Beverly Homecoming History

Since 1902

Homecoming Timeline

From the first Old Home Week to Beverly’s 400th birthday, here’s how a summer tradition grew into one of the North Shore’s favorite celebrations.

years since the first Old Home Week

Beverly Homecoming in 2026

activities in a single week

days of celebration for the 400th

Old Home Week

A New Tradition

Recent Milestones

2026 · 400th

Old Home Week1902 – 1958

1902

The first Old Home Week celebration is held in Beverly.

Old Home Week, Beverly, 1902

Downtown Beverly decked out for the first Old Home Week, 1902. Courtesy of Historic Beverly.

1958

The final Old Home Week takes place, marking the end of the original tradition.

A New Tradition Begins1965 – 1996

1965

Inspired by Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming, a group of members from the Beverly Chamber of Commerce form a subcommittee called Beverly Homecoming. Planning for a new summer celebration begins.

1966

A big year

The first Beverly Homecoming is celebrated, led by its first Chair, Edward J. Bushey Jr.

The first Lobster Festival is held, chaired by Nick Tilas, with Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge as keynote speaker.

Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, 1966

Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, 1966. National Archives, LBJ Library (public domain).

1978

Beverly Homecoming grows to include 26 events throughout the week.

1980

The Beverly Chamber of Commerce ends its financial support; Beverly Homecoming becomes an independent group.

1996

The event expands to feature over 50 activities during the week.

Recent Milestones2019 – 2025

2019

Award winner

Beverly Homecoming is named “Best Annual Event” by The Salem News.

Beverly Homecoming representative holding the Salem News Best Annual Event plaque

2019 Best Annual Event award

Accepting the “Best Annual Event” award.

Group photo of the 2019 Salem News Best of the North Shore honorees holding their plaques

2019 Best of honorees

Beverly Homecoming among the 2019 honorees.

2020

Amid COVID-19 restrictions, the committee reimagines Homecoming with a traveling “PorchFest,” bringing entertainment directly to residents with help from Kim Cross of Cross Towing and local band Rule of 3.

PorchFest 2020 – Cross Towing truck

Rule of 3 performs from a Cross Towing truck.

Rule of 3 band members waving from the back of the truck with a Beverly Homecoming Honors Our Hometown Heroes sign

PorchFest 2020 – Rule of 3

Bringing the music to the neighborhoods.

Photos: Creative Collective.

2021

Beverly Homecoming is honored by the Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce during its “Celebrate the Inspiring Stories and Heroes of 2020” event.

Beverly Homecoming committee members holding their recognition certificate at the Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce event

2021 Chamber recognition

Beverly Homecoming committee members accept the Chamber’s recognition.

2024

First Hometown Hero

Beverly Homecoming presents the organization’s first-ever Hometown Hero Award in honor of beloved local resident Ed Armstrong. The award was given posthumously, celebrating Ed’s legacy and impact.