Captain Elias Davis House Tour

What can a house tell us about the people who lived there? Step inside the <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/collections/capt-elias-davis-house-1804/">Capt. Elias Davis House</a> and discover how architecture, craftsmanship, and everyday objects reveal the lives of one Gloucester family and the changing history of Cape Ann. This docent-led experience invites visitors to look closely at the details that transform a historic building into a story of community, commerce, and home.

Cape Ann Museum

Artful Conversations: Sierra ‘Autumn’ Henries with her Father, Hawk Henries, 2024, by Matika Wilbur

Join Us Mid-Day for Artful Conversations&nbsp; Take a midday pause and experience one work of art in depth.&nbsp; Artful Conversations are informal, docent-led gallery experiences that invite visitors to slow down, look closely, and engage in thoughtful conversation. Each session features a work of art or object that is new to view—whether a recent acquisition or a work newly installed in the galleries.&nbsp; The program begins in the Education Room at our Downtown Campus with a brief introduction and visual context before moving into the galleries for an extended exploration of the featured work. Guided by observation, curiosity, and conversation, participants are encouraged to share ideas, consider different perspectives, and discover new connections together.&nbsp; This week for Artful Conversations&nbsp; In 2025, CAM acquired two 2023 photographs by Matika Wilbur as part of the Museum’s Native Initiatives, a project that culminated in a landmark exhibition of Wilbur’s work at the CAM Green. Wilbur’s work reshapes how Indigenous Peoples are represented across the United States, centering contemporary Native identity and celebrating the vibrancy of Indigenous culture today.&nbsp; Please join CAM docent Maggie Rosa for an engaging conversation as she reflects on what these photographs reveal—about the photographer, about the individuals portrayed, and about the evolving stories they invite us to understand more deeply.&nbsp; Born and raised in England, Maggie Rosa moved to the Chicago in 1968 to work as a research technician at the University of Chicago. During her eight years in Chicago, she married Joe and obtained her PhD. The two of them did post-doctoral research at Yale and then moved to Cambridge to join the nascent biotech world. They eventually built a weekend home in Gloucester. In 2001 they “saw the light” and moved here permanently to participate in this great community. Maggie is an active volunteer in local organizations, most recently the City Hall Restoration Commission, Gloucester Education Foundation, Cape Ann Museum, and Generous Gardeners. As a Cape Ann Museum docent, she serves as an ambassador for Gloucester by introducing visitors, especially cruise ship visitors, to Cape Ann’s history and culture. CAM’s Fresnel lighthouse lens is her favorite piece in the Museum because it exemplifies how science, technology and art were combined to address an urgent need in maritime safety.

CAM Studio Art: Design and Print the Folly Cove Way

Step into the spirit of the legendary Folly Cove Designers and learn the art of block printing with artist Mary Rhinelander in this four-week course. This class blends design fundamentals, creative play, and the rich history of Cape Ann’s iconic design collective. Referencing her unpublished book, Design and How, you’ll explore the principles of design that Virginia Lee Demetrios taught her students—selecting a theme and exploring it deeply through clarity of line, rhythm, repetition, and pattern—and you will discover how her timeless ideas can elevate your own artistic voice. Each week builds your confidence as you sketch, carve, and print your way towards an original finished artwork.&nbsp;&nbsp; Please note: This class has four sessions.&nbsp; Mary Rhinelander is a professional artist with an MFA in printmaking. Gloucester is in her DNA, starting with great-grandparents who spent summers on Eastern Point. She lives in East Gloucester, in a yellow clapboard house once known as “The Summer Art House” where painter Theresa Bernstein and her painter/printmaker husband, William Meyerowitz, spent many decades (starting in 1924). Having purchased her home directly from their estate, William’s etching press is still happily living in the sun-filled basement studio. Mary has had many solo and group shows and her work is in both public and private collections. She has painted murals, designed logos and book covers, illustrated for a variety of publications, and taught students of all ages. In 2004 she founded Mermade Press, a fine art card business. With a deep affinity for the Folly Cove Designers and Virginia Lee Demetrios in particular, it has been Mary’s great pleasure to bring block printing workshops into Cape Ann’s public schools with the support of CAM and the Gloucester Education Foundation.&nbsp;

Family Programs: Second Saturdays

Join us for the second Saturday of each month, when the Cape Ann Museum is free for all Cape Ann residents. Visitors of all ages are invited to visit the CAM Education Studio to enjoy a new hands-on art project each month, then grab a Cassie Scavenger Hunt and explore the galleries.

