SALEM — Essex Heritage celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Trails & Sails program Tuesday, with public officials recognizing the organization’s work to preserve and share the heritage of Essex County.
Since 2002, Essex Heritage has organized Trails & Sails to offer residents and visitors a series of free events showcasing the heritage, culture, and natural beauty of the Essex National Heritage Area. Through collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations, Essex Heritage has grown the annual program from one weekend to 16 days of free programming drawing 30,000 annual visitors to explore the trails, waterways, historic sites, museums, farms, and cultural landmarks that define the region.
“As a national heritage area, we strive to connect people with the amazing natural, cultural, and historic resources of this region,” said Cheri Grishin, Essex Heritage’s director of operations. “By promoting these unique experiences and opportunities to explore your own backyard, we foster a sense of place and stewardship that increases the quality of life for all who live and work here.”
This year, Essex Heritage is working with partner organizations like Mass Audubon, Salem Sound Coastwatch, the U.S. Coast Guard, North Shore CDC, the Danvers Alarm List, as well as various museums, libraries, historical societies, and other organizations, to provide over 200 free events over 16 days from Saturday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 27. The program includes walking tours, open houses, educational workshops and lectures, and more.
The events are organized into four categories: “Essex County Revolution 250”, allowing guests to discover the people and places that shaped the Revolution; “Life by the water”, where people will explore the maritime history and marine life of the region’s waters; “Outdoor explorations”, showcasing the region’s natural scenery and how to preserve it; and “Stories we share”, highlighting the lesser-known voices and histories of Essex County.
“The purpose of Trails & Sails is to help all of you that live here really discover the wonderful heritage, history, and natural resources that we have here, right in our backyard,” said Essex Heritage CEO Annie Harris.
Carole McCauley, Mass Audubon’s sanctuary director for the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, shared her excitement in continuing to work with Essex Heritage to offer programming that helps residents and visitors to Essex County alike explore the area’s varied heritage resources.
“I think now more than ever, what we need in our country and in Essex County is community and belonging through the stories that unite us,” McCauley said. “I’m so grateful to be part of Essex Heritage and helping to make the fabric of the sense of belonging and community here.”
City, state, and federal officials were present Tuesday to congratulate Essex Heritage on the significant growth Trails & Sails has seen over 25 years and present various citations and proclamations.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll reflected on the program’s legacy, describing it as a connective tissue that knits together the parts of Essex County that make it a great place to live.
“You have to imagine living so close to all of the amazing assets that Trails & Sails highlights and never knowing they were there, I think that’s what makes the program so special,” Driscoll said. “That’s what Trails & Sails has been about for the last 25 years — making sure people know the benefits of their own backyard.”
Mayor Dominick Pangallo said Trails & Sails inspires Massachusetts residents from all walks of life to enjoy the rich culture, deep history, and recreation only available in the region.
“It’s an opportunity for people who live here in Salem and across the North Shore to discover the stories and the histories and the culture and the beautiful natural spaces that make up the cities and towns of our region,” Pangallo said.
Trails & Sails runs Saturday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 27.
A full list of scheduled events, as well as new events, cancellations, time changes, and other updates are posted regularly on the Trails & Sails website at trailsandsails.org. Questions about specific events can be directed to the event hosts, but general questions about specific events can be sent to info@essexheritage.org.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202