One hundred years ago, John Hays Hammond Jr. embarked on one of the most ambitious projects of his life: building Hammond Castle Museum. But why construct a brand new medieval-inspired castle after already transforming his previous home into a castle-like residence? And why was Hammond absent during the first year of construction, entrusting oversight of the project to one of the Hammond Research Laboratory’s engineers?

Join us tomorrow evening as Collections Director Beth Welin takes us on a fascinating look back at 1926 as we explore the personal, professional, and historical events that shaped Hammond’s life during this pivotal year. Discover how the construction of his extraordinary home and laboratory unfolded, the people who helped bring his vision to life, and the remarkable story behind one of Cape Ann’s most iconic landmarks.

Museum members enjoy complimentary admission.
A $15 fee applies to the general public. Reservations encouraged.

We’re opening the diary, sharing the letters, and exploring the archives to discover what was really happening during the year it all began. There may even be a little tea (with Mussolini) spilled along the way! Reserve Your Seats Here!

GEF is starting the 2026-27 school year with a big investment in Gloucester students and educators: $293,000 in funding for seven programs across Gloucester Public Schools.

This is possible because of the tremendous generosity of the Gloucester community, which continues to step up for our schools. Every gift to GEF, from individual donations to business support to foundation grants, helps create opportunities for Gloucester students. The $293,000 awarded at the start of September will support:

• O’Maley Academy: $30,000
• Grades 4-8 Band: $30,000, with another $30,000 coming in January
• GHS Medical Assisting: $64,000
• K-8 STEM Coordinator: $100,000
• O’Maley Science Central Wilson Intern: $5,000
• GHS Engineering Lab: $50,000
• Gender Equity in STEM Club: $14,000

Together, these programs expand opportunities for Gloucester students in music, STEM, career and technical education, enrichment and more, across grades K-12.

And this is just the start!

GEF’s competitive grant program gives GPS educators the opportunity to bring forward new ideas, creative approaches and promising pilots for their students. Grants will be awarded in November, February and May this school year, and we’re making sure educators across the district know how GEF can help turn their ideas into reality with colorful new teachers’ lounge posters and detailed instructions on how to apply, delivered to every GPS staff member’s mailbox over the past two weeks.

To everyone who donates to GEF, sponsors an event, supports a campaign, or helps spread the word: thank you. Your generosity is what makes investments like this possible, and what allows GEF to keep expanding opportunities for Gloucester students year after year.

A Texas Ranger. A New England Castle. One Extraordinary Family Connection.

Why are we presenting an exhibition about a legendary Texas Ranger-turned-military commander-turned-Sheriff?
Because the story is personal.

John Coffee Hays was the great-uncle and namesake of our founder, John Hays Hammond Jr.

Join us as we celebrate the opening of our new temporary exhibition, “Brave-Too-Much”: The Legend of John Coffee Hays, an original temporary exhibition presented in partnership with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas. Through the loan of museum artwork and the sharing of fascinating stories, this unique exhibition introduces New England audiences to the legendary Texas Ranger captain.

The exhibition traces Hays’s extraordinary journey from joining the Texas Rangers at just 19 years old to becoming one of the most respected military leaders of his era. Notable Rangers who served under or alongside him include Samuel Walker, co-inventor of the Colt Walker revolver, the first practical six-shooter in the Old West, and Flacco, a Lipan Apache chief, who gave him the nickname “Bravo-Too-Much” (aka “Brave-Too-Much”) for his boldness in battle.

The exhibition explores his role in the Texas Republic, the Mexican-American War, the California Gold Rush, and the founding of early California communities, while also examining the complex history of the American frontier and the many cultures that shaped it. Join Curatorial Director John Leysath on September 16 to uncover the remarkable connection and explore “Brave-Too-Much”: The Legend of John Coffee Hays before it opens to the public.

An unexpected exhibition, maybe.
A truly fascinating member of the Hammond family, sure.
A lecture you definitely don’t want to miss? Absolutely!

Discover the story behind the legend. Reserve your place for the opening celebration. Reservations required.