Come and learn about Gloucester’s Freeman family, Wellspring’s mission, and community life through exhibits, interactive art programming, music and more!

The community is invited to experience Wellspring’s “History Lives Here” exhibit and interactive activities at no cost thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. We strongly recommend reserving your timed-entry tickets for this event in advance. 

This event is part of Gloucester 400+, commemorating, celebrating, and promoting knowledge of Gloucester’s 400+ years of cultural, social, ethnic, and economic diversity.

Artists Claudia Parachiv of Studioful Design and Azia Carle of Azia Artz will lead an interactive and collaborative free workshop and art-making process, Freeman Family Layers of Love, creating a meaningful experience for all ages and abilities. Families, children, and individuals are invited to participate in constructing a model of the Freeman homestead, and illustrate a two-page comic book based on reflections of the Freeman Family exhibit. Help us bring the Freeman house to life by adding reflections on your own family.

The Blackburn Stompers, an Early Jazz Era Combo by members of the Cape Ann Big Band will entertain with music from the 1830s to the 1930s, the Freeman-era.

Community organizations will be set up to share their work on racial justice, local history, and community engagement. Food trucks will be onsite.

Parking is available at West Parish School with shuttle service provided for attendees. Limited parking is available at Gloucester’s Water Treatment Facility adjacent to Wellspring House. ADA-accessible parking is located at Wellspring’s front parking lot.

Wellspring’s Friday Opening Celebration and Saturday’s Public Festival & Unity Art Project will be held under a large tent, rain or shine. The Freeman Family Exhibit is located inside the house.