CAM Talk: From Clay to Bronze, The Making of the Seated Cat, by Robert Shure

CAM welcomes sculptor Robert Shure for an engaging gallery talk on the Seated Cat, his newly installed bronze in the Museum’s renovated courtyard, an enlargement of <a href="https://capeannmuseum.quartexcollections.com/resources/artists-in-the-collection-of-the-cape-ann-museuma-partial-list/katharine-lane-weems-18991989">Katherine Lane Weems</a>’ iconic work of the same name and modeled in 1941. Shure will reflect on his past work with Weems, the artistic dialogue that emerged between their two cats, and the meticulous sculptural process behind creating this magnificent piece for CAM’s campus. It is a chance to hear directly from the artist about the history, craft, and character embodied in this contemplative feline form. Upon graduating from college, owner Robert Shure became an assistant at the traditional sculpture studio of Arcangelo Cascieri and Adio di Biccari. From the early 1970s through the 1980s, Shure helped produce many of the public monuments, sculptures, memorials, and restorations completed at the Cascieri-di Biccari studio. He became involved in all the specialties of the sculpture studio, including designing monuments and portraits, creating armatures, mold-making, casting in plaster, creating and replicating architectural ornament, and conserving and restoring plaster, stone, and bronze. As Cascieri and di Biccari gradually retired, Shure continued the tradition of the sculpture studio. In 1990, Shure moved the Cascieri-di Biccari studio to Woburn, Massachusetts and renamed it Skylight Studios. It is one of the largest and most active studios of its type in the country. Robert is currently creating many significant public and private monuments and sculptures. He has accumulated over 40 years of hands-on experience in the field of sculpture. His expertise ranges from the design and creation of monumental sculpture in bronze and granite to the conservation and restoration of historical sculpture and architectural ornament. Robert works with a worldwide clientele of communities, institutions, committees, architects, and museums.

Cape Ann Museum Auditorium

Artful Conversations: John Sloan’s “Scavenger Rocks”

Join Us Mid-Day for Artful Conversations Take a midday pause and experience one work of art in depth. Artful Conversations are informal, docent-led gallery experiences that invite visitors to slow down, look closely, and engage in thoughtful conversation. Each session features a work of art or object that is new to view—whether a recent acquisition or a work newly installed in the galleries. The program begins in the Education Room at our Downtown Campus with a brief introduction and visual context before moving into the galleries for an extended exploration of the featured work. Guided by observation, curiosity, and conversation, participants are encouraged to share ideas, consider different perspectives, and discover new connections together. This week for Artful Conversations The program will offer an in‑depth look at John Sloan’s Scavenger Rocks, a recent acquisition that deepens our understanding of the artist’s long-standing ties to East Gloucester. The presentation begins with a brief overview of Sloan’s stays at the Red Cottage from 1914 to 1918, a formative period that shaped many of his most compelling Cape Ann paintings. From there, the talk turns to the granite outcropping near Niles Beach, drawing on contemporary photographic documentation to illuminate the site’s distinctive forms and its role in Sloan’s artistic process, offering a vivid, tangible link between the artwork and the landscape that inspired it. Dan Duffy and his wife Helene have been Innkeepers at the Beech Tree B&amp;B in Rockport for 16 years. In this capacity, he takes pride in serving as an ambassador of goodwill for travelers from around the world. He is passionate about showcasing our region’s rich history, geographical uniqueness, and artistic treasurers. As a Cape Ann Museum docent, Dan uses his experience connecting with visitors while deepening his own knowledge of the Museum and of the region’s vibrant social and cultural history.

