Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Roger Williams – Minister, Merchant, Magistrate

Introducing the national and regional recipients of the 2014 Freeman Tilden Awards, given in recognition of new and innovative programs in interpretation.

Few employees have left as visible a mark on National Park Service (NPS) exhibits as John A. Segeren. His work has been enjoyed by generations of park visitors who never knew his name but appreciated his intricate wood carvings and playful animal figures displayed in parks throughout the system. A master woodcarver described by former President Lyndon B. Johnson as "a legacy to this country," Segeren carved out his own place in NPS history.

The rich history of Black people, cultures, and communities in Essex County, Massachusetts, runs deep. This history is embedded in the cultural landscape, from cemeteries like the one at South Church in Andover where Pompey Lovejoy rests to renamed memorial parks such as Remond Park in Salem. Learn more from this completed report.

Make the journey from salt to freshwater to learn about anadromous fish! This article is a source for information about anadromous fish in the Saugus River. Details include a myriad of species that are born in freshwater estuaries, live their lives in the ocean, and return to freshwater to spawn. Anadromous fish range in size from an average of 10 inches in one species, to 50 inches in another, can be found in the waters tied to the Saugus Iron Works.

With well over 100 citizen-science based apps now available for smartphones, there is no lack of opportunity for people of all ages and affectations to significantly add to the collective knowledge base about many aspects of the natural world. The phrase “there is an app for that” has perhaps never been more true for natural resource monitoring.

Learn from Emily Murphy, Museum Curator, about the significance of the I Cast Iron Because... art series and the history of iron casting at the site.

In honor of Latino Conservation Week, Maryana Carreón reflects on the Punto Urban Art Museum, located within the historic Salem neighborhood, El Punto. Carreón comes to the National Parks from the Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) and Environment for the Americas.

Two of the most impressive pieces of iron work in our collections are two firebacks that were made at Saugus Iron Works in the 17th century. Firebacks, also called “iron backs” or “cast backs” in the 17th century, were designed to sit against the back of a fireplace and protect the bricks from the direct heat of the fire. They would also reflect some of the heat back into the room.