Save the Barn to Raise The Barn !

Please join the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum in its effort to save a historic 18th century barn and a piece of our community’s history. A premier example of pre-industrial workmanship, the barn features hand-hewn timbers and traditional mortise and tenon joinery. Once part of the historic Cogswell farm in the Town of Essex, MA, the barn has proudly served many generations, including the prominent female American architect Eleanor Raymond. It is a structure with both historic and architectural importance.

The barn is currently located on John Wise Avenue in Essex, on a site under municipal development. It was originally slated for demolition, but the Museum has an opportunity to disassemble and preserve the barn; however, the structure must be removed by mid-February 2020 or it will be demolished. There is a team of enthusiastic and skilled volunteers working at the site already, but your financial support is critical…