Essex Institute facts for kids
The Essex Institute (1848–1992) was a special place in Salem, Massachusetts. It was like a club for people interested in books, history, and science. The Institute had a museum, a large library, and even some old historic houses. It also offered many educational programs for the public.
In 1992, the Essex Institute joined with the Peabody Museum of Salem. Together, they formed the Peabody Essex Museum, which is still a very important museum today.
In 2017, many historical documents from the Institute's library were moved to a new location in Rowley, Massachusetts. This move allowed the old buildings where the library was kept, Plummer Hall and Daland House, to be repaired and made new again.
A Look at Its History
The Essex Institute was created in 1848. It was formed when two groups decided to join forces: the Essex Historical Society and the Essex County Natural History Society. This brought together people who loved history and those who studied nature.
First President and Early Collections
Daniel Appleton White became the first president of the Institute in 1848. He was a former judge and led the group until he passed away in 1861.
Around 1879, the Institute kept its science collections in a building called East India Marine Hall. Its large library was housed in Plummer Hall. People at the time said the Institute's main goal was to find and save everything important about the history of Essex County.
Learning and Fun Programs
The Essex Institute didn't just collect things; it also offered many ways for people to learn and have fun. In the 1880s, they had lots of different activities:
Lectures and Music
- They offered many lectures during the winter. These talks covered general topics, but also special subjects like literature, history, languages, travel, and science.
- There were also regular music concerts and other special musical events.
Art and Nature Exhibitions
- The Institute held art shows once or twice a year. These shows displayed paintings, statues, and crafts made by people from Essex County.
- They also had exhibitions for gardening (horticulture) and farming (agriculture).
Field Trips and Special Speakers
- During the summer, the Institute organized "field meetings" in different parts of Essex County.
- On these trips, people learned about the local history, plants, and geology of the area.
- Famous scientists or historians would often come to speak about special topics.
Historic Homes to Visit
By the 1930s, the Essex Institute owned two beautiful old houses in Salem. These homes were designed by a famous architect named Samuel McIntire.
- The Peirce-Nichols House was built in 1782.
- The Gardner-Pingree House was built in 1804.
Both of these historic houses were open for the public to visit and explore.
Images for kids
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Plummer Hall, a building used by the Institute in the 19th century
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East India Marine Hall, where science collections were kept
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Another view of the Essex Institute, around 1900-1910
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The Essex Institute building, early 20th century
See also
- Peabody Essex Museum, the museum that formed after the Essex Institute merged with another in 1992.
