Saugus Iron Works
National Historic Site
Saugus Iron Works
National Historic Site
This is the site of the first integrated ironworks in North America, 1646-68. It includes the reconstructed blast furnace, forge, rolling mill, and a restored seventeenth century house.
With the archeological site of the seventeenth-century iron-making plant, the museum collection, the seventeenth-century Iron Works House, and the reconstructed iron works complex, Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site illustrates the critical role of iron making to seventeenth-century settlement and its legacy in shaping the early history of the nation. The site's enclave setting on the Saugus River, featuring an open-air museum with working waterwheels, evokes a unique experience for park visitors. These resources demonstrate seventeenth-century engineering and design methods, iron-making technology and operations, local and overseas trade, and life and work in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The original manufacturing site served as a training ground for skilled iron workers for what would become America's iron and steel industry. Iron making provided the infrastructure for the rise of other colonial industries. Called, "the forerunner of America's industrial giants," the site served as a center for technology, innovation and invention. The site interprets early industrial manufacturing, with its enduring social, political and environmental ramifications.
VISITATION:
Highest in May, June, July, and August; lowest in January
LOCATION:
The park is located in Eastern Massachusetts twenty minutes south
of Salem and twenty minutes north of Boston.
ADDRESS:
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
244 Central Street
Saugus, Massachusetts 01906
TELEPHONE:
781-233-0050
fax: 781-231-9012
OPERATING HOURS:
April 1 through June 30 daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m.
July 1 through August 31, daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
September 1 through October 31, daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m.
November 1- March 31, daily, 9:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Summers are warm and occasionally humid with an average
temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cold, with snow
possible between December and March. Layered clothing is
recommended in spring and fall. Comfortable shoes are recommended
at all times of the year.
DIRECTIONS:
From Interstate 95 northbound or southbound take the Walnut
Street exit, number 43. Drive east towards Lynn and follow the
brown National Park Service signs for 3.5 miles to the Iron
Works.
From Route 1 northbound take Main Street Saugus exit and follow the National Park Service signs east through Saugus Center to the Iron Works.
From Route 1 southbound take the Walnut Street exit (East) and follow the National Park Service signs 1.5 miles to the Iron Works.
TRANSPORTATION:
Public bus service (#430) runs daily except Sundays from the
Malden subway station (Orange Line).
Bicycles and personal vehicles.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
There are no admission costs or parking fees to enjoy this site.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/ Exhibits: The museum contains seventeenth-century
artifacts found during the archaeological excavations from
1948-1953. A ten-minute slide show introduces the visitor to the
Iron Works story.
The Iron Works House has authentic and reproduction seventeenth-century furnishings and exhibits on 17th century construction and architecture.
Educational Opportunities:
This park is featured in a lesson plan
created by Teaching
with Historic Places, a program of the National Park Service
that helps teachers and students understand how parks and other
historic places embody America's historical experiences and
cultural expressions.
Educational programs and tours are available throughout the year. Reservations are required. Off-site programs and demonstrations can be arranged.
Trails, Roadways:
The Nature Trail, designated a National Recreation Trail, follows
the east bank of the Saugus River through marsh and woodland. The
total length of the trail is ½ mile.
Programs, Activities:
Regularly scheduled ranger-guided tours are available seasonally.
Tours include active water wheels and machinery and a
blacksmithing demonstration.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
Hotels and motels are within five minutes of the park. Camping
facilities are available within thirty minutes of the park.
Food, Supplies:
Restaurants, convenience stores, and fuel are all within five
minutes.
Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
An Eastern National book store is
located at the visitor center. Over fifty titles are for sale on
subjects related to iron making, blacksmithing, early colonial
history and culture, early architecture and more. Official Park
Service publications, maps, and books are also available. The
shop also offers many books for young readers about the Iron
Works and related themes. Children’s toys and games,
reproduction glassware, pottery, and cast iron products are also
available.
Accessibility:
The museum and the historic house are wheelchair accessible; the
industrial site can be visited with the site's golf cart.
Handicap parking spaces are located at the park entrance.
Special Needs:
Tours for special needs groups and individuals are available with
reservations.
Current Maintenace Projects:
Upkeep of the grounds, historic structures, museum, and restrooms
are the job of the maintenance branch. In addition, maintaining
seven functioning water wheels and their associated machinery
requires diverse woodworking and mechanical skills. This page is
to keep you informed of current maintenance work.
Park Operations:
Annual Performance Plan , Volunteer Opportunities
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Visit the museum and view the slide show. See the historic house,
and join a guided tour and demonstration. Walk the Nature Trail
along the river.
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations for school groups and other groups should be made at
least three weeks prior to your visit. One month's notice is
required for Special Use Permits. Film and photography permits
can be arranged on an individual basis. For more information,
please call (781) 233-0050.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Two hours should be allowed to visit the museum, the historic
house, and the guided tour. Wear weather appropriate clothing and
comfortable walking shoes.
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:
During July there are community sponsored evening concerts.
Town events include Founder's Day in September and Hammersmith
Christmas stroll in December. Call for more up to date
information.
VISITOR IMPACTS:
Call for up-to-date information regarding severe weather-related
closures.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Many National Park Service and private sites are located in
Eastern Massachusetts. The park is a satellite visitor center for
the Essex National
Heritage Area.
Nearby National Park Service sites include:
Adams National Historic Site (Quincy)
Boston African-American National Historic Site
(Boston)
Boston National Historical Park (Boston)
Frederic Law Olmstead National Historic Site
(Brookline)
John F. Kennedy Birthplace National
Historic Site (Brookline)
Longfellow National Historic Site (Cambridge)
Lowell National Historical Park (Lowell)
Minute Man National Historical Park (Concord)
Salem Maritime National Historic Site (Salem)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please write to:
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
244 Central Street
Saugus, Massachusetts 01906
or call :
(781)233-0050