Family

Silent Movie Classic ‘Peter Pan’ narrated by Lindsay Crouse, organ accompaniment by Peter Krasinski, Sunday, December 21st at 3:30pm

~ chasnaz

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is proud to present the original silent movie ‘Peter Pan,’ a 1925 American fantasy-adventure film as part of its Tenth Anniversary Series. It will be narrated by acclaimed actress Lindsay Crouse and accompanied on the pipe organ by maestro Peter Krasinski. This is great entertainment for the whole family during the holidays!
Tickets are available at the door and online (strongly recommended) with more information at: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org. General admission is $30, students $10, under age 12 free.
The historic 1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, is located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). Parking is available on the green and around the historic district. The side entrance at 10 Church Street has an elevator to the main level, if needed.


For decades the silent movie ‘Peter Pan’ was thought to be lost but in the 1950’s a well preserved copy was discovered in a vault in Rochester, New York. The film is based on a play written by Sir James Barrie and was directed by Herbert Brenon in 1924 and was filmed on Santa Cruz island. The plot explores fantasy, adventure and is a playful film armed with technical ingenuity and classic source material.


The presentation will be narrated by Lindsay Crouse, American actress who made her debut in the 1972 revival of Much Ado About Nothing. She has played many roles in numerous films and received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. Lindsay is a resident of Annisquam and a well-known celebrity on Cape Ann.


The film will also be accompanied by Peter Krasinski, a master of improvised silent movie accompaniment, whose exciting performances delight kids and adults alike. Krasinski will display the diverse power of the 1893 Hutchings/Fisk organ, creating music that adds mystery, intrigue and excitement to this memorable and nostalgic film.


‘Peter Pan’ is presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.

Timeline: Cape Ann Screening – The Flying Santa

~ Sawyer Free Library

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 of 1623 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.

Middle Street Walk: Events at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Middle Street Walk
Saturday, December 13 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Sawyer Free Library · 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Celebrate the 27th annual Middle Street Walk, a beloved Gloucester holiday tradition where “the past is present!” Enjoy a festive day filled with music, art, community events, and FREE horse-drawn wagon rides along historic Middle Street. The Sawyer Free Library is excited to be part of the celebration with special programs for all ages.

Festivities at the Sawyer Free Library

10:30–11:30 AM — Holiday Music & Card Making for Kids
Drop in for cheerful music and hands-on card-making fun — perfect for children and families.

12:00–2:00 PM — Walker Creek Saxophone Quartet Performance
Enjoy a live performance from this talented saxophone quartet, filling the Library with seasonal favorites and jazzy flair.

1:00–4:00 PM — Tours of the Saunders House Historic WPA Murals
Professional conservator Lisa Mehlin will lead 15-minute guided tours of the newly restored WPA murals in the historic Saunders House. Learn about their remarkable history and the intricate conservation process. Registration required at SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

1:00–1:30 PM — Gingerbread Creation Contest Winner Announcement
Join members of the Middle Street Walk Committee — including Barbara Catalini of Cakes by Barbara — in the Children’s Room as they announce the winners of the 2025 Gingerbread Creation Contest. All gingerbread entries will be on display!

More details on Middle Street Walk festivities city-wide will be shared soon. We hope you’ll join us for this magical Gloucester tradition!

Staying Healthy Through the Winter: Herbal Program for Health and Wellness

~ Sawyer Free Library

Staying Healthy Through the Winter: Herbal Program for Health and Wellness
Tuesday, December 16 | 1:30–3:00 PM
Community Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester

Discover natural ways to support your health through the cold and flu season at the Sawyer Free Library with Rivka Schwartz of Health and Hearth, a local herbal and wellness practice.

In this informative and practical workshop, you’ll:

  • Explore simple strategies to help strengthen your immune system
  • Learn about herbs with antiviral properties
  • Discover how to make herbal teas and long-lasting herbal tinctures/extracts

The program will include samples, take-home recipes, and an information packet so you can continue your wellness journey at home.

All are welcome. Registration requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

“Wildlife Out Your Window with Brad Timm” at the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Wildlife Out Your Window with Brad Timm
Thursday, December 4 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Community Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester

Discover the extraordinary wildlife hiding in plain sight! Join the Sawyer Free Library for a lively and educational presentation with author Brad Timm, who brings the natural world to life through surprising insights and engaging stories inspired by his book Wildlife Out Your Window.

During this fun, family-friendly talk, Timm will share fascinating wildlife factoids, including:

  • Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue
  • Some foxes can climb trees
  • Certain frogs create their own natural anti-freeze

He’ll also explore simple ways we can support and protect the wildlife that lives all around us — in our yards, neighborhoods, and city green spaces. You’re guaranteed to walk away seeing the natural world with fresh eyes!

After the presentation, Brad will be available to chat with attendees, answer questions, and sign copies of Wildlife Out Your Window, which will be available for purchase.

All are welcome. Registration requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Cold Chocolate-Folk, Funk and Bluegrass Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30pm

~ chasnaz

Cold Chocolate, a Boston-based duo that calls itself  “a genre-bending Americana band,” makes its Cape Ann debut on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s 10th Anniversary series of concerts, lectures, silent movies and more. The location is the landmark 1806 Meetinghouse that is Gloucester’s oldest standing church and the home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church.

With Ethan Robbins on vocals, guitar and mandolin and Ariel Bernstein on vocals, percussion and banjo, Cold Chocolate fuses folk, funk and bluegrass and has released five albums. Simon Waxman of The Boston Review wrote that Cold Chocolate’s high energy and original music “sounds softer than the dew on the mountainside, harder than a Harley pushing back red dust, and sweeter than true love.”

