It’s worth saying plainly: The New England Sketch Book is without a doubt my favorite shop in not just in Newburyport, but all of New England. It is a small art gallery located on Ferry Warf in Newburyport, right by Market Square. There you can find imprints of gravestones dating back to the 1600’s, small miniature replicas of buildings like Old North Church and Crane Estate, and huge, beautiful charcoal and tar paintings.
Every visit feels a little different, whether it’s noticing a new piece on the wall, finding an object tied to a lesser-known corner of New England history, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a space that feels genuinely lived in. There’s a sense that the shop was built by someone who understands both art and people, and that combination is rare. The space rejects the usual cold, formal tone of a traditional gallery. The owner, Corey, set out to create a space that welcomed everyone, not just seasoned collectors or art insiders. Visitors are encouraged to browse, ask questions, and connect with the work naturally. Nothing about the space feels off-limits.
Corey’s background setting up retail layouts at Newbury Comics played a huge role in achieving this balance. That experience shaped how the shop flows, how pieces are grouped, and how the space subtly guides visitors without overwhelming them. Displays feel curated but relaxed, inviting curiosity rather than caution. The result is a gallery that feels human, comfortable, and alive.
Because the gallery never feels intimidating, it invites repeat visits. You don’t feel rushed, judged, or out of place for lingering. It’s the kind of shop you bring friends to when you want to show them something uniquely local, something that feels rooted, thoughtful, and distinctly New England.
An Art Gallery Deeply Tied to New England History
At its heart, The New England Sketch Book is a love letter to New England. Located on Ferry Wharf in the historic downtown of Newburyport, the gallery sits surrounded by centuries of maritime history, and everything inside reflects that same sense of place.
The artwork and objects sold here are directly connected to New England’s past. You’ll find detailed architectural sketches, historical illustrations, prints, and artifacts that document real locations and moments. Some pieces preserve buildings and scenes that still exist today, while others capture places that have disappeared but remain important to the region’s story. One of my favorite pieces are a set of fountain pens made from the wood of the original Ferry Warf.
This isn’t generic “New England–style” décor. It’s work is all locally made and every piece feels intentional, as if it’s quietly asking the viewer to remember where they came from or to learn something new about the region they’re standing in.
One of the most compelling contributors you’ll find in the shop is The Gravestone Girls, a company based out of Worcester. Their work focuses on preserving early New England history through detailed imprints of old gravestones, many of which date back centuries.
Using traditional rubbing and imprint techniques, The Gravestone Girls capture the typography, symbols, and hand-carved details found on historic headstones across New England cemeteries. The resulting prints are both haunting and beautiful. they serve as part artwork, part historical record. Winged skulls, willows, cherubs, and early lettering styles appear exactly as they were carved, preserving the craftsmanship of early stonecutters.
So, if you ever find yourself in the historic downtown of Newburyport Massachusetts, cut out 20 minutes of your day and go visit this little shop on the warf.