First Saturdays 2024
First Saturday, May 4th 2024
On the First Saturday of the warmer months from 11 am-2 pm, the North Andover Historical Society typically opens the doors to its the Parson Barnard House and Barn, at 179 Osgood Street. Built in 1715, it retains much of the original construction. In the open rooms, furnishings show the changes in lifestyle as experienced by four early inhabitants of the house from 1715 through 1830. In 2024, work is being complete at the Parson Barnard House including painting and floor refinishing. As a result, First Saturdays at this property will start on Saturday June 1st, 2024.
The Johnson Cottage will be open on First Saturday, May 4th 2024!
The original building, the Johnson Cottage is the last surviving artisan’s cottage in North Andover’s Old Center. In 1789, Frederick Ballard, a hatter, bought this empty parcel as part of four acres of empty land between Osgood Street and Academy Road. Seven years later, Ballard sold the property to Daniel Hardy with a two-room cottage, a popular architectural design at the time, and barn standing upon it.
The cottage was expanded by the next owner, Samuel Johnson sometime after 1796, to consist of three rooms: a bedroom, expanded kitchen, and a formal parlor. Johnson Cottage was eventually sold to the Stevens family as a guesthouse but was never expanded beyond its early 19th century appearance. The interior retains many Georgian design influences and is a rare surviving example of this type of house.
The house currently conveys family life in the Early Republic era of North Parish, Andover history. Come for a self-guided tour of the Johnson Cottage on Saturday May 4th from 11am to 2pm!
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 traveling bookshop to help support our programs.
video from 17th Century Saturdays: june 2018
video Celebrating the 300 year anniversary
explore the historic homes of america
Explore the historic homes of America’s “First Period” (1625-1725) during 17th Century Saturdays. Navigate these architectural treasures and discover what it was like to live in Essex County during America’s first century of European settlement. The Parson Barnard House is proud to be part of that heritage!
view THE HISTORIC GARDEN
We invite you to view the garden restored and maintained by the North Andover Garden Club.
children’s activities in the barn
Children's activities are available on the grounds and in the barn.
