tours

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!

Sign up today for a tour of the Sawyer Free Library’s historic WPA Murals on Saturday, December 11!

~ Sawyer Free Library

As a part of the Middle Street Walk festivities, this Saturday, December 11th, professional Conservator, Lisa Mehlin, will be leading 15-minute tours of the Saunders House’s historic WPA Murals that are currently being restored at the Sawyer Free Library.  She will speak to both their history and the conservation process.

Registration for a time slot is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org

The grand murals located in the Saunders House, completed in 1934 by Fredrick L. Stoddard and Howard Curtis as a part of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration, are currently being restored by the Sawyer Free Library. Titled “Scenes of the Region,” the murals depict maritime culture against a backdrop of the agrarian life that supported the early settlement of Gloucester, capturing the activity of the busy working harbor with views of the distant rocky shoreline, the city, Rocky Neck, Ten Pound Island and also a simplified representation of Dogtown Common and old “Whale’s Jaw.”  

Learn more about the murals from conservator Lisa Mehlin. Fifteen-minute tours will be available from 10:00-12:00 pm.  Registration for a time slot is required at sawyefreelibrary.org.

CAPE ANN CLASSIC CARS ON THE GREEN

~ chasnaz ~ 1 Comment

SECOND ANNUAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW COMES TO MEETINGHOUSE GREEN, CORNER OF CHURCH & MIDDLE STREETS IN GLOUCESTER ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 10:00AM TO 2:00PM

With the historic 1806 Meetinghouse in the background, this early fall show attracts a variety of fine classic cars from around the North Shore. The audience is invited to vote for their favorite classic cars in 9 categories and trophies will be awarded at the conclusion of the event.

The car show is free and open to the public with donations to the ongoing preservation of the Meetinghouse gratefully accepted. It is a delightful family-friendly event with food vendors and live Dixieland-style music performed by John’s Giddy Gang. Tours of treasures inside the Meetinghouse will be available and include performances on the grand 1893 Hutchings-Fisk pipe organ.

Owners of classic cars may register on the day of the show ($10 fee) at the entrance to the Green or in advance by emailing car information to c.nazarian@gloucestermeetinghouse.org

The Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church) is located in the heart of Historic District. Please consult map for directions since there are several one-way streets. Parking is available in a number of nearby municipal lots and on the street. The rain date is Sunday, September 29th, 1:00 to 5:00PM.