The Sewall-Scripture House
The Sewall-Scripture House at 40 King Street was built in 1832 by Levi Sewall with granite from his own quarry. It was lived in by his descendants until purchased by the Historical Society in 1957. A 1996 addition expanded exhibition space and a new library provides access to extensive holdings of local history and genealogical information.
Read more about the Sewall-Scripture House
The Old Castle
The Old Castle, a first-period Salt Box house built circa 1711 by Jethro Wheeler, is also owned by the Historical Society. It contains Dogtown exhibits, quarry tools and North Village history. The Old Caste is located on Castle Lane in Pigeon Cove center and is open July-August 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays and occasionally by appointment.
Read more about The Old Castle
Research Library & Genealogy
The research library is open to the public every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon, except for major holidays. Library collections include extensive holdings of local history and genealogical information. Archival collections include: early family Bibles; records of Sandy Bay social, religious and business organizations; letters, journals, commonplace books, deeds, financial records and other personal papers of Sandy Bay residents; glass plate negatives and photographic prints documenting Rockport history from the mid-1800s to the present; and numerous pieces of artwork on paper.
Of significant research value are documents pertaining to the local fishing, shipbuilding and granite industries, Civil War letters and diaries, and records that document the history of the town, such as the Ebenezer Pool papers.
Collections & Exhibits
The Historical Society offers special exhibitions in addtion to our permanent collections. Among the many collections are:
- A collection of historic dolls.
- A collection of beautifully illustrated watercolor family trees depicting genealogical information.
- Artifacts from Hannah Jumper’s historic temperance raid of 1856.
- Two of William Manning’s handmade parlor organs.
- An amazing triptych of Rockport Harbor painted by Harrison Cady.
Events
Throughout the year, the Historical Society offers lectures and other events, including our annual Chowdah Supper.
For a full schedule of current events, see our events calendar.