Through luck and foresight, the Balch House has survived while the hundreds of homes from the same era have fallen to progress or decay.

The John Cabot House is a Georgian style mansion built in 1781 during the Revolutionary War, and the home to an important ship owner.

John Hale was born in Charlestown, MA in 1636 and came to Beverly to preach when it was still known as the “Bass River Side” of Salem. The property mirrors the evolution of the community of Beverly.

Have you heard the expression, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure”?  This exhibit explores the 1998 excavation performed at the Balch House. Through items found during the dig, the history of the family can be explored to determine who was living on the premises, what they were using, when they were using it, and how they were obtaining it.

After the tumultuous years of the second half of the 17th century, filled as they were with political upheaval, Indian wars, and culminating in the witchcraft crises of 1692, the new century must have seemed to local residents like entering a calm port.Although religion remained an important aspect of colonial life, the power of the church in civic life was on the wane. Beverly’s economy remained focused on maritime trades and agriculture, but new trades emerged during the period. Clockmakers, cabinet makers, silversmiths and other artisans created objects for an emerging well-to-do class. A spirit of change and possibility emerged in the 18th century, with profound consequences for our local community and America. Painting by Avis Thomas

Ongoing at the Cabot House

Stories of Beverly’s black population can be found at Historic Beverly. These are stories of citizens, black and white, battling against the unjust system of slavery; of enslaved men fighting for freedom for our nation, though not free themselves; of a woman using the law to emancipate her family; and of the racism that affected the lives of Beverly’s black population, long after they were freed from bondage.

History grows with time and preservation needs increase as well. Please help us continue these important programs with a gift to the Fund for Beverly History. Your support will make a significant difference.

This program provides an opportunity to our generous supporters – individuals, families, organizations and businesses –to support important and necessary conservation work through tax-deductible donations.

There are a number of giving options that allow donors to fulfill their philanthropic goals while contributing to the richness of Historic Beverly’s collections and its financial stability.