Port Preserved: How Newburyport was Saved from the Federal Bulldozer - A Walking Tour with John Macone

In the 1960’s, 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 tours leave from the Custom House Maritime Museum at 25 Water Street in Newburyport. Rain dates are the following Friday. Tickets are $10 for CHMM members and $20 for non-members.