Annisquam Sewing Circle Est. 1837

The Annisquam Sewing Circle was begun in 1837 as the Annisquam Female Benevolent Society. It is thought to be the oldest continuous independent society of women on Cape Ann.

The Society's purpose as stated in its Preamble, was "for the performance of acts of benevolence." Through the years, the Society, and now the Circle, has contributed generously to community programs and to individuals.

The Annual Christmas Fair & Luncheon and the Annual Plant and Gourmet Food Sale raise funds to support scholarships for graduating seniors who are going on to college or training for a trade, and projects on Cape Ann, for example: 

• The Open Door Food Pantry
• Backyard Growers
• Cape Ann Animal Aid
• Pathways for Children/Cape Ann Families  
• Annisquam Village Church
• Annisquam Village Hall
• Wellspring
• Cape Ann Symphony Youth Outreach Initiative
• Cape Ann Museum Elderly Program
• Gloucester Education Foundation
• Haiti Projects/Sarah Hackett
• and other organizations, as the need arises