New England Discoveries

Upcoming Tours

Maritime in New England

Come to Cape Ann, the "Whale Watching Capital of the World" and enjoy a different boating experience each day! Sail on a 90-foot schooner, cruise down the Essex River and view six lighthouses of Cape Ann along the granite coastline. Look for Humpback, Finback and Right whales, dolphins and schools of cod on a whale watch. Learn about this beautiful Atlantic setting with ecologists, naturalists, historians, lobstermen, fishermen and ship builders. This historic and picturesque coast north of Boston is known as America's Oldest Seaport, established in 1623, and has brought artists, fishermen and beach goers to the area for hundreds of years. Enjoy New England's wonderful summer weather on land and sea! (Gloucester, MA)

Dates: Aug 22 - 27, 2010
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Peabody Essex Museum and Salem

Discover the historical, architectural, and cultural heritage of one of America's oldest seaport communities. Through lectures and short walks along picturesque 18th century streets, learn about the country's earliest maritime history, the infamous Salem witch trials, local citizens such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Elizabeth Peabody, Alexander Graham Bell and Elbridge Gerry. See how Salem's wealth from the sea created stately mansions and architectural splendor. Spend two days at the newly transformed world class Peabody Essex Museum, including a visit through an authentic Chinese House reassembled inside the museum. See the museum's historic houses, stroll through Maritime and East Asian galleries and enjoy the changing modern art exhibits. (Salem, MA)

Dates: Aug 29 - Sep 3, 2010
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Cycling Along Massachusetts' North Shore

Based in historic Ipswich, this program offers beautiful challenging cycling along the rocky shores, estuaries, old stone-walled roads and deep woods of the North Shore region of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. The rides are up to 45 miles, with shorter loops and van support available. Explore the Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary, the Essex County Greenbelt, Plum Island, The Ipswich River Sanctuary and Trustees of Reservations lands. The rural setting provides for exceptional river and ocean views. Evening lectures by a naturalist and consultant for the NOVA Science series will recap that day's adventures. A great get-away for cyclists. (Ipswich, MA)

Dates: Sep 12 - 17, 2010
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Historic Homes of Boston's North Shore

With more 17th-century houses than anywhere in America, Ipswich and the surrounding towns of Essex County are steeped in colonial history. The coast along the Ipswich Bay boasts a great number of magnificent mansions, dating from the turn of the century. Through field trips to these historic homes, learn how the architecture has changed over 300 years. See how the different styles of each century teach us about daily life and the social history of this region. Peer into the lives of the common Puritan farmer of the 17th century, the wealthy ship captain from the 19th century, and the flamboyant millionaire of the Roaring ’20s. Learn how the extraordinarily preserved homes with their priceless antiques illustrate life in a bygone era. (Ipswich, MA)

Dates: Oct 4 - 7, 2010
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New England Seafood: Cook It! Eat It!

Study New England's most flavorful industry as you learn how the bounty of the cold Atlantic makes it from the sea to the dinner table. Local professionals show how fish are processed and prepared, and you participate in every step of the process. Go clamming in Ipswich to get your feet wet before learning to prepare this delicious shellfish. Ipswich’s clams are said to be the sweetest in the entire world! Gourmet cooking classes teach the secrets of expert seafood preparation and allow you to savor the results. Hear from real fishermen about the conditions they endure to bring their catch to shore, and, most importantly, enjoy the best of New England's freshly caught local seafood! (Gloucester, MA)

Dates: Oct 18 - 22, 2010
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Salem's Witches: History, Mystery and the Feminine Goddess Theory

Participate in an in-depth study of witches. Discussions are led by historians and a witch who practices Wicca, a neo-pagan, earth-centered religion. Delve into the history of witches from ancient pagan times to today's modern Wicca followers. Study the beliefs of 17th-century Puritans that led to the events of 1692 and the famous Salem witchcraft trials, and relate these events to modern times. Explore Salem's witch history and today's commercialization of the lighter side of the witch theme. (Salem, MA)

Dates: Nov 8 - 11, 2010
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Discovering Hawthorne's Salem at Christmas

Join in holiday celebrations in the beautiful colonial town of Salem. Learn how historic traditions arrived in this country and how they developed and changed throughout the years. Visit period houses decorated to reflect their time in history as you participate in the 30th Annual Christmas in Salem House Tour. See a delightful theatrical performance at the House of the Seven Gables as it’s transformed into a living illustration of Christmas in old times: scenes from famous works of literature including Little Women, A Christmas Carol, and A Child’s Christmas in Wales are brought to life. Capture the spirit of the holidays through lectures and activities featuring foods, holiday crafts, and music. (Salem, MA)

Dates: Dec 3 - 6, 2010
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From China to Salem: The NEW Peabody Essex Museum

Take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into all the galleries of Salem's newly expanded, world-renowned museum, the oldest continuously operating museum in the U.S. Museum educators lead us through four centuries of American decorative arts, Salem's outstanding maritime collection, and art from Native America, China, Japan, Korea, India and the Pacific Islands. Visit Salem's own historic houses and have an insider's tour of the museum's exciting new cornerstone: Yin Yu Tang, an authentic two-story Chinese merchant's house transported from central China and reassembled inside the museum, complete with a 200-year collection of family objects. Lectures, private gallery tours and chats with experts enhance this unique experience. (Salem, MA)

Dates: Jan 17 - 20, 2010
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A Conversation Café

Join an interactive discussion on Nature and Economics, led by Dr. Fred Jennings, a Stanford educated Economist and founder of the Center for Ecological Economic and Ethical Education (CEEEE). Bill Sargent, an award-winning author and environmental consultant for NOVA will also lead our intellectual inquiry. Topics include the enormous impact climate change will have on the U.S. economy and the fundamental assumptions of economic policy in light of current ecological crises. Explore and examine ideas the Obama administration might use to confront and bridge these difficult issues. Along the way, enjoy the great natural and cultural resources found in historic Salem and along Boston’s North Shore. (Salem, MA)

Dates: Feb 14 - 17, 2010
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Exploring Salem: Literary Trail, Witches on Trial, and PEM

Discover the remarkable historical, architectural, and cultural heritage of one of America's oldest communities. Through lively illustrated lectures, walking tours and visits to historic sites, relive the excitement of Salem's lucrative maritime trade and its infamous witch trials, and enjoy the grace and beauty of its magnificent mansions. Learn about the 1692 Witch Trials and today's theories of how this blight on American history was allowed to occur. Follow the footsteps of Nathaniel Hawthorne on a Salem Literary Trail. Visit the world renowned Peabody Essex Museum to see Yin Yu Tang, an authentic 17th century Chinese house, reassembled inside the museum, and enjoy the museum's outstanding collection of art and antiques. (Salem, MA)

Dates: Mar 14 - 18, 2010
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