A historic site with a rich history dating back to the early days of European settlement in North America, Stage Fort Park derives its name from the fishing stages that were set up on this land by the area's first settlers in 1623. These stages were platforms used for drying fish, a critical part of the fishing industry during that era. The area was first fortified in 1635,
providing the “fort” aspect of its name. This fortification, known as the Stage Fort, was garrisoned intermittently from then until the Spanish–American War in 1898, serving as a crucial defense point for the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Herb Pomeroy, a superb jazz trumpeter and educator from Gloucester, played regularly in the city and at Stage Fort Park. Today, music continues to thrive in Gloucester, with live performances happening every night at various venues, offering a diverse range of tastes and styles. It's not uncommon for guest artists to join in on a few songs, adding to the excitement. During the summer, Stage Fort Park hosts free concerts, and in 2019, radio station 92.5 The River organized “Riverfest,” a free concert featuring contemporary popular artists.

In 1629, the descriptions recited here paint a vivid picture of a world abundant with resources that are almost beyond belief. The text, written by David Rhinelander and Lise Breen, features vintage postcards courtesy of David Cox and is narrated by Marie Demick, accompanied by music by C. King. These excerpts are taken from The Rev. Francis Higginson's work, “New-England's Plantation. or, A Short and True Description of New England,” published in 1630. Higginson, the first minister of Naumkeag (soon to be Salem), provides a valuable account of his observations during that time.

“The French Explorer's Map, 1606” highlights Samuel de Champlain, a versatile French figure who made a lasting impact on Canadian history. With a wide range of roles and skills, including colonist, navigator, cartographer, soldier, explorer, geographer, ethnologist, diplomat, and chronicler, Champlain's adventurous spirit and expertise shaped his remarkable journey. Through numerous Atlantic voyages, he played a crucial role in establishing New France and Quebec City on July 3, 1608. Notably, his explorations led to the creation of the first accurate coastal map, demonstrating his exceptional cartographic abilities.

The Gran Prix of Gloucester is a prestigious event in cyclocross, featuring two days of high-level races. Competitors from the United States, Canada, and Europe come together to participate in this international competition. Known for its stunning race course, the Gran Prix of Gloucester is considered one of the most beautiful in North America.