An independent nonprofit 501c3 history center.
Funded by the generosity of people like you.
Andover joins towns around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through programs that highlight the diverse stories of Andover, Essex County, and Massachusetts.
Scroll down for more Revolutionary Andover stories.
Andover joins towns around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through programs that highlight the diverse stories of Andover, Essex County, and Massachusetts.
Scroll down for more Revolutionary Andover stories.
Old Taverns in 18th Century Andover:Headquarters for sleeping, politicking and entertainmentA talk by Joann MichalikFriday, December 6 ~ 6:00-7:00pm
Old Taverns in 18th Century Andover:
Headquarters for sleeping, politicking and entertainment
A talk by Joann Michalik
Friday, December 6 ~ 6:00-7:00pm
If you missed our 18th century tavern night in April, here's your chance to experience it . . . with a holiday twist.
The introduction of stage coaches along major roadways leads to taverns as inns, houses of entertainment and political headquarters.
Learn about the role of rum in the American Revolution and hear about a certain Mr. Washington who comes to Andover.
See beakers, mugs and bowls from the era. Try a taste of a special 18th century Christmas drink!
REBELS at SEA: PRIVATEERING in the AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Lecture and book signing by Eric Jay Dolin
Thursday, March 27, 2025 ~ 6:30pm
The History Center at 6 Locke Street, Andover
The best-selling author of Black Flags, Blue Waters reclaims the daring freelance sailors who proved essential to the winning of the Revolutionary War.
The heroic story of the founding of the U.S. Navy during the Revolution has been told before, yet missing from most maritime histories of America’s first war is the ragtag fleet of private vessels, from 20-foot whaleboats to 40-cannon men-of-war, that truly revealed the new nation’s character―above all, its ambition and entrepreneurial ethos.
In Rebels at Sea, Dolin corrects that significant omission, and contends that privateers, though often seen as profiteers at best and pirates at worst, were in fact critical to the Revolution’s outcome.
Armed with cannons, swivel guns, muskets, and pikes―as well as government documents granting them the right to seize enemy ships―thousands of privateers tormented the British on the broad Atlantic and in bays and harbors on both sides of the ocean.
Abounding with tales of daring maneuvers and deadly encounters, Rebels at Sea presents the American Revolution as we have rarely seen it before.
The 19th century brought dramatic shifts to tavern life. In Andover, new technologies, evolving transportation routes, and changing societal views on alcohol all played pivotal roles in reshaping the local tavern scene.
As once-thriving hubs of social interaction, many taverns were either forced to close their doors or transform into social clubs or dormitories.
Join us for a fascinating journey into how stagecoaches, the rise of the railroad, the temperance movement, and even the abolitionist cause forever altered the role and relevance of taverns in Andover.
Taverns in 19th Century Andover: Can They Survive Change?A talk by Joann Michalik, local historian and researcherFriday, Febuary 28, 2025 ~ 6:00pm
Taverns in 19th Century Andover: Can They Survive Change?
A talk by Joann Michalik, local historian and researcher
Friday, Febuary 28, 2025 ~ 6:00pm
Suing Their Enslavers:
18th century Freedom-Seekers in Andover
Sunday, November 24 ~ 1:30-3:00pm
Sunday, November 24 ~ 1:30-3:00pm
Not all Native Americans in Massachusetts were invited to celebrate the harvest with English colonists. Some were enslaved by the colonists. In Andover in the 17th and 18th centuries, wealthy white families commonly enslaved one or more Africans or Native Americans.
In this first of a new series of talks, historian Chris Boehmer will share the inspiring stories of siblings Peter Almonach Bridges and Kate Phelps, born in Andover to an enslaved African and Native American couple. In the 1760s Peter and Kate took their enslaver, Moody Bridges, to court and won their freedom.
The lecture is an in-person presentation. However, all registrants will receive an email the day before the event with a ZOOM option for participation. With this type of ZOOM presentation you will be able to ask questions or make comments in the chat room only. Your questions will be answered live on the ZOOM video after the lecturer has finished the presentation.
The lecture is an in-person presentation. However, all registrants will receive an email the day before the event with a ZOOM option for participation. With this type of ZOOM presentation you will be able to ask questions or make comments in the chat room only. Your questions will be answered live on the ZOOM video after the lecturer has finished the presentation.
We've got merch!
Show your support for the Car Show and the History Center
Order your 2024 New England Summer Classic Car Show t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie today!
We've got merch!
Show your support for the Car Show and the History Center
Order your 2024 New England Summer Classic Car Show t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie today!
A limited number of t-shirts, in a single color, will be available for purchase at the car show as supplies last. You can order your t-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie before or after the show.
A limited number of t-shirts, in a single color, will be available for purchase at the car show as supplies last. You can order your t-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie before or after the show.
Choose your style and color
Choose your style and color
Revolution 250 - Past Programs
Revolution 250 - Past Programs
Roads to Revolution Guided Bus TourA collaboration with North Andover Historical Society
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Roads to Revolution Guided Bus Tour
A collaboration with North Andover Historical Society
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Embark on an adventure through our shared heritage as we bring our two towns, once united during the American Revolution, back together for a day of family-friendly learning and fun.
- Learn about historical sites in “old” North Andover that stood in 1775 and helped to shape our nation’s journey to independence, including the Paul Revere bell and Steeple Tour at North Parish Church, the First and Second Burial Grounds and mustering grounds at Kittredge Farm and Becky’s Pond. In "old" Andover, you'll visit the site of the 1776 Gunpowder Mill and take the path taken by the Minute Men on “the road to Billerica” on April 19th, 1775.
- Experienced guides will share captivating stories and insights of our local connections to the revolution. As the bus passes more than 24 homes, you'll hear the engaging stories and anecdotes about the people who lived in them in the 1775 era, many who were involved in the American Revolution.
- The bus will stop twice for passengers to get off, one in each town:
- At the Timothy Johnson House in North Andover, take a short tour of the historic kitchen and dining room and enjoy a glass of lemonade.
- At the Blanchard Upton House in Andover, take a short garden tour and enjoy a glass of cider.
Embark on an adventure through our shared heritage as we bring our two towns, once united during the American Revolution, back together for a day of family-friendly learning and fun.
- Learn about historical sites in “old” North Andover that stood in 1775 and helped to shape our nation’s journey to independence, including the Paul Revere bell and Steeple Tour at North Parish Church, the First and Second Burial Grounds and mustering grounds at Kittredge Farm and Becky’s Pond. In "old" Andover, you'll visit the site of the 1776 Gunpowder Mill and take the path taken by the Minute Men on “the road to Billerica” on April 19th, 1775.
- Experienced guides will share captivating stories and insights of our local connections to the revolution. As the bus passes more than 24 homes, you'll hear the engaging stories and anecdotes about the people who lived in them in the 1775 era, many who were involved in the American Revolution.
- The bus will stop twice for passengers to get off, one in each town:
- At the Timothy Johnson House in North Andover, take a short tour of the historic kitchen and dining room and enjoy a glass of lemonade.
- At the Blanchard Upton House in Andover, take a short garden tour and enjoy a glass of cider.
Preserving the pastEducating for the future
Connecting with our community
Preserving the past
Educating for the future
Connecting with our community
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
