Through luck and foresight, the Balch House has survived while the hundreds of homes from the same era have fallen to progress or decay.

The John Cabot House is a Georgian style mansion built in 1781 during the Revolutionary War, and the home to an important ship owner.

John Hale was born in Charlestown, MA in 1636 and came to Beverly to preach when it was still known as the “Bass River Side” of Salem. The property mirrors the evolution of the community of Beverly.

After the tumultuous years of the second half of the 17th century, filled as they were with political upheaval, Indian wars, and culminating in the witchcraft crises of 1692, the new century must have seemed to local residents like entering a calm port.

Step back in time with this visual timeline of the history of the Hale House. Images dating back to the early days of photography through the present day tell the story of just a fraction of the house’s 375 years. Images capture the evolution from tenant farm to Gold Coast estate and the story of a family home for generations,

On view at the Hale House through until December 18. Open for members by appointment, and open to all on: September 18, noon – 4:00 pm; October 10, noon – 4:00 pm; Saturdays from Thanksgiving until Christmas

Stories of Beverly’s black population can be found at Historic Beverly. These are stories of citizens, black and white, battling against the unjust system of slavery; of enslaved men fighting for freedom for our nation, though not free themselves; of a woman using the law to emancipate her family; and of the racism that affected the lives of Beverly’s black population, long after they were freed from bondage.

History grows with time and preservation needs increase as well. Please help us continue these important programs with a gift to the Fund for Beverly History. Your support will make a significant difference.

This program provides an opportunity to our generous supporters – individuals, families, organizations and businesses –to support important and necessary conservation work through tax-deductible donations.

There are a number of giving options that allow donors to fulfill their philanthropic goals while contributing to the richness of Historic Beverly’s collections and its financial stability.