Trails & Sails |
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Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, center, presents a citation from Gov. Maura Healey to Essex National Heritage Area. From left, Cheri Grishin, Director of Operations, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, CEO Annie Harris. (Photo Courtesy Essex National Heritage Area) |
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SALEM — Surrounded by local nonprofits and Revolutionary War reenactors — and with strong support from Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and other North Shore leaders — Essex National Heritage Area formally kicked off the 25th season of its iconic Trails & Sails program on Tuesday. Trails & Sails will be held from Sept. 12-27, with partners offering free exhibits, lectures, and events along the themes of “Essex County Revolution 250,” “Outdoor Explorations,” “Life by the Water,” and “Stories We Share,” welcoming residents and visitors to discover the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
“You’re next to a centuries-old mill, a salt marsh at sunrise, the amazing places in our harbor, the stories that literally shaped our nation here in Essex County,” Lt. Gov. Driscoll said at the kickoff event at Armory Park. “That’s what Trails & Sails has been about for the last 25 years: Making sure people know the benefits in their own backyard.”
Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage, praised staff members who work year-round with partners on Trails & Sails programming, having grown the event from a single weekend to 16 days and more than 200 activities. An estimated 30,000 people attended a Trails & Sails event in 2025.
“Through Trails & Sails, you may discover a farm you never knew existed that becomes a regular stop on your day-to-day travels. Or you may visit a historic house that connects you with stories of the past,” said Cheri Grishin, Director of Operations for Essex Heritage. “With hundreds of events to choose from, there is truly something for everyone.”
Essex Heritage was recognized for the success of Trails & Sails and for its ongoing commitment to the region, receiving citations from Gov. Maura Healey and U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren, as well as a commendation from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton. State Sen. Joan Lovely offered a citation from the state Senate, while state Rep. Manny Cruz presented a citation from the House of Representatives.
Salem Mayor Dominic Pangallo also offered a citation and a special medallion commemorating Salem’s 400th birthday this year. The City is presenting just 100 medallions to individuals and groups that exemplify the spirit of Salem and have contributed to its quality of life.
The event also included a preview of this year’s offerings from partners Mass Audubon, Salem Sound Coastwatch, Peabody Essex Museum, Danvers Alarm List Company Inc./Rebecca Nurse Homestead, and the National Park Service
“Technology seems to drive so much of our lives. Being able to wander through an historic neighborhood and make memories — instead of scrolling through someone else’s — is what makes Trails & Sails special,” Lt. Gov. Driscoll said.
About Trails & Sails
All events are free, including guided hikes, behind-the-scenes tours of historic and cultural sites, boat trips, cultural celebrations, and adventures for family members of all ages. Through community partnerships, Trails & Sails offers accessible experiences that connect people with the stories, landscapes, and traditions that define the region.
Since 2002, Trails & Sails has welcomed more than 175,000 visitors who have experienced the places that make Essex County special: from birdwatching on Plum Island, to exploring Den Rock Park in Lawrence, to historical sites from Saugus to Salem. The beauty and history of the Essex National Heritage Area is an incredible place to explore with family and friends.
This milestone year marks a shared history of community engagement, exploration, empowerment and connection with the region’s parks, waterways, historic sites and iconic cultural institutions.
This year, as the nation commemorates America250, participants can expect to see historical reenactments, historic artisan demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and a wide variety of community-driven experiences designed for all ages and interests.
Many organizations have already committed to participating this year, with more than 200 events listed on the Trails & Sails event calendar.
Trails & Sails is your ticket to adventure across Essex County, Massachusetts — a region recognized as a National Heritage Area for its rich history, cultural treasures, and natural landscapes. Each September, this vibrant event series provides access to hundreds of unique experiences such as guided hikes and paddles to behind-the-scenes tours, historic reenactments, interactive exhibits, artisan demos, community celebrations, and much more. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or curious to discover something new to love in your own backyard, Trails & Sails has something for everyone.
About Essex Heritage Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) is a non-profit organization that has been federally authorized to work in partnership to oversee the unique heritage resources of the Essex National Heritage Area. Our mission is to preserve and enhance the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the Essex National Heritage Area located in Essex County, Massachusetts. The Essex National Heritage Area was created as an act of Congress in 1996 and encompasses the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, Massachusetts. It includes two National Parks (Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Saugus Ironworks National Historic Site) and the US Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. There are also several state parks, thousands of acres of conservation land, and numerous museums, historic houses and heritage sites that are open to the public and owned/managed by non-profit organizations and municipal governments.
Where to learn more about Trails & Sails events As always, all events are free to the public, though some may require advance registration. You may find them at www.trailsandsails.org or in the popular guidebook, which will be distributed in August.
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Local political leaders and Revolutionary War reenactors helped kick off the 25th season of Trails & Sails. (Photo Courtesy Essex National Heritage Area) |
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Salem Mayor Dominic Pangallo presents a citation from the City and a special commemorative medallion to Essex National Heritage Area. From left, Cheri Grishin, Director of Operations, Mayor Pangallo, CEO Annie Harris. (Photo Courtesy Essex National Heritage Area) |
