Powder House Park & Learning Center

The spotlight continues to shine on our city’s restored 1822 Powder House. Powder House Park & Learning Center, located on Godfrey’s Hill at  57 Low Street, Newburyport, opened in fall 2012 after nine years of planning, research, and restoration — all supported by grants and generous donations. In 2013 NPT’s efforts to preserve the long-neglected structure — co-led by Tom Kolterjahn and Karen Holt — were recognized nationally with an Award of Merit from the American Association for State & Local History (AASLH). Since then, school group visits, Yankee Homecoming open house days, and Essex Heritage Trails & Sails events have introduced thousands of visitors to history and preservation at the Powder House.

Although restoration of the building is complete, work has continued on the grounds, including (1) durable interpretive panels that tell the story of the Powder House, (2) a detailed survey of the original cobblestone wagon path, and (3) the finishing touches of park landscaping. The Powder House serves Newburyport as a park and learning center for the edification of all, so the public is welcome to visit and stroll the park and read the interpretive panels during daylight hours between May and October.

The park is open May through October to walk around the outside of the Powder House. Open house events where you can tour the inside are held during Preservation Month in May and Newburyport Yankee Homecoming in July.

To arrange a school group visit to the Powder House in the spring or fall, contact Tom Kolterjahn at 978-462-8081.

You can help the Powder House Park & Learning Center continue its service to the public by donating either money or some of your time and skill. Send a check to NPT Powder House Fund, P. O. Box 184, Newburyport, MA 01950, use our on-line donation form, or contact co-chairs Tom Kolterjahn at 978-462-8081,or Karen Holt at 978-888-8775.