Artful Conversations: “Baptism,” by Anne Rearick

Join Us Mid-Day for Artful Conversations Take a midday pause and experience one work of art in depth. Artful Conversations are informal, docent-led gallery experiences that invite visitors to slow down, look closely, and engage in thoughtful conversation. Each session features a work of art or object that is new to view—whether a recent acquisition or a work newly installed in the galleries. The program begins in the Education Room at our Downtown Campus with a brief introduction and visual context before moving into the galleries for an extended exploration of the featured work. Guided by observation, curiosity, and conversation, participants are encouraged to share ideas, consider different perspectives, and discover new connections together. This week for Artful Conversations This presentation explores Baptism by photographer Anne Rearick, whose work is featured in a special museum exhibition. Rooted in the tradition of documentary photography, Rearick distinguishes herself through her long-term relationships with the people and places she photographs, including the Gloucester community. Through Baptism and related works, she captures the importance of shared public spaces as places where people gather, build connections, create traditions, and foster a sense of belonging. Her photographs reveal how community life unfolds over time, preserving collective experiences and cultural memory. Although Miriam Weinstein has lived on Cape Ann for more than three decades, she loves finding new places and new stories and sharing them with visitors. She was a painting major in college and thought of herself as a visual person until she became, first, a documentary filmmaker and then a journalist. Having spent the bulk of her professional life as a writer, she now thinks she might be a word person after all. She was a staff member at North Shore Weeklies newspapers for many years. Her book, Yiddish: A Nation of Words, won the National Jewish Book award. Her book, The Surprising Power of Family Meals gave her a platform to lecture and consult on the topic internationally. Miriam likes changing gears, which fits well with CAM’s varied collection. She gives tours to adults, family groups, and kids. She enjoys moving quickly and making sure that everyone stays engaged. She loves the fact that tours can be very personalized. Each tour is different, depending on the interests of the docent and the guests, as well as the changing exhibits. Much like Cape Ann, Museum visits are creative, personable, idiosyncratic, and rich in beauty and history.

Artful Conversations: Conversations between Regionalism and Modernism

Join Us Mid-Day for Artful Conversations Take a midday pause and experience one work of art in depth. Artful Conversations are informal, docent-led gallery experiences that invite visitors to slow down, look closely, and engage in thoughtful conversation. Each session features a work of art or object that is new to view—whether a recent acquisition or a work newly installed in the galleries. The program begins in the Education Room at our Downtown Campus with a brief introduction and visual context before moving into the galleries for an extended exploration of the featured work. Guided by observation, curiosity, and conversation, participants are encouraged to share ideas, consider different perspectives, and discover new connections together. This week for Artful Conversations Join us in exploring the dynamic crossroads of American Modernism and American Regionalism—two movements that shaped the artistic identity of Cape Ann. Using a sketch made by Stuart Davis, Sketch–Church Tower (1916) and Gifford Beal’s Sword Fisherman (1930) as vivid touchpoints, we’ll dive into how artists responded to sweeping cultural change after World War I, when Modernists embraced bold experimentation and broke from traditional representation. We’ll also trace the rise of Regionalism during the Great Depression, when many painters turned toward detailed, narrative scenes of rural life and local character. This conversation will illuminate the tension between these movements, their relevance to Cape Ann’s artistic legacy, and the enduring impact they continue to have on how we see and interpret American art. Along with being a docent at the Cape Ann Museum, Tobi Klein is a mixed media artist living and working in Rockport, MA. Upon receiving an MFA, Tobi taught painting and drawing at Rochester Institute of Technology. After moving to Boston, she managed a gallery for contemporary crafts while, at the same time, running a successful small business. Tobi also worked with elementary school teachers in Arlington, MA, implementing curriculum-based art projects at her daughter’s school. She volunteered in classrooms on a regular basis, putting an emphasis on group dynamic skills. Life events and a move to Cape Ann motivated her to rediscover her artistic, creative self. She is revisiting her love of building layers through experimentation with varied materials and techniques. As she learned about the art, history, and culture of Cape Ann, Tobi wanted to be part of this inspiring and unique region and its Museum. This led her to the Cape Ann Museum docent program – where learning never ends!

