 Call or email for other available times Adults: $7, Seniors: $5, Children: $5. Members - free.
Library/Archive: Open to researchers by advance appointment only.
Parson Barnard House: Open seasonally: Call for current hours
Barn open by appointment only (and on Harvest Day).
Adults: $7, Seniors: $5 and Children: $2.
Members - Free.
Combination ticket - both historic sites - Adults: $10, Seniors: $7, Children: $5.
Self-guided walking and driving tours available for sale in the gift shop.
Museum Gallery/Johnson Cottage Directions
The Museum Gallery and Johnson Cottage are located at 153 Academy Road, in the historic Old Center of North Andover, five minutes from Intersate 495 or the intersection of Routes 114 and 125, and 15 minutes from Interstate 93. See Google map.
From Interstate 495, take exit 43 (Massachusetts Avenue) and head south on Mass Ave., approximately 1.5 miles, passing through two intersections with traffic lights. After the intersection with Rt. 125/Chickering Road, take the third left onto Academy Road. Approaching Academy Road, the Town Common will be to the right. Johnson Cottage and the Museum are the white buildings on the north side of Academy Road, and the only buildings on this section of Academy Road. Parking is available on the street.
From Interstate 93, take exit 41 towards North Andover on Rt. 125. At the intersection with Rt. 114, turn left. At the next intersection with traffic signals, turn right onto the continuation of Rt. 125. Stay to the right. At the next intersection (also signalled) turn right onto Andover St. and continue towards the Town Common. At the Y-intersection, keep to the right, with the Common on the left. At the stop sign at Massachusetts Ave., turn left. Academy Road will be the first intersection on the left, opposite the Common.
Parson Barnard House Directions
The Parson Barnard House is located very close to the Museum Gallery and Johnson Cottage, at 179 Osgood Street. See Google map.
From Interstate 495, take exit 43 (Massachusetts Avenue) and head south on Mass Ave., approximately 1.4 miles, passing through two intersections with traffic lights. After the intersection with Rt. 125/Chickering Road, take the second left onto Osgood Street. The Parson Barnard House is on the right side of Osgood Street, after the intersection with Academy Road. Parking is on the street.
From Interstate 93, take exit 41 towards North Andover on Rt. 125. At the intersection with Rt. 114, turn left. At the next intersection with traffic signals, turn right onto the continuation of Rt. 125. Stay to the right. At the next intersection (also signalled) turn right onto Andover St. and continue towards the Town Common. At the Y-intersection, keep to the left onto Osgood Street, with the Common on the right. Continue on Osgood Street after the stop sign at Massachusetts Avenue. The Parson Barnard House is on the right after the intersection with Academy Road.
Page Last Modified Tue 03-23-2010 17:08