EVA HAMORI HONORED WITH LIFETIME PRESERVATION AWARD
North Andover native, Eva Hamori, was recently awarded the Lifetime Preservation Award (LPA) by the North Andover Historical Society (NAHS). Established in 2014, this prestigious award annually celebrates a North Andover resident who has shown exemplary commitment to the preservation of the town’s history, heritage and/or open spaces. This year the event raised almost $38,000 for NAHS.
Together we can make a difference!
The North Andover Historical Commission placed a demolition delay on the historic house at 169 Chestnut Street in June, 2025, and now it's our turn to take action.
Did you know that Colonel James Frye III, a hero of the American Revolution, once called this house home? He bravely led 450 militia and minutemen into battle, fighting for our freedom and paving the way for the birth of our nation. For over two centuries, the Frye property remained in the family, and now it's up to us to ensure its legacy lives on.
Let's rally together to raise awareness, funds, and find a solution to preserve this incredible piece of our local history. The clock is ticking, but with your help, we can make it happen!
Email Joanna Kerr, Executive Director of the NAHS today to get involved, and be part of something amazing
THE REV 250 TOUR IS BACK
The North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) will offer an immersive journey into the chilling history of the Andover witch hysteria of 1692 through expert speakers and films to educate, entertain and enlighten visitors. Driven by fear and superstition, NAHS will shed light on the lesser-known stories of the Andover witchcraft era, exploring the societal dynamics and human experiences that led to one of the most notorious chapters in American history. All programs will take place at NAHS, located at 800 Massachusetts Avenue in North Andover, unless otherwise noted. Visit www.NorthAndoverHistoricalSociety.org to purchase tickets and learn more. Some programs are free to NAHS members.
NAHS featured in the andovers magazine
The North Andover Historical Society is featured in the Summer Edition of The Andovers Magazine!
SUMMER FILM AND CONCERT PROGRAMS AT THE NORTH ANDOVER HISTORIC SOCIETY
This summer, enjoy the return of the film series at the North Andover Historical Society, along with several new concerts. All films will be shown on the big screen in the Worden Theater, as well as all concerts held in this same wonderful space, located at 800 Massachusetts Avenue in North Andover. Registration is required and can be found on our website: www.NorthAndoverHistoricalSociety.org. Free for all NAHS members; guests are $10. Donations are always welcome.
Marty Larson left a strong legacy with North Andover preservation efforts
Thanks to Marty Larson’s love of her adopted hometown of North Andover, history buffs and professional preservationists alike will benefit for generations to come
Marty, 88, died April 5, after a brief illness. A tribute to her life will be held September 13, 2025, at 12 noon at the North Parish Church in the Old Center.
Marty grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, graduating from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota in 1951with a major in history. She earned a master’s degree in Soviet studies at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and, adept at languages, was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency to work as an intelligence officer. Later, while working in Washington DC, she was introduced to her future husband, Arthur Larson, by mutual friends. The couple was engaged three months later and were married soon after, an alliance that lasted 60 years.
A GUIDE TO PROTECTING AND PRESERVING OUR PAST
North Andover, Mass., May 2, 2025 – The history of North Andover is well documented and preserved thanks to dedication of the citizens of North Andover, and the North Andover Historical Society (NAHS). This month, NAHS focuses on sharing their skills and knowledge with the community so more history can be preserved and protected.
Programs will take place in the Worden Theater, located at 800 Massachusetts Avenue in North Andover. Registration is required for these events and can be found on our website: www.NorthAndoverHistoricalSociety.org. Free for all NAHS members; guests are $10. Donations are always welcome.
STUDENTS TEAM-UP WITH NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO HIGHLIGHT LOCAL HERO
The North Andover Historical Society, and several former North Andover Middle School students under the leadership of teacher Mr. Pat McGravey, have teamed up to create a new exhibit focusing on William Symmes Jr., an Andover (now North Andover) resident and Massachusetts representative, who provided a pivotal vote in favor of the ratification of the Constitution. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, April 5, at the Parson Barnard House from 11:00 am-2:00 pm, and is acting as a grand opening to the spring-to-autumn series of First Saturday events in which historic places within North Andover are open to the public the first Saturday of every month. The Parson Barnard House Museum is located at 179 Osgood Street in North Andover.
CELEBRATE THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONWITH THE ANDOVERS
The North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) and the Andover Center for History and Culture (ACHC) have come together to bring history to life with an exciting dual-town bus ride celebrating the American Revolution. Along the route, historians will share captivating, local stories of the American Revolution while guests view the historical sites from the comfort of a bus. Tours are offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on April 19, and will begin and end at NAHS, located at 800 Massachusetts Avenue in North Andover. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.NorthAndoverhistoricalSociety.org.
UNCOVER THE SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION WITH THE NAHS
Did you know that North Andover, then part of Andover, was home to many heroes of the American Revolution? In 1775 they met and marched to Concord and Lexington from the old meeting house at North Parish after having trained for the previous few years at the mustering field at Kittredge Farm. These brave souls went on to fight in the Battle of Bunker Hill and beyond. Come discover the amazing stories brought to life at the North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) through REV250, a series of programs and exhibits dedicated to the American Revolution. Located at 800 Massachusetts Avenue, NAHS has an educational celebration packed with inspiring speakers, a captivating exhibit, and exciting activities to honor our town and its heroes.
