The Essex Shipbuilding Museum was founded in 1976 by the Essex Historical Society. It is housed in the former Essex Central School House, built in 1835, and located in the center of Essex.

A collection of 20 ship models, on loan from The Smithsonian Institution's Watercraft Collection are on display.

Located in the heart of Essex, Massachusetts, the Museum is adjacent to an acre of land set aside in 1668 “for a yard to build vessels and employing workmen for this end” and is integral to the town's historic character, scenic vista and central river basin.  Features include antique shipbuilding tools, photographs, documents, and exhibits portraying the shipbuilding industry.  Tours include video presentations and hands-on activities.  A gift shop offers ship plans, maritime books, and other nautical memorabilia.

The Orientation Center
This former Story residence contains a diorama of the Story shipyard, admissions, video theater, gift shop, and Museum offices.

The LEWIS H. STORY
In 1998, the Museum commissioned the construction of the LEWIS H. STORY.  This recreation of the Chebacco, a precursor to the grand fishing schooners, serves as the museum's flagship and roving "ambassador."

The Essex River & Basin
Whether exploring diversity in the marsh, interpreting the change in the river basin over the centuries, or rowing one of the Museum's small craft, the river is the historic focal point for the town and key to its heritage.

Essex is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, 26 miles north of Boston. Essex was incorporated as a town in 1819. It was previously a part of the town of Ipswich and was then called Chebacco Parish. The first European settlers arrived in 1634. At that time, the land formed part of an area inhabited by Native Americans of the Agawam tribe. The name Chebacco is Agawam in origin and refers to a large lake whose waters extend into neighboring Hamilton. Conomo Point, the eastern-most part of the town, is named for the Sagamore or Chief of the Agawams, Masconomo, the leader of the tribe in the late 17th century.  Wikipedia