With music for all ages, the band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon, David Grisman and Angelique Kidjo, and performed at festivals across the country. Tickets are available at the door and online with more information at: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org. General admission is $30, students $10, under age 12 free.

The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 50 Middle Street in Gloucester. Parking is available on the Green in front of the Meetinghouse and at other locations in the Historic District. The side entrance at 10 Church Street offers elevator access.

The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church started its history as the first Universalist church in America in 1779, a rebellious congregation that played an important role in the quest for religious freedom as enshrined in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The architecturally significant building predates lighthouses on Cape Ann and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is an independent, secular nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the historic building’s preservation and its use for and by the Cape Ann community.

Fancy Fun with Robin Preiss Glasser: Illustrator of children’s book series Fancy Nancy

~ Sawyer Free Library

Ooh la la! Get ready for a fabulously fancy afternoon at the Sawyer Free Library!

On Wednesday, October 22, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., join Robin Preiss Glasser, the bestselling illustrator of the beloved Fancy Nancy books, for a sparkling celebration of creativity, confidence, and charm.

Attendees of all ages are encouraged to dress in their fanciest outfits (costumes welcome—it’s almost Halloween!) and enjoy an afternoon full of glitter and giggles as Robin greets guests with hand-drawn butterflies, shares her inspiring journey from professional ballet dancer to celebrated illustrator, reads one of her favorite stories on the big screen, and teaches everyone the art of “banana walking.” Afterward, stick around for crafts, book signings, and plenty of fancy fun!

This free program is perfect for all ages. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org 

About the Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser
Robin Preiss Glasser wore tiaras and tutus when she danced as a soloist with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Now she happily spends her days in jeans, drawing. She has illustrated many acclaimed picture books, including the now-classic Fancy Nancy series. In 2013, she won the Children’s Choice Book Award for Best Illustrator of the Year for Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet.

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Rain or Shine!

Saturday, November 8th.

Step into the world of medieval and Renaissance culture at Hammond Castle Museum, where the castle itself provides a uniquely dramatic backdrop for a magical day steeped in history and fantasy in a stunning setting. This year, we are thrilled to host James B. Jones and Shelley Wolfe of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum as our Honorary King and Queen!

Experience the excitement of The Brotherhood of the Arrow and Sword as they return with their high-energy armored combat demonstrations, bringing the medieval battlefield vividly to life. Enjoy captivating performances from the L.I.A.R.s, who will fill the air with sea shanties, alongside a hulahoop artist, a storyteller, a wandering harpist, a bubble faery, and other enchanting entertainers.

New this season, our kids’ tent offers little princes and princesses a craft for hands-on fun. Cosplay dress-up is encouraged, but weapons of any kind are prohibited and will not be permitted on campus. With more vendors and food trucks than ever, this year’s Faire is bigger, better, and more magical than before.

Required Off-Site Parking & Free Shuttle Information:
Free parking will be available at Stage Fort Park (24 Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930), with complimentary White Beauport Shuttles, generously sponsored by Townsend Energy, running between the park and the Museum from 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM. On-street parking on Hesperus Avenue is prohibited. On-site parking is reserved exclusively for guests with mobility needs and is not guaranteed.

Your admission includes access to explore parts of the interior of the museum, free access to all scheduled entertainment. *Vendor services are not included.)

Little ones ages 4 and under are free but do require a reserved ticket, and kids ages 5 – 12 are $10 and adults are $35. Hammond Castle Museum Member savings apply. Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing restoration of the Museum and STEAM-based programming.

Learn More & Reserve Your Tickets Here

Help Break a World Record: Library Card Sign Up Challenge!

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is inviting the entire community to join in a fun-filled day of discovery, creativity, and history-making at its Community Celebration & Open House on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester.

As part of the festivities, the Library is launching a Library Card World Record Attempt — aiming to break the current record of 1,922 library card sign-ups in a single day. 🎯 New and renewing cardholders will receive a limited-edition commemorative Sawyer Free Library card as a keepsake from this exciting moment.

“A Library for Everyone” celebration marks the grand reopening of the newly renovated and expanded Sawyer Free Library, now a vibrant and inclusive center for learning, imagination, and community connection.

In addition to the record attempt, attendees can explore the library’s transformed spaces and enjoy live music including Gloucester Student Band, engaging presentations, children’s programs, tech demos, collaborative art projects, Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana, a visit from the Boston Red Sox Wally the Green Monster and much more—with activities and prizes designed for all ages.

Everyone is welcome to attend, have fun, and help make history! Details: sawyerfreelibrary.org

2025 Sawyer Free Library Ribbon Cutting Celebration – September 5th!

~ Sawyer Free Library

After nearly two years of renovation, expansion, and modernization, the Sawyer Free Library is thrilled to welcome the community back to its historic home at 2 Dale Avenue in the heart of Gloucester!

Join us for a special Ribbon Cutting Celebration on:

Friday, September 5, 2025
3:00 – 4:30 PM
School Street Entrance, Sawyer Free Library

Be part of this once-in-a-generation moment as we unveil your newly reimagined 21st-century library—a vibrant, inclusive space built for learning, creativity, and connection.

Enjoy remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, a performance by the Cape Ann Youth Chorus, and light refreshments.

This rain-or-shine event is free and open to all—come celebrate with neighbors, friends, and fellow library lovers as we turn the page to an exciting new chapter!

Don’t Miss the Fun!
Come back the next day for our Community Open House on Saturday, September 6 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring musical performances, activities, and family-friendly fun for all ages! Stay tuned for even more details or visit sawyerfreelibrary.org!