2026 Museum Hours:

Exhibits OPEN

Wednesday: 11a - 5p

Thursday: 11a - 5p

Friday: 11a - 5p

Saturday: 11a - 5p

Sunday: 11a - 5p

Monday: CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Tuesday: CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Parking on site for museum visitors!

2026 General Admission Rates

Members: Complimentary Admission

Individual: $15

Student >5, Senior, Veteran: $10

Kids < 5yrs: Complimentary Admission

CARD to culture: Complimentary Admission

CARD TO CULTURE - At the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum (EHSSM), we uphold the belief that access to culture plays a vital role in public health, committing ourselves to make our cultural programming accessible to all members of our community, as we recognize that financial barriers should never impede participation. That's why we're thrilled to be part of the Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program, a collaborative effort with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, alongside hundreds of cultural organizations.

We proudly offer free general admission to EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to explore and engage with our rich maritime heritage and educational offerings.

Address & Phone

(978) 768-7541

Email: office@essexshipbuilding.org
Address: 66 Main St, Essex, MA 01929

Now Booking Group Tours for 2026 SEASON May-Oct

Group tours can be scheduled for $25 per person.

Minimum of 10 visitors.

We can tailor the tour to your group’s needs, the average tour is about 1 - 1.5 hours in length. For more information and to plan a group tour please contact us at

office@essexshipbuilding.org or fill out the form below with “TOUR” in the subject line. BOOK TODAY! TOUR SLOTS FILL UP FAST!

Call: 978-768-7541

Looking for things to do on Cape Ann or the North Shore of Massachusetts? Whether you're visiting Essex, Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Salem, Ipswich, Newburyport, or Boston, the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum is one of New England's most unique cultural attractions.

Located on the scenic Essex River, EHSSM is a family-friendly maritime museum and historic shipyard where traditional wooden boatbuilding continues today. Explore more than 350 years of continuous shipbuilding history, discover how over 4,000 wooden vessels were built in Essex, and experience the craftsmanship that shaped New England's working waterfront.

Visitors enjoy hands-on exhibits, guided tours, historic buildings, wooden boats under construction, local history, environmental education, seasonal festivals, school vacation programs, family activities, live demonstrations, and special events throughout the year.

Whether you're searching for things to do in Essex MA, things to do between Salem and Gloucester, family activities on Cape Ann, maritime museums in Massachusetts, rainy day activities on the North Shore, historic shipyards, woodworking, traditional crafts, boatbuilding, or New England history, you'll find an authentic experience unlike anywhere else.

Perfect for families, history lovers, educators, artists, boaters, school groups, tour groups, and curious travelers, the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum is a must-see destination along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway and one of the most memorable stops on the North Shore.