Essex Shipbuilding Museum

Here's where to go to pay homage to the American fishing schooner. The site where it was born is now a historic working shipyard with museum exhibits, scenic views and a gift shop open seasonally from May 30–October 31. Educating visitors about an industry that has supported the community of Cape Ann for more than 300 years—and built more two-masted wooden fishing schooners than any other place in the world—the Essex Shipbuilding Museum has one of the best maritime collections in a region where there is no shortage of competition. But it's not all about history. Programming strives to connect the heritage of shipbuilding to the area's modern culture and priorities.