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER, MARK PELLETIER!
The North Andover Historical Society welcomed new Board Member, Mark Pelletier at the Annual Meeting on June 12, 2024.
Mark is the managing principal of our Portsmouth New Hampshire office, which is dedicated to delivering exceptional designs in the custom residential, urban infill, and commercial markets.
Mark’s expertise has been honed over an impressive 25-year career spanning a broad range of building types and market sectors.
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER, LINDA SCHOONMAKER!
The North Andover Historical Society welcomed new Board Member, Linda Schoonmaker Connor at the Annual Meeting on June 12, 2024.
Linda majored in Liberal Arts at Bradford College and the University of Wisconsin. She has performed, directed, and designed for the past 30 years at venues in Chicago, Denver, and Boston. Linda’s background also includes extensive knowledge in costuming, set design, and improvisation! In fact, she has performed alongside some of Chicago’s Second City Alumni. Along with her position at Acting Out!, she is also the current Drama Director at North Andover high school.
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER, KYLE SCANDORE!
The North Andover Historical Society welcomed new Board Member, Kyle Scandore at the Annual Meeting on June 12, 2024.
A lifelong resident of North Andover and an avid student of history, Kyle Scandore brings his passion for the past and his legal expertise to the North Andover Historical Society. Kyle is an attorney in the Corporate Department at McLane Middleton, where he provides strategic legal solutions to a variety of business clients. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Richmond and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Kyle combines his professional skills with his love for history and deep understanding of the region to support the Society’s mission.
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER, THERESE LEONE!
The North Andover Historical Society welcomed new Board Member, Therese M. Leone at the Annual Meeting on June 12, 2024.
Banking professional since 1972, Graduate of St Mary High School 1971, Castle Secretarial School 1972, Hesser Junior College 1990-1992 studied business, also attended and completed the Sandbox Leadership Institute course in 2012-2013. In the years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, I was a finalist for several awards through Enterprise Bank’s Celebration of Success nominations—in 2018 I was awarded the Excellence in Community Service Award. I received the distinguished YWCA Tribute to Women Award in 2012. Enterprise Bank Presidents Club award the last 15 years—8 of those years were Presidents Club Gold. I currently serve on three boards: Nevins Family of Services, and Debbie’s Treasure Chest. I maintain active with former organizations I served on such as the YMCA, Ambassador and Lazarus House.
JOANNA KERR NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) has announced Joanna Kerr as the new executive director of the society, following four months as interim executive director. Kerr has already pushed the society to new heights with an increased presence in the community by enhancing and creating partnerships with local groups such as the North Andover Garden Club, North Andover Youth and Recreation Services, North Andover Public Schools, and Acting Out, a local theater group that brings live performances into the theater, in addition to spearheading the new solar exhibit, opening this fall, with its corresponding education programs. “North Andover is the special place it is today because of the prudence and actions of people who lived here before us, and we have a responsibility to pass this along to future generations,” says Kerr, executive director of the North Andover Historical Society. “I am excited and honored to take on this new position at NAHS, and work with many people, groups, organizations and the town itself, to help collect, preserve and share our incredible history.”
First Open House of the Season at the Parson Barnard House
Our First Saturday open house of 2024 at the Parson Barnard House was held on Saturday, June 1st! Don't worry if you missed it! Mark your calendar for our next open house event on July 6th!
Every Saturday of the warmer months through October, the public may visit the Parson Barnard House at 179 Osgood Street. Local tour guides can walk you though the house or you can do self-guided tour of the house and grounds, including the historically accurate medicinal herb and dye garden.
First Saturdays are a great opportunity to visit this iconic North Andover landmark, free of charge; but please consider a donation or purchase in our pop-up bookshop to help support our programs.
The Parson Barnard House will also be open on the following first Saturdays of Summer: JULY 6TH, AUGUST 3RD, SEPTEMBER 7TH AND OCTOBER 5TH.
WELCOME BOARD MEMBER, Michael Lenihan!
Michael is past president and board member of the North Andover Historical Society, past board co-chairperson of the Essex Art Center in Lawrence MA, and is a current volunteer Commissioner on North Andover’s Old Center Historic District Commission. Michael and his wife, Barbara, have been ‘stewards’ of the historic 1835 Daniel Stevens House on Osgood Street for over 25 years. He also ran a specialized management consulting firm helping companies with their revenue and sustainability strategies. In his spare time, he continues to hone his artist skills as a landscape painter having his art studio in his historic barn facing the North Andover Common.
Diane's Cafe on The Common is Now Open!
Gather for homemade baked goods, fresh coffee drinks, breakfast, treats, and North Andover History!
AUTUMN CAFE HOURS: Wednesday - Sunday: 8-2
Registration is Open for Adventures In Time!
Our Summer Enrichment Programming is back and bigger than ever! Take a look at our offerings and register online!
We are proud to announce our integration into The Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Card to Culture
We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier.