Set at Liberty: Stories of the Enslaved People in a New England Town

Remarkably, some of the stories of Beverly’s black population have been preserved and can be found at Historic Beverly in this exhibit. 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. Free entry to this and all exhibits at historic Cabot House. This exhibit is generously funded by the Cummings Foundation. Image: Painting of Juno Larcom by Gayle Kabaker

Cabot House

The American Revolution: A Story of the War in 28 Paintings

1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing it. Historic Beverly proudly presents The American Revolution: A Story of the War in 28 Paintings, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of artworks commissioned to illustrate Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Sr.’s landmark book. These paintings are featured in Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary The American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display at the Cabot House from September 6, 2025, to July 4, 2026. Admission is free. Cabot House is open:<ul><li>Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9:30-4:00</li><li>Thursdays, 12:00-8:00</li></ul>

Witches and Bitches: the Badass Women of Beverly Walking Tour

When you think of a witch, what kind of person do you imagine? Do you picture a wrinkled old woman with a wart on her crooked nose stirring a cauldron bubbling and boiling with trouble? This may be the image of a witch that Hollywood has conjured up, but throughout most of history, it’s predominantly been women at the fringes of society cast as witches. Join us for this walking tour as we explore the stories of some Beverly women, and hopefully shed some modern day light on them. $10 Tickets available at the attached link Starting location will be emailed to you prior to the tour. This event repeats on October 1 and 11. Please see our website to purchase tickets for the other times.

Starting location will be emailed to you prior to the tour.

The Hannah and the Nautilus: First Naval Engagement of the Revolutionary War

Join us to uncover the real history of the first naval engagement of the American Revolution, fought in Beverly. FREE, no registration is necessary

Witches and Wards: Magic and Counter Magic in 17th Century England and New England

Beliefs and fears surrounding witches and the Devil were rampant in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Laws against witchcraft were in place as early as 1542 in England. The resulting witch trials were published in witchcraft pamphlets written for the public to consume. While the church advised the people to trust in the power of God, many people took defense against witches into their own hands. Specific items concealed in walls or specific markings carved into fireplaces were believed to keep the Devil and his agents away. When the British came to colonize America, these practices came with them and can be found in many local historic homes even today. $10 In person $5 For virtual link Tickets available at the attached link

Bewitched at Balch: Chilling Tales & History at Historic Balch House

Important: This event repeats at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, and 9:00. Please visit our website to purchase tickets for the EXACT TIME that you'd like to attend Step into one of Beverly’s oldest homes for an evening of eerie tales and mysterious history. The 17th-century Balch House sets the stage for stories of witches, counter-magic, and the supernatural beliefs that shaped early New England. From whispered charms to ward off evil to the dark shadow of witchcraft trials, discover how our ancestors lived in a world filled with both fear and faith. This immersive program combines local lore, true accounts from the era, and the unique atmosphere of the Balch House to transport you back to a time when the line between the natural and the supernatural was thin. Perfect for history lovers, the curious, and those who enjoy a good spine-tingling tale. $15 Tickets available at the provided link This event repeats at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, and 9:00. Please visit our website to purchase tickets for the EXACT TIME that you'd like to attend

Balch House

Trombones for Revolution: A Revolutionary Live Performance

Join us for a free concert with Trombones 4 Revolution, presented in celebration of the exhibition "The American Revolution: A Story of the War in 28 Paintings". Surrounded by Beverly’s rich Revolutionary history, this dynamic ensemble will perform a program of patriotism and pride, featuring music from the period as it was heard across Europe and on American battlefields. FREE but RSVP required at the attached link.

