75th Anniversary Talk: Colonial Settlement Through 1951

Long before Mass Audubon arrived, this land had centuries of stories to tell. This talk—part of a six-event series celebrating the sanctuary's 75th anniversary—takes you through 350 years of history at Ipswich River, from the first European settlers of the early 1600s through the era of "gentleman farmer" Thomas Proctor, who shaped much of what visitors love about the sanctuary today, including the Rockery and the arboretum.

Through slides and storytelling, you'll meet the Bradstreet and Averill families, follow the rhythms of 1800s agricultural life, and come away with a richer understanding of the layered history beneath your feet every time you walk these trails.

This talk is presented and co-sponsored by the Topsfield Historical Society. It is also featured in Essex Heritage Trails & Sails. Special thanks to New England Biolabs Foundation, Essex Heritage, and the Hamilton-Wenham Cultural Council for their support of our anniversary celebrations.