Peabody, MA

Nestled in the historic North Shore of Massachusetts, the city of Peabody is located roughly 18 miles north of Boston, and is next door to the city of Salem. The city was first settled in 1629, and was later named for George Peabody, a renowned philanthropist. One of its notable early residents was Giles Corey, whose claim to fame was that he was the only person crushed to death by stones during the Salem witch trials. Originally a farming community, Peabody eventually developed into a center of New England's leather industry, in large part due to the many streams running through the city, which proved vital to the tanning process. Although most of its tanneries are now closed, Peabody is still referred to as "Tanner City." The city is home to more than 51,000 residents.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Peabody has provided a good deal of employment for the residents of Massachusetts' North Shore. Much of its tanning industry has given way to the production of chemicals, electronic equipment, plastics and metals. However, some leather factories still remain.

Major employers include: Eastman Gelatine Division of Kodak Analogic Corp., Christian Book Distributors, Boston Acoustics, JEOL USA, Lahey Clinic Northshore Mall and Saucony

Other important economic centers include:

• Centennial Park: Developed in the 1980s, Centennial Park consists of dozens of buildings spread over more than 300 acres. It houses offices, research firms, manufacturing companies and distribution warehouses.
• Northshore Mall: Just one mile outside of Centennial Park, the Northshore Mall is home to many retailers and is a major source of employment in Peabody.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Booksby Farm is managed by the city of Peabody. It is one of the most popular destinations of the city, encompassing 275 acres of working farmland.

West Peabody, which was farmland until 1950s, has been developed into a middle- and upper-class residential area.

The City of Peabody offers housing programs that are designed to create and improve housing opportunities for all people at all stages of life.

• Homeownership: The City of Peabody encourages homeownership throughout the City of Peabody by offering loans to first time homebuyers through our first time home buyer down payment assistance program.
• Home Repair and Rehabilitation: Through the Peabody housing rehabilitation program income eligible homeowners may receive loans to repair or modify their homes.
• Lead Paint Removal: The City of Peabody utilizes funds from the Get The Lead Out Program and the Gap Filler V Program to assist homeowners and landlords in the removal of lead-based paint hazards.

FOR VISITORS

• The Meadow at Peabody Golf Course: This 18-hole course boasts rolling terrain, a reward program for frequent golfers, and golf lessons. There is also a clubhouse with lockers and showers for public use, as well as a restaurant with a big-screen TV for catching up on other sports.
• Northshore Mall: One of the region's largest malls, Northshore Mall houses more than 100 specialty stores, a food court, restaurants, and major department stores.
• Brooksby Farm: This roughly 275-acre working farm and conservation area is open to the public. Pick apples, strawberries, and raspberries, hike or cross-country ski, or stop by the petting zoo. Some residents and visitors choose to have their weddings on the grounds.
• Nathaniel Felton Senior and Junior Houses: These were some of the first homes built in Peabody. Their owners, Nathaniel Felton and his son, defended their now-famous neighbor, John Procter, during the Salem witch trials. Visitors can tour the homes and learn about life in the Colonial period. They can also visit Orchard House, the caretaker's cottage that was later built on the property.
• Woodland Gardens: Located behind the Nathaniel Felton Junior House, Woodland Gardens was once cultivated by Joseph Smith, who bought the Felton Houses in 1902. The gardens are open year-round.
• Peabody Historical Fire Museum: Built around 1875 to house the Peabody Engine Company No. 3, this museum originally stood on Endicott Street. Visitors can view firefighting artifacts and attend monthly lectures presented by the Peabody Historical Society.
• Gen. Gideon Foster House: Militia leader in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the siege of Boston, and the Battle of Bunker Hill, Gen. Gideon is considered a Revolutionary War hero. His house is now a National Historic Landmark, and visitors can tour the house's three floors, one of which is a museum showcasing military artifacts used by Peabody residents in the distant and not-so-distant past.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Smith Barn: Once used to store apples, grains, and farming tools, Smith Barn is now used for community events, including the annual Craft Fair, and can be rented for weddings and other private events.
• Osborne-Salata House: Built around 1860, this impressive house is now the site of the Elizabeth Cassidy Folk Art Museum, Peabody Art Association, and the Ruth Hill Library & Archives.
• Elizabeth Cassidy Folk Art Museum: The Peabody Historical Society founded this museum in 2006. It includes permanent and temporary exhibits from the society's folk art collection.
• Peabody Art Association: Each month, new exhibits feature paintings and photographs by Association artists. Membership in the Association is open to all artists and art buffs.
• Ruth Hill Library & Archives: This extensive collection documents Peabody's history.

EVENTS

• Peabody International Festival: Since 1986, Peabody has presented an international festival every September, celebrating the ethnic diversity of its residents. With foods and music representing over 25 ethnic backgrounds, and several performance stages, the festival takes place throughout the city and draws thousands of visitors from all over the North Shore.
• Topsfield Fair: While not located in Peabody, the Topsfield Fair, located in nearby Topsfield, is a major regional event. It is America's oldest agricultural fair, featuring a parade, farmers markets, horse shows, dog shows, and antique tractor displays. Less than 10 miles from Peabody, Topsfield is easily accessible.

LOCAL MEDIA

Peabody's local publications are the North Shore Sunday and the Peabody & Lynnfield Weekly News.