The Historical Society, one of the city’s oldest cultural institutions, is being recognized this month through the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber for Good initiative — a program designed to connect local nonprofits with businesses and the broader community.
“The Peabody Area Chamber is proud to recognize nonprofits like the Peabody Historical Society through our Chamber for Good program,” said Deanne Healey, Chamber president. “Supporting local nonprofits means supporting the heart of our community — and the Historical Society plays a vital role in preserving Peabody’s story for generations to come.”
Founded in 1896, the Peabody Historical Society is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that receives no federal, state, or local funding. Its work is powered by dedicated volunteers, members, donations, and the rental of the historic Smith Barn, located at the Felton-Smith Historic Site adjacent to Brooksby Farm. Over the years, the Society has preserved and protected key pieces of Peabody’s past, maintaining a wide range of historic houses, artifacts, and collections.
The Society’s ongoing projects include an extensive military collection, a large historic clothing collection, and thousands of photographs and documents currently being inventoried and catalogued. A major recent acquisition came from the closure of Roussellette/Eastman Gelatin, whose artifacts and records dating back to the property’s early industrial days are now in PHS’s care. Acting curator Sophia Richter and board member Debby Eskenazi noted that fully organizing the archives will be a “years-long process,” but is crucial to preserving Peabody’s layered history.
“Any time PHS is highlighted in the papers is a win for the history we preserve,” Eskenazi said.
The Society also relies heavily on volunteers. A dedicated group meets Wednesdays at the Gideon Foster House from noon to 2 p.m. to work on archiving, cataloging, and administrative projects. Additional help is always welcome at events such as the annual craft fair, Mrs. Felton’s Tea, and lecture series, with volunteers playing an essential role in keeping the Society’s operations strong.
One upcoming event exemplifies how business and nonprofit collaboration can strengthen community ties. On Monday, May 6, the Society will partner with Amigo’s Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar for a “Dining for a Cause” night. A portion of the restaurant’s sales that evening will be donated directly to the Historical Society to help support ongoing maintenance of its properties and collections.
“We’re excited to partner with Amigo’s not only to raise funds, but more importantly to spread the word about our organization’s mission and presence in the city,” Eskenazi said. “The arts and humanities play such an important role in Peabody’s culture. Now, more than ever, programs like Chamber for Good help nonprofits like ours reach more people and grow.”
Healey said the Chamber’s goal is to create these kinds of connections. “When we spotlight a nonprofit, we’re hoping to connect people to causes they care about, encourage volunteerism, and build stronger community ties,” she said. “Plus, connecting nonprofits with local restaurants willing to give back creates a win-win-win for both organizations.”
Despite its successes, Eskenazi noted that PHS faces major challenges — primarily the ongoing upkeep of five historic homes, the Smith Barn, and the Firehouse property, especially as the city continues to grow. Preservation efforts are also underway in partnership with the Peabody Historical Commission, including protecting industrial landmarks like the Bell Tavern and preserving the historic smokestack at the former A.C. Lawrence Leather Factory site, now a memorial honoring Peabody’s factory workers.
“Future generations need to never forget the brave men and women who fought for freedom from a king during the Revolutionary War, and the immigrants who made Peabody the leather capital of the world,” Eskenazi said. “The Peabody Historical Society is the keeper of the city’s past and future.”
For more information on the Society’s mission, membership, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming programs, visit peabodyhistorical.org.
