Essex Heritage’s Trails and Sails Kicks Off With 200+ Free Events

The 24th annual Trails & Sails event, organized by Essex Heritage, will run through Sunday, Sept. 28, across Essex County. This event offers more than 200 free activities in various communities, including historical tours, cultural events, and outdoor adventures.

Activities include reenactments, nature walks, schooner sails, storytelling, and visits to historic sites. Some events require registration, and others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A key focus of the event is exploring "Our Coast and Waterways," which emphasizes the region's water resources and their significance to the area's economy and environment.

Here's a look at some highlights for Trails & Sails:

Northshore Swing will offer its popular beginner East Coast Swing dance classes at Veasey Memorial Park, 201 Washington St. in Groveland, on two Wednesdays, Sept. 17, and Sept. 24, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Activities in Haverhill and nearby areas include museum visits, cemetery ghost tours, and cultural presentations on African American history and Italian architecture.

The Museum of Printing in Haverhill is offering self-guided tours on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. The museum is located at 15 Thornton Ave. The Whittier Birthplace will host an Open House Weekend Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19-21. Self-guided tours of the circa 1688 homestead will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Haverhill historian Thomas Spitalere will offer two Civil War walks through Hilldale Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. These hour-and 15-minute tours will focus on the stories of some of the more than 300 Civil War soldiers buried in the cemetery at 331 Hilldale Ave. in Haverhill.

Woofstock, a festival for dogs and their owners, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chris' Farmstand, 436 Salem St. in Haverhill. The event will feature crafters, food vendors, dog-friendly activities, games, and an apple-baking contest.

In North Andover, events include a historical society tour of the North Andover Historical Society's 1789 Johnson Cottage, a Revolutionary War walking tour, and a Civil War cemetery walk.

Participants are encouraged to visit TrailsandSails.org for more information and a comprehensive guidebook of all activities.