Uncovering Rockport’s Dark Past: Author Talk with Rob Fitzgibbons & Wayne Soini

Join local authors Robert Fitzgibbons and Wayne Soini at the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, March 27 at 5:30 pm for a riveting discussion on their book, Murder in Rockport, Massachusetts: Terror in a Small Town, which sheds new light on two chilling unsolved murders that shook the small seaside town in the 1930s.

On May 21, 1932, Finnish tailor Arthur Oker was brutally murdered in his shop in Rockport, sending shockwaves through the community. Just over a year later, on Halloween night in 1933, Swedish immigrant and fellow churchgoer Augusta Johnson was slain in her home, deepening the town’s fear and sparking an exhaustive investigation. Authorities searched every house, interviewed 2,500 households, and even enlisted the help of a mystic—yet the crimes remained unsolved.

Through newly uncovered state police archives, Fitzgibbons and Soini reveal long-lost details about the murders, the extensive efforts to solve them, and a surprising suspect who emerged decades later.

Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. For more information, contact jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Rockport PTO 2023 Holiday Fair

pto holiday fair logo only, color

Saturday, November 18th
9:30 to 2 PM
Rockport High School
24 Jerdens Lane, Rockport

Come get your holiday shopping done or buy something unique for yourself! We will have:

  • Amazing Crafters and Artists
  • Photos with Santa
  • Gingerbread House Kits
  • Face Painting
  • Sensory Art Table
  • Surprise Jars for the Kids (they sell out fast!)
  • High Quality Raffle Items
  • Yummy Baked Goods
  • Coffee and Lunch

This is just a small sample of some of the amazing items that will be there!

2nd Annual WellFest: Saturday, May 20 @ Harvey Park in Rockport

Join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s Health & Wellness Committee for the 2nd Annual WellFest: A Greater Cape Ann Community Wellness Fair. This year, we are moving to Harvey Park in Rockport!

This event will showcase the Cape Ann region’s broad range of health and wellness services. This event will provide something for people of all ages!

  • Food & Nutrition
  • Movement, Balance & Exercise
  • Hearing & Vision
  • Health in Mind, Body & Spirit
  • Youth Development & Lifelong Learning 
  • Senior Readiness

Here is the list of attending vendors (* = offering free raffle):

  • 4GBS – For the Grand Bandquet of Sexuality *
  • ABC Home Healthcare Professionals *
  • Action Inc.
  • Addison Gilbert Hospital
  • Arbonne Consultant
  • Backyard Growers *
  • Beauport Hearing Care
  • Bonneville Design
  • Cape Ann Animal Aid
  • Cape Ann Botanicals *
  • Cape Ann Lanes *
  • Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA)
  • Cape Ann YMCA
  • Cometeer
  • Disability Resource Center *
  • Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition
  • Essex County OB/GYN Associates *
  • Gloucester Health Department
  • Manchester Essex Conservation Trust *
  • North Shore Adventures *
  • NorthShore24 Fitness *
  • ONESTOP Harm Reduction Center *
  • Rockport Art Association & Museum *
  • Rockport Council on Aging
  • Rockport Exchange *
  • SeniorCare Inc.
  • Supportive Living Inc.
  • The Open Door
  • Treetop Yoga *

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Rockport PTO 2022 Holiday Fair

pto holiday fair logo only, color

Saturday, November 19th
9:30 to 2 PM
Rockport High School
24 Jerdens Lane, Rockport

Come get your holiday shopping done or buy something unique for yourself! We will have:

  • Amazing Crafters and Artists
  • Photos with Santa
  • Gingerbread House Kits
  • Face Painting
  • Sensory Art Table
  • Surprise Jars for the Kids (they sell out fast!)
  • High Quality Raffle Items
  • Yummy Baked Goods
  • Coffee and Lunch

This is just a small sample of some of the amazing items that will be there!

Rockport PTO 2021 Holiday Fair

pto holiday fair logo only, color

Saturday, November 20th
9:30 to 2 PM
Rockport High School
24 Jerdens Lane, Rockport

MASKS ARE REQUIRED

Come get your holiday shopping done or buy something unique for yourself! We will have:

  • Amazing Crafters and Artists
  • Photos with Santa
  • Gingerbread House Kits
  • Surprise Jars for the Kids (they sell out fast!)
  • High Quality Raffle Items
  • Yummy Baked Goods
  • Coffee and Lunch

This is just a small sample of some of the amazing items that will be there!

Rockport PTO 2019 Holiday Fair

pto holiday fair logo only, color

Saturday, November 16th
9:30 to 2 PM
Rockport High School
24 Jerdens Lane, Rockport

Come get your holiday shopping done or buy something unique for yourself! We will have:

  • Amazing Crafters and Artists
  • Photos with Santa
  • Gingerbread House Kits
  • Surprise Jars for the Kids (they sell out fast!)
  • High Quality Raffle Items
  • Yummy Baked Goods
  • Coffee and Lunch

This is just a small sample of some of the amazing items that will be there!

Rockport Is Keeping It’s Doors Open late again this summer! NOW EVERY Friday Night! May 27 – September 2

Rockport expands it’s 2016 Rockport @ Night! This event was so well received last year we’ve decided to step it up and do EVERY Friday Night throughout downtown Rockport. Just look for the “Hanging Lanterns with the Gold imprinted Ribbons” at participating Shops and Galleries…

Every Friday night beginning MAY 27th, through Sept. 2nd. Downtown galleries and shops open their doors from 4-8pm and then some… for a “Rockport @ Night” event. The town’s merchants welcome you with light refreshment, wine, and beverage while you enjoy the renowned talents of this creative Art Colony. See art demos, music, and visit the unique shops. Come celebrate as they illuminates it’s streets, and enjoy the ambiance that only Rockport can offer. Meet with the artists and shopkeepers and tour their galleries. Artists will be on hand to take questions from visitors.

Come share the history and hospitality of this seaside community, as you stroll through the streets of beautiful downtown Rockport.

Rockport At Night poster Press-PR 2016