Pamela Wilkinson Fox, preservation consultant and author of the new book North Shore Boston: Country Houses of Essex County, 1865-1930, will present a lecture and slide presentation on Saturday, October 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cape Ann Historical Museum. The author will discuss the social context which led to the establishment of country houses on the North Shore, as well as the history and architecture of particular houses and what has happened to them over the years. There will be an emphasis on Cape Ann houses such as Beauport, the House and Gallery-on-the-Moors, Hammond Castle, Stillington Hall, Bretanahl House, Stone Acre, and Druimteac with historic photographs, floor plans, and biographies of the owners and architects. North Shore Boston: Country Houses of Essex County, 1865-1930 will be available for sale through the Museum shop. The author will sign books following the program. The program is co-sponsored by Historic New England (SPNEA) and is free and open to the public.

The Cape Ann Historical Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in Gloucester. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Museum is closed during the month of February, on Mondays and on major holidays. Admission is $6.50 adults, $6.00 seniors, $4.50 students, children under 6 and Museum members are free. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. For more information, (978) 283-0455 or www.capeannhistoricalmuseum.org.