Community Information
History of Newburyport
Newburyport was settled in 1635 as part of Newbury Plantation, now Newbury, MA. In 1764, part of the town of Newbury was approved to become Newburyport. Becoming the smallest town in Massachusetts at covering 647 acres with 2800 inhabitants living in 357 homes. There were three shipyards, no bridges, and several ferries, one of which at the foot of Fish Street, now State Street, carried the Portsmouth Flying Stage Coach, running between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Boston.
Annual Events
Yankee Homecoming
Yankee Homecoming is annual festival celebrating the natives coming home to Newburyport. Started in 1957 by native Newburyporter George Cashman, who was looking to stimulate the economy and lift the spirit of the citizens. Lasting one week – The first Sunday of the festival, known as “Olde Fashioned Sunday”, is celebrated at the Bartlet Mall in Newburyport. Including an art show, an appearance by the city’s oldest fire engine, the “Neptune #8“, and the participation of many local businesses it is a fun day for the whole family. There is also an antique car parade along with row boat and pony rides. Each Yankee Homecoming features a grand marshal and numerous street vendors. Eight days, over 200 events including concerts, road races, vendors, sidewalk sales, fireworks and parades.
Waterfront Concert Series
Held during Yankee Homecoming in Waterfront Park, downtown Newburyport. These free concerts are intended for all ages. Pack a picnic, grab your chair and relax by the Merrimack River and enjoy the music. If you don’t feel like bringing a cooler there will be plenty of vendors serving everything from chowder, fried clams, Indian food, fried dough, ice cream and popcorn. The concerts are presented by the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and the Waterfront Trust and are sponsored by a local insurance agency, Arthur S Page Insurance.
Newburyport Literary Festival
Held during the last weekend of April, The Newburyport Literary Festival was started in 2006 as a new effort by the city to increase interest in reading and literary arts. Many local authors are invited to sign and chat about their book, and schoolchildren create projects to show to an author that visits their school. Among the authors that regularly visit are Andre Dubus III, Tess Gerritsen, and Rhina Espaillat.
Newburyport Whale Watch
The Green Whale Watch
Sailing aboard the PRINCE OF WHALES, leave Newburyport Harbor and head out to the domain of the great whales! Humpbacks, Minkes and Finbacks are all waiting for you off the beautiful New England Coast. Last year we even saw a great Blue Whale, the largest animal on earth!
The award wining whale watch departs twice daily and our high speed, 100′ ship get you to the whales with plenty of time to enjoy their antics. While at sea our on board naturalist, from the Blue Ocean Society, will explain many of the mysteries that surround these huge but friendly animals and be available to answer any questions you might have.
Sunset Whale Watches, Birding Trips and Dinner Cruises also available.
For more information on the Newburyport Whale Watch.
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