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
Visit the Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Fun for the whole family, right in the heart of Essex!
Explore a historic working shipyard with indoor and outdoor museum exhibits, hands-on interactives, scenic river views, and a one of a kind gift shop filled with maritime treasures.
This is the birthplace of the American Fishing Schooner: where you can discover the stories, tools, and traditions that shaped the oldest workboats in America, the golden age of sail, and today’s coastal culture.
Closed for the 2025 Season
Our indoor exhibits and gift shop are currently closed, but we offer year-round programs and events for all ages.
During the off-season, the museum is not open for public tours, but the site remains active with education programs, volunteer groups, and special events.
➡️ Visit our Happening page for details on fall & winter events, speaker series, classes, and hands-on workshops.
While public tours are seasonal, we offer workshops, talks, and group experiences year-round — see our calendar
2026 General Admission Rates
Members: Complimentary Admission
Individual: $15
Student >5, Senior, Veteran: $10
Kids < 5yrs: Free
CARD to culture: Free
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.
2025 Museum Hours:
General admissions will resume may 2026
Education, preservation and stewardship staff are working as well as administration. Please call or email!
Parking on site for museum visitors!
Address & Phone
(978) 768-7541
Email: office@essexshipbuilding.org
Address: 66 Main St, Essex, MA 01929
