AMESBURY — The Amesbury Carriage Museum (ACM) recently announced its 40th annual meeting dinner will take place Sunday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Ristorante Molise, 1 Market St., Amesbury.
This year’s event will feature a keynote presentation by Alexander Cain, historian and creator of the “Historical Nerdery” blog and podcast. Cain will present “Heads of Families and Men of Substance – The Rise of the Merrimack Valley Minute Men,” offering a compelling look at the region’s role in the American Revolution.
A centerpiece of the evening will be the presentation of the second annual Amesbury Carriage Museum Community Service Award to Bruce McBrien, a beloved educator, environmental steward, and civic leader whose decades of service have left an indelible mark on Amesbury.
Since moving to Amesbury in 1992, McBrien has been a tireless advocate for the town’s history, industry, and community spirit. His journey began with local scouting, where he served as a den leader and continues to mentor Eagle Scout candidates. As a technology teacher at Amesbury Elementary School for 27 years, Bruce enriched student life through clubs, outdoor learning, and sustainability initiatives—including a food rescue program that earned the AEFI Stroke of Genius Award.
McBrien’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. He has served on the Amesbury School Committee, the AES Building Committee, and the Amesbury Youth Funding Committee. He collaborated with ACM to design a history wall at Shay Elementary and was the first educator to introduce students to George McNeil’s fight for the eight-hour workday.
As founder and longtime president of the Lake Gardner Improvement Association, McBrien has led efforts to preserve and enhance the lake and its trails, organizing everything from boardwalk construction to community festivals and whimsical races. His civic contributions also include work with the Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Committee, the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce, and the Senior Center, where he teaches computer classes.
He currently serves as an Essex County Commissioner and continues to support ACM events and Amesbury Treasures’ digital presence. His unwavering dedication to Amesbury’s people, places, and history makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner catered by Ristorante Molise, featuring a selection of local favorites. The evening begins with registration from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the formal program.
Individual tickets start at $50, and table sponsorships are available for those wishing to support the museum and receive reserved seating and promotional opportunities.
For more information, to register, or to explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event page: amesburycarriagemuseum.org/annual-meeting/p/2025
Questions? Email events@amesburycarriagemuseum.org or call 978-834-5058.