Walking Tour: History of Downtown Newburyport’s Urban Renewal

Description

John Macone

IF CLASS IS MARKED FULL CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST.

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 is being republished in spring 2026.

Friday, May 22, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. This is a 2 mile walk,
approximately 1.5 hours long. Participants will meet in
Market Square, downtown Newburyport. Age 15+.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Cost: $35*. Class Limit: 20.
RAIN DATE: Friday, May 29.

* There are no refunds or credits for walking tours. Please see refund policy.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

$35.00

CLOSED!

Category

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.
  • Those are just a few of the nearly 200 exciting classes offered by GNACE each year.
  • Browse our catalog and try something new!
  • Anyone in the Greater Newburyport community and beyond is welcome to take classes or be an instructor.
  • Most classes are available to teens 15 years and older.

We understand life happens and scheduled plans can unexpectedly change; however, we do maintain a standard refund policy.
If a class is cancelled, a refund or voucher will be given.

  1. Refunds are not given on the day class begins, after a class begins or if you’ve taken at least one of the classes.
  2. If notice of class withdrawal is made within three (3) days prior to the class start date, there is no refund.
  3. In order to receive a refund or class voucher, students must give notice of withdrawal at least 4 days prior to class start date.
  4. SNOW/RAIN DATES: If you are unable to attend the alternate inclement weather date as listed in class description, refunds or credits will not be provided.
  5. If you choose a voucher, it may be used anytime for any class and has no expiration date.
  6. WALKING TOURS: No refunds or credits will be issued for Walking Tours if you are unable to attend or do not show up. Some tours take place rain or shine. If a rain date is scheduled, please make sure you are available to attend and plan accordingly. Walks will still proceed in light rain. In cases of severe weather, you will be notified as soon as possible that the walk has been rescheduled to the designated rain date. GNACE reserves the right to make the final decision.
  • If, for any reason, the Newburyport schools are closed or cancelled (ie. inclement weather)… GNACE classes will also be cancelled.
  • Check the Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (978) 992-8060 for class cancellation updates.
  • If a class is canceled, a make-up day will be coordinated with the instructor and students.
  • We do not send registration confirmations. We only contact you if your class is cancelled or full.
  • Download Our Registration Form for Offline/Mail-In Registration.
  1. Your instructor will email you the link within 1-week of class start date.
  2. To participate you need only basic computer skills and a strong internet connection.
  3. You will need to download Zoom onto your computer HERE. And to test your system, Zoom offers a test site HERE.
  4. Here are some instructions on how-to join a meeting with special instructions for Mac and Windows computers.
  5. Please email us and someone will get back to you to discuss the details.
  6. Lastly, we have compiled some guidelines for STUDENTS & INSTRUCTORS.