Genealogy Myths & Legends with Michael Brophy

~ Sawyer Free Library

Rockport Public Library, Sawyer Free Library and the Gloucester Genealogy Group present: Michael Brophy, World Renowned Genealogist on Saturday, September 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. This event will take place at the Rockport Library located at 17 School Street in Rockport. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

This lecture explains and debunks some of the popular fiction about Genealogy and Family History. Subjects covered include: You can do your whole family history on the internet; The Courthouse burned down and destroyed all the records; I am descended from an Indian; Our name was changed at Ellis Island; Plymouth Plantation myth and reality; All records that you find are accurate and reliable; If my grammie said it was true, it must be true ! You can do your whole family history by using the records of the LDS church. Well researched proof will be presented to explain these myths.

Michael Brophy is a nationally known, professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer from the Boston area. His currently the President of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) and the first Treasurer of the New England of Association of Professional Genealogists. Mike earned an MBA degree from Suffolk University and a BBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Mike was featured on the TV series Who Do You Think You Are? and the Irish TV series Dead Money, a genealogy show about heir searchers. Mr. Brophy was hired to conduct research for Ancestry.com and several historical authors.

He has lectured on a wide variety of genealogy subjects at the National Genealogy Society’s Annual Conference in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2014, 2012, and The Institute of Genealogy and Historic Research (IGHR). He specializes in New England and Irish genealogy subjects. His genealogy education includes eight certificates from the Institute of Genealogy and Historic Research (IGHR) and certificates in Private Investigation and Advanced Forensic Genealogy from Boston University. He is also a licensed private investigator in Massachusetts.

For additional information or questions, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Gloucester 400 Storytellers: Leonard Craske with James Clark

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, September 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an engaging presentation describing recent discoveries and old mysteries surrounding the life and art of Leonard Craske, the sculptor of Gloucester’s iconic Fishermen’s Memorial, Man at the Wheel. James Clark, of Gloucester, will share insights from his research which began in the small town of Annascaul, Ireland. Clark soon developed his research to become the first biography of Craske’s life. It was presented as a signature story of the Gloucester400+ Commemorative Book, Our People, Our Stories.

Mr. Clark and Terry Weber Mangos, Gloucester 400+ Stories Project Leader, have identified many long-forgotten works by Leonard Craske. Please join us at 21 Main Street to learn more about this remarkably creative life and remember an adopted son of Gloucester! 

Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited. For questions, call 978-325-5500.

This event is the result of a partnership between the Gloucester400+ Stories Project and the Sawyer Free Library.

SFL Gloucester Genealogy Group: Phillips Library of the Peabody Essex Museum

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Phillips Library of the Peabody Essex Museum has a wide variety of materials available for genealogists’ use. The library’s holdings relevant to genealogical research are largely based in Essex County, Massachusetts and are strongest in the 19th-century. Reference Assistant, Sarah Tripp, will give a presentation about the Phillips Library, its genealogical resources, and how the public can access them at the Sawyer Free Library on Saturday, September 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. For more information or questions, please contact: jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.

This Thursday: An Evening of Art, Music, and Community for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library this Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the North Shore Arts Association (11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester) for an evening filled with creativity and connection—all in support of the Sawyer Free Library 2025 Capital Campaign.

Take a Sneak Peek HERE at some of the stunning artwork up for grabs in our silent and live auctions from artists such as Jeff Weaver, John Terelak, Robert Gruppé, Coco Berkman, Charles Movalli, Jon Sarkin, and many more. Every bid brings us closer to restoring, expanding, and modernizing Gloucester’s beloved historic library.

The excitement begins at 7:15 p.m. when Walt Kolenda from Cape Ann Auction kicks off the live auction. Be sure to place your bids early—our silent auction closes promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy light refreshments, snacks, and live music while mingling with fellow art lovers and community members.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art world, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction promises to be a thrilling event. It’s a chance to enjoy a fun evening, connect with friends, and take home an original piece of art, all while supporting the future of the Sawyer Free Library. We hope to see everyone there for this exciting and meaningful and free community event!

Register HERE to let us know you are coming to the auction or for more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500

Peter Krasinski Returns for One-Night-Only Performance of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Internationally acclaimed pianist Peter Krasinski returns to Hammond Castle Museum for a command performance to breathe new life into the 1922 silent film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, often called ‘the film that would change cinema history forever.’