“A Modest Enquiry”: When a Community Leader Reconsiders Witchcraft

What happens when a community leader changes his mind in public? Reverend John Hale’s "A Modest Enquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft" (1702) offers a rare, candid window into that transformation. Serving as a minister during the Salem witchcraft crisis, Hale later wrote a measured treatise that scrutinized evidentiary standards, pastoral duty, and the dangers of moral panic. This lecture places "A Modest Enquiry" in its full context while guiding attendees through key chapters and lesser-known passages. We’ll consider how Hale framed temptation, possession, and providence; how he weighed neighborly testimony; and how his text helped shift New England memory from certainty to conscience. Along the way, we’ll explore Beverly connections, surviving editions, and how the book has been interpreted by scholars and the public. $10 In-person ticket $5 Virtual link Tickets available at the attached link

Unseen Hands: An Examination and Experience of 19th-Century Healers and Mediums

Join us for an interactive exploration of the history of the sometimes fraudulent practices of 19th-century healers and mediums.&nbsp; We will follow the life of Magnetic Healer Charles S. Dennis, a Beverly native who claimed to have healed countless ailments with his supernatural abilities.&nbsp; Following the presentation, attendees will participate in a mock séance using techniques (employed by 19th-century mediums to gain insight beyond the veil) and decide for themselves if we are truly communing with the spirit world. Be ready for a night of spooky surprises! After the demonstration, attendees will have the opportunity to partake in “spirit photography”. These photographs will be available as keepsakes. $10 In-person ticket $5 Virtual link Tickets available at the attached link

Spooky Tales at Historic Hale Farm

Important: This event repeats at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, and 9:00. Please visit our website to purchase tickets for the EXACT TIME that you'd like to attend Join us for a candle-lit evening as we tour the Hale House and hear some spooky stories from Beverly’s past. $15 Tours are at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, and 9:00 PM. Visit our website to purchase tickets for the EXACT TIME that you'd like to attend. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Hale Farm

Ancient Burial Ground: Abbott Street Cemetery Walking Tour

Beverly’s oldest burial ground is rich with history. This candlelit walking tour will discuss how the cemetery got its start, the evolution in its landscape, and highlight some of the notable burials found within its grounds such as Reverend John Hale. $10 Tickets available at the attached link This event repeats at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Please see our website to purchase tickets for the other times.&nbsp;

Abbott Street Cemetery

Beverly’s oldest burial ground is rich with history. This candlelit walking tour will discuss how the cemetery got its start, the evolution in its landscape, and highlight some of the notable burials found within its grounds such as Reverend John Hale. $10 Tickets available at the attached link This event repeats at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Please see our website to purchase tickets for the other times.

Spooky Tales and Ancient Burial Ground Tour: A Double Feature

Join us for a candlelit tour of Reverend John Hale’s historic house while hearing spooky stories from Beverly’s past. We will then take a short break for donuts and cider before we head over to the Abbott St. Cemetery to tour the Ancient Burial Ground by candlelight. $25 Tickets available at the attached link This event repeats on October 30 and 31. Please see our website to purchase tickets for the other date(s).&nbsp;

Join us for a candlelit tour of Reverend John Hale’s historic house while hearing spooky stories from Beverly’s past. We will then take a short break for donuts and cider before we head over to the Abbott St. Cemetery to tour the Ancient Burial Ground by candlelight. Costumes encouraged! $25 Tickets available at the attached link This event repeats on October 30 and 31. Please see our website to purchase tickets for the other date(s)

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 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

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.

Where

historicbeverly

Experiences

Set at Liberty: Stories of the Enslaved People in a New England Town

The American Revolution: A Story of the War in 28 Paintings

Witches and Bitches: the Badass Women of Beverly Walking Tour

The Hannah and the Nautilus: First Naval Engagement of the Revolutionary War

Witches and Wards: Magic and Counter Magic in 17th Century England and New England

Bewitched at Balch: Chilling Tales & History at Historic Balch House

Witches and Bitches: the Badass Women of Beverly Walking Tour

Trombones for Revolution: A Revolutionary Live Performance

“A Modest Enquiry”: When a Community Leader Reconsiders Witchcraft

Unseen Hands: An Examination and Experience of 19th-Century Healers and Mediums

Spooky Tales at Historic Hale Farm

Ancient Burial Ground: Abbott Street Cemetery Walking Tour

Ancient Burial Ground: Abbott Street Cemetery Walking Tour

Spooky Tales and Ancient Burial Ground Tour: A Double Feature

Spooky Tales and Ancient Burial Ground Tour: A Double Feature