Methuen 300 continued its celebration of our city’s birthday with a Day of History, where re-enactors helped bring guests back in time! Encampments were set up behind the Tenney Gatehouse and Museum of Methuen History allowing visitors to duck inside a Civil War tent, watch weaver Jean Grant at work on her loom and learn about U.S. military movements and weapons from World War II. Two buses took folks past some of our city’s landmarks and tour guides provided wonderful history and commentary on spots like First Church Congregational, Nevins Memorial Library, the old train depot, the Searles Estate, Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery, etc.

Visitors meandered through the Methuen Museum of History, which is an incredible resource that helps the city’s history come alive! It’s located next door to City Hall and open Saturdays, 10am to noon.

Jazz, swing & more
at free concert

The Methuen 300 celebration continues! On Sunday, July 26, between 5 and 7pm, enjoy a live concert on the grounds of the Tenney Gatehouse. Bring blanket or chair and sit back and enjoy a mix of traditional American music styles rooted in early jazz, Dixieland, swing and Americana tunes. Music will be provided by CJ Poole of CP Music Productions. Parking will be available next door at City Hall on Pleasant Street. This concert is free and sponsored by the Edwin J. Castle Fund.

Shirley Toomey explains the early and time-consuming days of using a spinning wheel to turn wool into fibers, which then became socks, mittens, sweaters, etc.

World War II re-enactors with the 43rd Infantry Division offered a full display of maps and weapons and even lined up, took aim and fired (blanks, of course)!

The Methuen Museum of History is where you can really dig DEEP into the city’s history! This exhibit focuses on the Tenney Hat Factory … complete with authentic items! The museum, located next door to City Hall, is open Saturdays, 10am to noon.