Set in the medieval grandeur of our Great Hall, designed with near-perfect acoustics, this screening offers a unique blend of film and live music. As Count Orlok stalks across the screen, Krasinski’s masterful accompaniment on Hammond’s original 1920s Chickering & Sons grand piano will immerse you in an unforgettable symphony of sight and sound, creating a truly haunting experience this October.

Monday, October 14
The performance begins at 7:30 pm.
Admission: $40  
Hammond Castle Museum Member discounts apply!

Tickets are selling fast and the event is expected to sell out, reserve your seats now so you don’t miss out!

Reserve your seats here!

All proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the Museum.

Learn about the two NEW exhibits that opened this month and some more of our upcoming events here!

Hobby to Side Hustle: Empowering the Creative Arts Entrepreneur

~ Sawyer Free Library

Are you curious about shifting your creative hobby to an income-generating venture? Could you use marketing support but you’re not sure where to start? Planning tools and resources will be provided to help you clarify your needs and goals as you begin to brand your own creative arts business.

Join the Sawyer Free Library on Tuesday, September 17 at 5:00 to 6:00 pm for the first of a three-part series entitled “Branding Your Own Creative Arts Business: A Three-Part Marketing and Communications Series.” The workshop will be led by Leah Hancock, owner and founder of Placid Marketing with over 15 years of experience in integrated and online marketing communications.

The program will be held on the Main Floor of the Library located at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.

For more information or question, please contact Meg O’Neill at moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5562.

Get Your Main Street Meet-Up Passport and Join the Fun!

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Friday, September 20 | 11 AM – 7 PM
Shopping: 11 AM – 6 PM
Networking: 5:30 – 7 PM

Join us for the second annual Main Street Meet-Up: A Gloucester Business Tour sponsored by the Businesswomen’s Committee of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. All are invited to join in!

Put on your power-walking shoes and prepare to explore some of Gloucester’s finest retail businesses, right here on Main (and adjacent) Streets! You can pick up your Passport and Raffle Tickets at Shore Nutrition or the Chamber of Commerce office. Plan to visit the participating businesses on your Passport to get stamped and enter raffle drawings at each location. When you are finished, please join us as early as 5 PM at The Cut for networking until 7 PM. *Don’t forget to turn in your Passports for additional Grand Prize Drawings to be held at 6:15 PM. (You do not have to be present to win!)

Register and purchase your Passport & Raffle Tickets today for just $15/$25 (You may also purchase at Shore Nutrition or at the Chamber office.)

Shops will be open from 11 AM to 6 PM for all Passport holders, with on-street networking, owners waiting to meet YOU, and a chance to win a raffle prize in every store!  All proceeds benefit the Businesswomen’s Opportunity Fund in honor of Carolyn M. O’Connor

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Author Talk with Amanda Greaves: The Chameleon Diaries

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Thursday, September 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm the Sawyer Free Library is pleased to welcome local author Amanda Greaves, who will be discussing her book The Chameleon Diaries: Designing a Life Worth Changing For, an inspiring memoir and guide to self-discovery, challenging self-doubt and limiting beliefs.  No registration needed. The event will be located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.

About the Author: Amanda Greaves is a dynamic and entertaining speaker, author, interior designer, and coach.

Amanda’s mission is to guide women and men past their own limiting beliefs and feelings of unworthiness, feeling stuck, and perceptions of not being enough through inspirational keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and personalized coaching. Her own life’s journey and experiences are the basis of her research and she utilizes the lessons learned as fuel for her positive forward momentum and intentional focus on communication strategies, empowerment, and discovering one’s superpower.

With over 20 years in the construction industry, Amanda owned and operated an award-winning design firm for over 13 years, and recently shifted her focus, embraced the power of change in which she speaks about, and is now mastering the art and science of deeper connections and more meaningful relationships through consulting and motivational speaking.

Amanda’s leadership and educational style capture the heart and souls of her clients and friends both near and far and have you taking action on your intentional journey with clarity and passion.

No registration required. For questions? Contact: lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Gloucester Reads: Children’s Storytime

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library on Monday morning, September 8 at 10:45am for a fun and interactive storytime celebrating this year’s Gloucester Reads 2024 children’s book selection, Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, with pictures by Isabel Roxas. Following reading the book together, there will be a fun craft to work on!

From Penguin Random House:

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it’s hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. No registration needed. For questions, visit: SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Gloucester Reads is a collaboration between the Gloucester Racial Justice Team, the Sawyer Free Library, and Gloucester Health Department.