The information below provides additional history about one of the sixteen points of interest along the tour. Visit Essex, Massachusetts and enjoy our self-guided tour to learn more about each historic Essex location on the interpretive signs.
ESSEX SHIPBUILDING MUSEUM
![Lewis H. Story built by Harold A. Burnham in Essex, Massachusetts](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1c087d_9f2e9ebe59334fcf8874484d5ed31e4c.jpg/v1/fill/w_347,h_256,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1c087d_9f2e9ebe59334fcf8874484d5ed31e4c.jpg)
THE LEWIS H. STORY
1998
Essex Shipbuilding Museum commissioned the construction of the Lewis H. Story by Harold A. Burnham. Burnham used volunteer help and donated materials to create this 10 ton representation of a period Chebacco boat, a precursor to the grand fishing schooners, that serves as the museum's flagship and roving “ambassador”.
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Photo: Len Burgess
![Essex shipyards in 1947, Essex, Massachusetts](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1c087d_85575b6033724d9eab0b433525e73b72.png/v1/fill/w_347,h_271,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1c087d_85575b6033724d9eab0b433525e73b72.png)
AERIAL VIEW OF A FEW ESSEX SHIPYARDS
1947
The scale of the nearly 4,000 wooden vessels built in Essex over a span of 300 years can be appreciated in this aerial view. Far left is the “Great Bridge”, and the vessels under construction occupy what is now Town Landing, the Essex Shipbuilding Museum and the Harold A. Burnham shipyard set beside the creek.
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![Arthur D. Story Shipyard in 1946, Essex, Massachusetts](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1c087d_7662b88e5f3f495a94702ef5d44ca884.jpg/v1/fill/w_347,h_269,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1c087d_7662b88e5f3f495a94702ef5d44ca884.jpg)
ARTHUR D. STORY SHIPYARD
1946
Shipbuilder, Dana Story stands with his foreman, Albert Doucette (to his left) in front of the stem of St. Nicholas. To the right is Benjamin C., Famiglia II and the keel of Kingfisher. This former shipyard is now the site of the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. The old Ford crane truck was used to move material around the shipyard. It is still used on occasion at the museum’s yard today.
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