Timeline: Cape Ann Screening — The Flying Santa Friday, December 19 | 3:00–4:00 PM Community Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave., Gloucester
The Sawyer Free Library is delighted to welcome Kory Curcuru of1623 Studios for a special screening of Timeline: Cape Ann — The Flying Santa.
More than 90 years ago, a Maine pilot began a heartfelt tradition: air-dropping Christmas packages to lighthouse keepers and their families who guided him to safety. Over time, the route expanded to Cape Ann and eventually reached Coast Guard stations and lighthouses across the country. Remarkably, the Flying Santa tradition continues to this day.
This captivating film tells the story of one man’s generosity and the enduring spirit of community that helped shape Gloucester’s identity. A Q&A with Kory Curcuru will follow the screening.
This free public event is open to all. Registration is requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Ever wonder how Gloucester’s public library came to be? The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to a special evening celebrating nearly two centuries of local history, innovation, and civic spirit. On Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, the Library will present a film screening and panel discussion of Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library in its Community Room.
Produced by Kory Curcuru of1623 Studios, Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library traces the remarkable story of Gloucester’s public library—from its 19th-century beginnings in the Gloucester Lyceum to its role today as a vibrant civic and cultural hub. The short documentary explores how a small-town vision grew into a cornerstone of learning, access, and community connection.
The film situates the Sawyer Free Library within the broader story of American public libraries—beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s 1731 subscription library, which sparked a movement for shared knowledge and free access to books. By the early 1800s, the “Lyceum movement” swept New England, bringing citizens together for lectures, debate, and education. Gloucester quickly joined in. In 1830, residents established the Gloucester Lyceum, which merged Franklin’s ideals with this new spirit of civic learning.
The Library’s evolution accelerated under the leadership and generosity of Samuel Elwell Sawyer, a Gloucester native and philanthropist who made access to books free for all. His lasting legacy includes the donation of the Saunders House, which remains part of the Library campus today, and the 1872 incorporation of the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library, with a charter promising it would remain free forever.
Timeline Cape Ann also highlights the Library’s continued resilience and innovation—surviving fires, embracing technology, and expanding services through the 20th and 21st centuries. From WPA murals and children’s programs to its newly completed, state-of-the-art renovation and expansion, the Sawyer Free Library remains a living institution shaped by generations of readers, learners, and citizens.
Following the screening, Curcuru will be joined by Sawyer Free Library Local History Librarian Julie Travers and local historian and author Wayne Soini for a panel discussion and audience Q&A exploring the Library’s enduring role in Gloucester’s civic life.
This free public event offers a fascinating look at how one man’s generosity and a community’s shared commitment helped shape the heart of Gloucester.
Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Thursday, November 20, 2025 5:00–6:30 PM Sawyer Free Library, Community Room (Ground Floor), 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA
On Monday, July 29 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, 1623 Studios will be hosting a taped facilitated dialogue among five community leaders as they discuss race equity in Gloucester inspired by the community-wide book club selection, How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith.
For those interested, there is space for a limited audience to observe the taping. Please note that the audience will only be observing the discussion; they will not have the chance to participate or to appear as a part of the taped program. Registration is required. Space is limited.
The panel, facilitated by Gloucester Racial Justice Co-Chair Michea McCaffrey and Dawn Pratson, of the Gloucester Reads team will include:
Jenny Benedict, Director, Sawyer Free Library Bob Gillis, Tri-Chair, Gloucester 400+ Karen Ristuben, President, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Ben Lummis, Superintendent of Schools Peggy Hegarty-Stack, Director, Action, Inc.
Gloucester Reads2024 is a citywide, intergenerational summer reading initiative. Running through August, this community-wide book club aims to spark conversations, inspire new ideas, and encourage introspection about race equity in our community. Co sponsored by the Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester’s Racial Justice Team and Gloucester Health Department, in collaboration with sixteen additional community partners, the summer reading initiative will explore books reflecting Black experiences in America. For more details visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Cape Ann Community 