General Info

Over 4000 wooden ships have been built on the banks of the Essex River since 1668. The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum traces the evolution of traditional boat building through artifacts, photographs, hands-on exhibits and tour guides with deep knowledge of maritime and local history. The School House building interprets ship models from the Smithsonian Institute.Over 4000 wooden ships have been built on the banks of the Essex River since 1668. The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum traces the evolution of traditional boat building through artifacts, photographs, hands-on exhibits and tour guides with deep knowledge of maritime and local history. The School House building interprets ship models from the Smithsonian Institute.