We are proud to announce our integration into The Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Card to Culture

We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier.

Most events and programs at North Andover Historical Society are free and open to the public, except for fundraisers and certain special events. Children's education program fees can be waived for EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, and they can purchase discounted Family Membership by contacting us at 978-686-4035 or development@northandoverhistoricalsociety.org.

 

Stevens Center Achieves SECOND Net-Zero Certification!

Sustainable Stewardship

Making History by Planning for the Future.

Once again, the Stevens Center was awarded a Net-Zero certification, thanks to our solar panels and a geothermal well system for heating and cooling our headquarters. In 2023 we produced more energy than we consumed!

Did you know?

With a 30KW grid connected photovoltaic array, the Stevens Center produces on average 50% more energy than it consumes. This solar array was one piece of a larger energy efficiency upgrade that began in late 2019 during the “Making History on the Common” Capital Campaign. These solar panels power an electric geothermal HVAC system. In addition, all lighting was converted to efficient LED, high performance triple-pane windows replaced the old windows, and spray foam was added to the exterior walls and ceiling to provide an R28-factor insulation value for the building.

If you want to learn more about our solar array and geothermal system, visit the the Stevens Center museum’s Energy Wing and find out how these systems work. Our geothermal and Net Zero exhibit is almost complete and we are working on a brand new solar exhibit, thanks to generous funding from the All Points North Foundation.

Finally, NAHS is committed to sharing knowledge and understanding of geothermal, solar and other programs that encourage sustainable stewardship of our past, present and future.

Join NAHS and participate in a series of speaker presentations, documentaries and educational programs designed to increase awareness and understanding of sustainable energy and how it applies to individuals of all ages, homeowners and businesses.

L-R: Geothermal heat pump distribution valves route the water to the 3 heat pumps; heavily-insulated duct-work that routes building air to and from the geothermal heat pumps; 6 geothermal water loops go through the basement wall 4 feet below grade and go out to and return from 6 geothermal wells, each 500 feet deep.

Child's Play is OPEN!

CHILD'S PLAY:

GROWING UP IN NORTH ANDOVER 1850-1950

The North Andover Historical Society's newest exhibit is all about fun! Child's Play will feature toys, photographs, and other objects from our collections, which help to tell the story of how childhood was experienced in North Andover over a period of 100 years. How did kids play, what did they play with, and how did play help to prepare them for adulthood? Bring the whole family! This exhibit will include many interactive activities for even our youngest visitors.

Child’s Play is open:

Wednesday - Friday, 10am to 2pm

Saturday & Sunday, 8am To 2pm

Child on pony at Christmas. Kate Stevens Collection

Historical Society Announces New Trustees

June 14 - The North Andover Historical Society is pleased to welcome two new trustees to its Board of Directors, which now numbers 11. All appointments were voted on during the Society’s Annual Meeting held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023:

Deepak Nagarajan, a North Andover Resident, is a Software Engineer at Cisco Systems and holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. Deepak is passionate about fitness and volunteers for his children’s basketball, volleyball and cross-country clubs. In his free time, Deepak loves tinkering with DIY electronics.

First Saturdays to Begin for 2024!

On Saturday, May 4, you can visit a local landmark for free!

Every Saturday of the warmer months through October, the public may visit the Parson Barnard House at 179 Osgood Street. Local tour guides can walk you though the house or you can do self-guided tour of the house and grounds, including the historically accurate medicinal herb and dye garden.

In 2024, the Parson Barnard House interiors will be repainted and the floors refinished, thanks to a generous CPA grant from the residents of North Andover. On May 4th, join us at the Johnson Cottage at 184 Academy Road as this house will be open for self guided tours with your questions answered by volunteers!

First Saturdays are a great opportunity to visit this iconic North Andover landmark, free of charge; but please consider a donation or purchase in our pop-up bookshop to help support our programs.

The Parson Barnard House will also be open on the following first Saturdays of Summer: JUNE 1ST, JULY 6TH, AUGUST 3RD, SEPTEMBER 7TH AND OCTOBER 5TH. The Johnson Cottage will be open on SATURDAY MAY 4th.

Qualified Charitable Distribution

Do you have an IRA? Are you at least 70 ½ years of age?  If so, making a gift through an IRA charitable roll-over may be right for you! 

A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows individuals who are 70½ years old or older to donate up to $100,000 per year to one or more charities directly from a taxable IRA instead of taking their required minimum distributions. As a result, donors may avoid being pushed into higher income tax brackets and prevent phaseouts of other tax deductions. 

How do you do it? It’s simple!  Just contact your financial institution and let them know you’d like to make a QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION from your IRA to the No. Andover Historical Society. 

Please consult with your financial advisor on the tax benefits of a QCD to see if this powerful vehicle is right for you.