Local historian Steve Klomps will present a special lecture about Amesbury history and launch a special series of programs organized to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the incorporation of Amesbury.
Klomps is a member of the Amesbury Historical Commission; a volunteer with the Bartlett Museum; and a member of the Amesbury Industrial Survey group, a special project of the Amesbury Carriage Museum. Steve has contributed much to the understanding of Amesbury through his research into early houses, the people who lived there, and the things they made and used as part of their daily lives.
Steve’s lecture will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Amesbury Senior Community Center, located at 68 Elm Street, Amesbury. The event is free and open to the public.
Steve will offer a fascinating and personal perspective about local history by presenting a diverse assortment of rare artifacts that illustrate the experiences of people who have lived in Amesbury. Included will be a woodworking plane once owned by 20th-century boat builder Frank Morrill, a tool that represents the important tradition of boat-building In Amesbury and along the Merrimack River; a handmade, 17th-century brick from Jacob Morrill’s House which will introduce stories about early houses in Amesbury; and a 19th-century silver spoon made by William Little, silversmith of Newburyport, Amesbury, and New Hampshire, who was one of the founders of the carriage industry in Amesbury.
Steve will use these objects to share his knowledge about life in Amesbury and explain how these and other artifacts are important documents of the past. It is sure to be an interesting evening.
This program is sponsored in part by the Amesbury 350 Steering Committee, a group of residents, artists and business owners who have planned a year-long celebration for the City. For more information and a calendar of events, please visit amesbury350.com or contact John Mayer, Executive Director, Amesbury Carriage Museum by calling 978-834-5058 or via email at jmayer@amesburycarriagemuseum.com.