Middle Street Walking Tour

A street with a remarkable history! Join a Cape Ann Museum docent for a fascinating stroll along historic Middle Street in downtown Gloucester. Discover the people, places, and events that shaped this iconic neighborhood. Tours begin in the Cape Ann Museum lobby, last approximately 45 minutes, and are offered twice during the day at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The Museum is free and open to the public all day, making it the perfect destination for holiday fun. Create festive ornaments, explore inspiring exhibitions, tour historic Middle Street, and celebrate the season with family and friends. Be sure to visit the Museum Store, stocked with a distinctive selection of holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Cape Ann Museum members receive 10% to 20% off purchases, so it’s a great time to join or renew your membership. The Cape Ann Museum is proud to partner with the Middle Street Walk, inviting visitors to enjoy a full day of festive activities, history, shopping, and holiday cheer in the heart of downtown Gloucester.

CAM Talk: Cape Ann Museum – Then, Now, and Tomorrow

Join the Bayliss Society at the Cape Ann Museum on September 13 for the closing program of this year’s Jonathan Bayliss Society annual conference, “Gloucester’s Acropolis: Defining the City Then and Now.” This final session features a series of short talks exploring the role and influence of Cape Ann Museum in the community life of Gloucester throughout its existence, with a glimpse toward an exciting future as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; Speakers are CAM’s Director Oliver Barker, Chief Curator Martha Oaks, and former Museum volunteer Deanie Hancock French. Deanie’s father, the major American sculptor Walker Hancock, was involved for many years in the development of what was then called the Cape Ann Historical Association. About the Conference Novelist Jonathan Bayliss (1926–2009) coined the term Acropolis to describe the cluster of civic institutions rising above Gloucester Harbor—City Hall, Sawyer Free Library, the Museum, and neighboring landmarks. This year’s conference brings that idea to life through talks, walks, and readings from September 11–13, exploring how this hillside cultural district has shaped Gloucester from the 19th century to today. The conference is organized by the Jonathan Bayliss Society in collaboration with Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester Writers Center, and Sawyer Free Library, with support from the Gloucester Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, and the Bruce Cove Foundation. More information is available at <a href="https://www.jonathanbayliss.org/acropolis">www.jonathanbayliss.org/acropolis</a>.

Pastel Workshop: The Nature of Color with Kimberly Jermain

Discover the power of color in the natural world during this two-hour outdoor workshop led by artist and author Kimberly Collins Jermain. Set on the CAM Green, this hands-on session introduces participants to working with pastel through an exercise from Jermain’s newly published book The Nature of Color, which presents her innovative, nature-based approach to understanding and using color in art. Note: Materials included. Class time is primarily outdoors; please dress appropriately for the weather.&nbsp; Kimberly Collins Jermain is a landscape painter, teacher, and architectural color designer whose work uses the power of color to change how we experience the world. Since 1989, Kimberly has collaborated with over 800 clients, including homeowners, architects, interior designers, developers, and commercial property owners on color design projects.

Carlson Education Center, CAM Green

Community Program: Documentary Screening, A Sense of Place

In celebration of beloved author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton—and in honor of the upcoming anniversary of her August 31st birthday—the Cape Ann Museum is pleased to partner with the Sawyer Free Library and 1623 Studios on a special screening of the award‑winning documentary Virginia Lee Burton: A Sense of Place, produced by Christine Lundberg. The screening will take place on August 28th at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Sawyer Free Library. Martha Oaks, CAM’s Chief Curator, will offer introductory remarks, reflecting on Burton’s enduring legacy and her deep connections to Cape Ann’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Sawyer Free Library

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

capeannmuseum

Experiences

Captain Elias Davis House Tour

Artful Conversations: Sierra ‘Autumn’ Henries with her Father, Hawk Henries, 2024, by Matika Wilbur

CAM Studio Art: Design and Print the Folly Cove Way

Family Programs: Second Saturdays

CAM Talk: From Clay to Bronze, The Making of the Seated Cat, by Robert Shure

Artful Conversations: John Sloan’s “Scavenger Rocks”

Artful Conversations: John Sloan’s “Scavenger Rocks”

Artful Conversations: “Baptism,” by Anne Rearick

Artful Conversations: “Baptism,” by Anne Rearick

Artful Conversations: Conversations between Regionalism and Modernism

Middle Street Walking Tour

Artful Conversations: Conversations between Regionalism and Modernism

CAM Talk: Cape Ann Museum – Then, Now, and Tomorrow

Pastel Workshop: The Nature of Color with Kimberly Jermain

Community Program: Documentary Screening, A Sense of Place