Walking Tour: History of Downtown Newburyport’s Urban Renewal

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John Macone

In the 1960s, Newburyport’s downtown was in crisis. After years of decay, economic depression and abandonment, a radical change was needed to revive the struggling city. Urban renewal – demolishing the old downtown and replacing it with a sprawling shopping center and spacious gas stations – was seen as the answer. Why didn’t it happen? This walking tour tells the remarkable and inspiring story of how Newburyporters fought against the bulldozing of their historic downtown and saved it for future generations to cherish. The tour is presented by John Macone, former editor of the Newburyport Daily News and the editor and contributing writer of the book “Port in Progress,” a 2007 publication that chronicles Newburyport’s redevelopment. The book was republished in spring 2026.

Class is FULL. Click Here to be added to the waitlist.

Friday, October 16, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Participants will meet in Market Square, downtown Newburyport. The tour is approximately 1.5 hours long and requires walking 2 miles on sidewalks. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Age 15+. Cost: $35. Limit 20. Rain Date: Friday, October 23.

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Walking Tour: History of Downtown Newburyport’s Urban Renewal

Greater Newburyport Adult & Community Education (GNACE) is a completely self-sustaining program that is funded primarily from class fees, grants, and private donations. While we operate under the auspices of the Newburyport Public School System, GNACE receives no public funding from the City of Newburyport or school system. Show your support for lifelong learning by making a tax-deductible donation to ensure that we can continue to offer valuable educational programs that our community has come to rely on.

Contact Patty St. John at 978-992-8060 or pstjohn@newburyport.k12.ma.us for more information.

  • People just like YOU! Now’s the perfect time to… learn a new language, explore the natural world, paint a landscape, make jewelry, research your family tree, get your body moving.
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