Whittier Birthplace

10/06/2026

Still on the fence about sponsoring the Big Dog Show? We only have 3 dogs left to adopt at the mid-level sponsorship.

This year we have three different sponsor levels.

$2,000 and above: Lead sponsors will have their logos displayed on our website and social media pages and will get mentioned in all press releases. They can hang their banner on the Bradford Common over the event weekend. Sponsors at this level will also get to decorate a Big Dog in a prime location.

$350 and above: Sponsors at this level will have their names listed on our website and social media pages. They will have the opportunity to decorate a Big Dog (or to partner with a community organization).

$100 or above: Sponsors at this level will have their names listed on our website and social media pages. Sponsors at this level do not have a Big Dog to decorate, but they may sponsor an award (such as Most Creative Kids’ Design or other original award ideas) or the Pet Parade.

Email [email protected] to secure your spot.

09/28/2026

Homeschooling families are invited to a program on the legacy of John Greenleaf Whittier.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 7th, 10-11:30am

Suggested ages: 6-12

Suggested donation: $10

Theme: John Greenleaf Whittier the Poet

Here’s your introduction to the life and poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier. Participants will tour the c. 1688 Whittier Homestead, learning about what life was like for a young John Greenleaf Whittier. The group will read one of Whittier’s poems together and play some poetry games. Families are also encouraged to hike the Freeman Memorial Trail on their own, after the program.

Skills practiced in this program: reading, listening, poetry; optional, hike

Sign up by Wed. Sept. 30th: https://www.whittierbirthplace.org/events/yrak57a5sghbrwtt627rmy66el5sa4 Please include the ages and first names of participating kids as well as any relevant allergies or other special considerations we should know in advance.

09/24/2026

09/22/2026

The “Big Dog Show returns to the Bradford Common over Halloween weekend!

The Big Dog Show is the signature public art exhibition of Haverhill-based artist, Dale Rogers and is a fundraiser for the Whittier Birthplace. Twenty-two of Dale Rogers’ “American Dogs” will be assembled on the Bradford Common from Friday, October 30th through Monday, November 2nd, 2026. Event sponsors and their community partners (such as schools and local nonprofits) will have the opportunity to decorate one of the American Dogs for the viewing pleasure of the greater Haverhill community. In addition to decorated Dogs, there will be a number of other activities for the public to enjoy on Saturday, October 31st. These include a pet parade, a chance to vote on the best dressed Big Dog, and more. The Haverhill Farmers Market will also be set up on Bradford Common on Saturday, October 31st. This will be a fun weekend for pet-owners and the community at large!

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations interested in decorating a Big Dog or for sponsoring one of the other activities such as the pet pageant. For more information, please email Kaleigh Paré Shaughnessy, Executive Director of the Whittier Birthplace at [email protected].

The Whittier Birthplace was organized in April 1893 to preserve the historic landscape, house, and other buildings as nearly as may be, in the same condition as when John Greenleaf Whittier lived on the farmstead and to provide public access to the property so that the legacy of Whittier’s literary and abolition works may be remembered. To learn more about other events or to book a tour, please visit whittierbirthplace.org.

09/15/2026

Our Open House Weekend is this Friday 10a-4p, Saturday 10a-4p, and Sunday 1-4p. Join us for tours of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead and special guest performers and speakers all weekend.

Then, check out other Trails & Sails opportunities across EssexCounty: https://trailsandsails.org/calendar/

09/12/2026

Our annual Open House Weekend starts one week from today!

Join us on Friday, Sept. 18th from 10am-4pm
~ free tours of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead all day, no reservation needed
~ hike the Freeman Memorial Trail (open every day dawn until dusk)
~ 10am special talk from model-maker Jake Anderson of Port Anderson Art (https://www.etsy.com/shop/PortandersonArt)
~ 1-3pm Diane & Joanne (pictured here) play Americana tunes

More Essex National Heritage Area Trails & Sails events are happening all over Essex County! Check them out here: https://trailsandsails.org/calendar/

09/08/2026

Homeschooling families are invited to a program on the legacy of John Greenleaf Whittier on Wednesday, October 7th, 10am-11:30

Suggested ages: 6-12

Suggested donation: $10

Theme: John Greenleaf Whittier the Poet

Here’s your introduction to the life and poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier. Participants will tour the c. 1688 Whittier Homestead, learning about what life was like for a young John Greenleaf Whittier. The group will read one of Whittier’s poems together and play some poetry games. Families are also encouraged to hike the Freeman Memorial Trail on their own, after the program.

Skills practiced in this program: reading, listening, poetry; optional, hike

Sign up at least one week prior to the program. https://www.whittierbirthplace.org/events/yrak57a5sghbrwtt627rmy66el5sa4 Please include the ages and first names of participating kids as well as any relevant allergies or other special considerations we should know in advance.

09/05/2026

We are seeking sponsors for the 2026 Big Dog Show!

This year we have three different sponsor levels.

$2,000 and above: Lead sponsors will have their logos displayed on our website and social media pages and will get mentioned in all press releases. They can hang their banner on the Bradford Common over the event weekend. Sponsors at this level will also get to decorate a Big Dog in a prime location.
$350 and above: Sponsors at this level will have their names listed on our website and social media pages. They will have the opportunity to decorate a Big Dog (or to partner with a community organization).
$100 or above: Sponsors at this level will have their names listed on our website and social media pages. Sponsors at this level do not have a Big Dog to decorate, but they may sponsor an award (such as Most Creative Kids’ Design or other original award ideas) or the Pet Parade.

More information is available at: https://www.whittierbirthplace.org/big-dog-show

09/02/2026

Save the Date: September 18-20, 2025 join us for an open house weekend during National Heritage Area's Trails & Sails!

Schedule:
Friday, Sept. 18th 10am-4pm
- special guest: 10am model-maker Jake Anderson speaking
- special guests: 1-3pm Diane & Joanne on the autoharp and fiddle playing Americana tunes
Saturday, Sept. 19th 10am-4pm
- special guests: 11am Tim's Kitchen Band in the barn
Sunday, Sept. 20th 1pm-4pm
- special guest: 2pm local author Laura Fell Scholten signing

Start your visit in the Gus Reusch Welcome Center for an introductory video. Then, take a guided tour of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead, walk the self-guided Freeman Memorial Trail, and more.

Our Trails & Sails open house weekend is free for everyone! There is no need to make a tour reservation this weekend. (Regular tours require advanced registration https://www.whittierbirthplace.org/tours).

08/27/2026

The new well sweep is installed!

This is a centuries-old technology that makes it easier to lift heavy buckets of water out of the well.

Our volunteers rebuilt the well sweep every 5 or so years using the same type of hand tools the Whittier family would have used 200 years ago. Pictured here is Buildings & Grounds Committee volunteer Bill Woodhouse who lead the project.