Showcasing Gloucester’s Freeman Family Legacy & Wellspring’s Social Justice Mission

In 1826, the Freeman family came to live at the property where Wellspring is headquartered today. We are uncovering their untold family stories and achievements. Tied to Wellspring’s social justice mission, current students will be sharing their own success stories of overcoming barriers to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

By celebrating all stories of success – especially those yet to be discovered – we fully empower our whole community to reach their potential.

Weekend Event Details:

Sponsors and supporters are invited to the Opening Celebration of the Freeman Family Exhibit “History Lives Here” at Wellspring’s historic home and to share in the achievements of current Wellspring students. Enjoy music from the 1890s – 1930s, the Freeman-era performed by The Blackburn Stompers, an early jazz era combo by members of the Cape Ann Big Band, and delicious light fare by Timothy S. Hopkins Catering.

Opening Celebration Tickets

Host: $1,000 ($740 tax-deductible) | 4 Tickets
Supporter: $500 ($370 tax-deductible) | 2 Tickets
Individual: $125 ($60 tax-deductible) | 1 Ticket

Parking is available at the Gloucester Water Treatment Plant adjacent to Wellspring and by shuttle at nearby West Parish School. Some reserved parking will be available as part of HOST level tickets. Accessible parking will be located at Wellspring’s front parking lot.

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. 

With Gratitude to Our Event Sponsors

COURAGE SPONSOR

RESILIENCY SPONSORS

DETERMINATION SPONSORS

STRENGTH SPONSORS

HOST SPONSORS

BEVERAGE SPONSORS

The Freeman Family Exhibit is made possible through grant funding by: