Heritage

Maritime Gloucester is hosting their annual Heritage Day in honor of the Gloucester Schooner Festival 2025. Step aboard a schooner, learn about traditional shipbuilding and fitting out, watch America’s oldest marine railway in action, or explore the unique biology that makes our oceans so amazing. You can find it all at Maritime Heritage Day! Maritime Gloucester will be hosting a variety of local community organizations with an exciting array of demonstrations and interactive options for all ages.

Climb aboard Naumkeag, Essex Heritage’s landing craft for a trip to Bakers Island Light Station. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise from Salem past rugged coastline, harbor islands, and five lighthouses to Bakers Island. The light station is a 10-acre property that has been in use aiding in maritime navigation for almost 250 years. The site features an 1820 light tower, two keepers houses, and historic trails. During your visit you will have the chance to explore the natural landscape, learn about the history of the light station, and relax on the island setting.

Join us for the annual Salem Maritime Festival on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Salem Maritime National Historical Park on Derby Street. This event is free and open to the public. Salem Maritime Festival will feature a cardboard boat race, free tours and programs at historic buildings and the Friendship of Salem, food trucks and lawn games.

The Saint Peter's Fiesta is an annual festival in Gloucester, Massachusetts celebrating the city's fishing heritage, close-knit families, community, and religious traditions.  The five-day celebration includes a carnival, live entertainment, and unique traditional events like the infamous 'Greasy Pole' contest and classic seine boat races. The festival is proudly sponsored by the Italian-American fishing community of Gloucester, and has all kinds of family-oriented activities and events, making it a great early Summer destination weekend event.