Questions? Contact James Russell, Executive Director at 978-462-8681 or jrussell@thechmm.org. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased below.

by Bethany Groff Dorau
Executive Director of the Museum of Old Newbury
Special Members-Only sign-up period through April 24

In May, 1877, in a widely distributed leaflet called “The Word of Truth”, prohibitionist J.E. Wolfe published the names of the Newburyport merchants “paying special tax for the sale of spirituous and malt liquors”, calling them “murderers” with “blood on their hands”. This was enough to land Wolfe in the Newburyport jail, where he continued to fume and write. Newburyport was awash in rum in the 19th century, imported and locally distilled. Join Museum of Old Newbury Executive Director and rum punch devotee Bethany Groff Dorau for an illustrated talk on the later years of the West India trade, with its ties to slavery for some and great wealth for others. Explore the social history of rum in Newburyport and the links between the prohibition, abolition, and women’s suffrage movements.

For those with an interest in local history, Bethany Groff Dorau is a name with instant recognition. Bethany’s educational background includes an MA in History earned at the University of Massachusetts. She is the Executive Director of the Museum of Old Newbury, having taken over leadership in 2021 after more than two decades working for Historic New England. The recipient of several regional leadership awards, she is also the author of two nonfiction books: A Newburyport Marine in World War I: The Life and Legacy of Eben Bradbury and A Brief History of Old Newbury. Bethany’s followers may find it impossible to agree whether she is more enthusiastic penning a written tale or entertaining in front of a live audience.

Questions? Contact James Russell, Executive Director at 978-462-8681 or jrussell@thechmm.org.

Join us for a monthly concert of various incredible local musicians in an open rehearsal format. Maritime Musical Jams are organized by Musical Directors John Tavano and Donna Ricci. Free to CHMM members and Newburyport residents. Registration not required.

Questions? Contact James Russell, Executive Director at 978-462-8681 or jrussell@thechmm.org.

Playwrights Collaborative presents the 3rd annual Tales from the Heart. It includes two programs of Short Plays. Hilarious Comedies and Compelling Dramas by Local Playwrights.

Questions? Contact James Russell, Executive Director at 978-462-8681 or jrussell@thechmm.org. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased below.

Join our expert docents for a tour of the museum and our recently-installed, brand new exhibits! Registration is not required and tours are on a first come, first served basis. Tours are free to the public. We kindly ask visitors to contribute an at-will donation if they are able which will go towards future exhibitions and programming at the museum.

Questions? Contact James Russell, Executive Director at 978-462-8681 or jrussell@thechmm.org.