Yankee Homecoming 2020: If This House Could Talk

The Pink House has again been included as part of Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming event, “If This House Could Talk” (Pandemic Version). This is the Fifth Annual event, which takes place this year from July 26th to August 2nd.

The idea is for houses around the Newburyport, MA area to hang signs explaining or illustrating their unique story... which then creates a fantastic reason for neighbors, families and visitors to enjoy a healthy walk in the fresh air, discovering new neighborhoods and learning about the history of this area through it's unique homes. 

It is sponsored by the Newburyport Preservation Trust and the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center. This year's super Pink House poster was created by Kelly Kieslich Page, an artist, photographer, social media marketer and Board Member of Support the Pink House Inc., and it has a lot of great information about this regional icon. 

WalkNewburyport.Com also has a map of the participating homes and stories of the last five years. They state a nice list of what's different this year:
    •    Acclaimed local photographer Bob Watts will be roaming around taking pictures of the sign and the house, for inclusion in a “coffee table” gift book for the holidays. All proceeds go to the Preservation Trust. No one is making any profit here – it’s all for Newburyport – thanks to all the volunteers and participants!
    •    On the map we are including about a dozen “historical signs” or street scenes like the one below. Check them out. We looked for pictures where we could post them on the exact same spot they were taken!
    •    Paper lists will be made available at the library starting Monday; you can also download them here on this website. Watch for the post over the weekend.
    •    The map will also include homes with official Newburyport Preservation Trust plaques – add that to your walk!

So walk, run, bike or drive to learn the history of The Pink House, located at 60 Plum Island Turnpike in Newbury. The most scenic route is to take Water Street out of downtown, along the Merrimack River. 

Please do adhere to ‘No Parking’ signs along the Plum Island Turnpike as you and respect that there's ‘No Trespassing’ on the property, and practice social distancing and wearing masks. Thank you!  

Written by Rochelle Joseph