UNDERSTANDING HISTORIC PRESERVATION WITH THE NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
North Andover, Mass., April 15, 2026 – The North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) is proud to announce their continuing educational series this May in honor of National Historic Preservation Month. Our goal is to help the public understand best practices in historic preservation, from researching family histories to navigating local boards and processes that help preserve our shared heritage. In addition, we’ve teamed up with two in-town projects to showcase their own preservation efforts: the Farm Legacy Project and a group attempting to save the James Frye House. All events are held at the NAHS Stevens Center, located at 800 Massachusetts Avenue in North Andover. Registration is required and can be found on our website: www.NorthAndoverHistoricalSociety.org. Programs cost $5 for NAHS members, and $15 for non-members, unless otherwise indicated.
First Saturday at the Parson Barnard House Museum Saturday, May 2, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join us at the 1715 Parson Barnard Historic House Museum, located at 179 Osgood Street, and experience the house as it was during four different time periods from 1715 to 1830. Speak with volunteers and learn how this house was preserved at this “First Saturday” event, marking the opening of this museum on the first Saturday of the month. This event is FREE.
On May 5, NAHS Curator and Archivist, Robin Siegel, will discuss family genealogy research and offer tips on how to begin.
A Genealogy “How-To" with Robin Siegel Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Join NAHS Curator and Archivist, Robin Siegel, for a lesson on how to begin your own genealogy research and discover your family's history.
Farm Legacy Documentary: Episodes 1 & 2 Saturday, May 9, 11:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Farm Legacy is a multi-part documentary series that tells the stories of North Andover's farm properties and the families that have stewarded over them for generations. We will begin with the first episode, and follow the showing with the latest episode that focuses on technology and innovation on the farm, past to present, including the changes it made to the profession, and what changes are being fostered in Massachusetts today.
North Andover's Colonel James Frye, Revolutionary Hero with Alex Cain Saturday, May 9, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join historian, writer, and podcaster (Historical Nerdery) Alex Cain, for a lecture on local Revolutionary Hero Colonel James Frye. Following Alex Cain's lecture, attendees will be given an update on the campaign to save the Frye House, as the potential demolition is less than two months away.
A Guide to Historic Commissions & Societies with David Blauvelt Tuesday, May 19, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This Historic Preservation month join NAHS Education Coordinator, David Blauvelt, as he explains the differences and interactions between North Andover's Historical Commission, Local District Commissions, and the Historical Society.
For more information about the event and to register, visit www.NorthAndoverHistoricalSociety.org.
On Saturday, May 30th from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, we will be hosting our third annual Spring Soiree at the Society: An evening to support the North Andover Historical Society’s programs and activities. PURCHASE EVENT TICKETS HERE | SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
In addition, the North Andover Historic Society will hold its 3rd annual Spring Soirée at the Society on Saturday, May 30, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Guests will experience an elegant evening of exploring the Stevens Center and its exhibits while enjoying delectable hors d’oeuvres from Diane's Cafe on the Common, signature cocktails by Make It A Double Mobile Bar, the vibrant musical styling of ViolinViiv, participating in raffles and socializing with friends, old and new. Tickets are available through our website. All proceeds will benefit the North Andover Historical Society's programs and activities.
About the North Andover Historical Society
Founded in 1913, the North Andover Historical Society is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization. It has long held the Johnson Cottage as its historic base, fanning out across town with historic sites under its wing including the Parson Barnard House and Barn, the 1825 Hay Scales Exchange, the 1829 Brick Store, and the 1833 Hay Scales Building. Within the past two years, the renovated Stevens Center museum on the North Andover Common, has become the new hub of NAHS, housing: archives and collectables, rotating historic exhibits on the museum floor, a theater with seating for up to 70 people in what were once Omni Theater seats, a permanent display of green tech explaining the Net-Zero building, Diane’s Café, and meeting and social rooms (many of these spaces are available for rent). For more information, please visit www.NorthAndoverhistoricalSociety.org.
