Wenham, Massachusetts

Wenham, Massachusetts
The Wenham Town Hall on Route 1A
The Wenham Town Hall on Route 1A
Official seal of Wenham, Massachusetts
Location in Essex County and the state of Massachusetts.
Location in Essex County and the state of Massachusetts.
Coordinates: 42°36′15.15″N 70°53′12.58″W / 42.6042083°N 70.8868278°W / 42.6042083; -70.8868278
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyEssex
Settled1635
Incorporated1643
Government
 • TypeOpen Town Meeting
 • Town AdministratorAnthony M. Ansaldi Jr.
 • Board of SelectmenChairman Jack Wilhelm
Vice Chairman John Clemenzi
Clerk Catherine Harrison
 • Police ChiefThomas Perkins
 • Fire ChiefStephen B. Kavanagh
Area
 • Total8.1 sq mi (21.1 km2)
 • Land7.6 sq mi (19.8 km2)
 • Water0.5 sq mi (1.2 km2)
Elevation
105 ft (32 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total4,979
 • Density610/sq mi (240/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
01984
Area code351 / 978
FIPS code25-74595
GNIS feature ID0619455
WebsiteTown of Wenham, MA, Official Web Site

Wenham (/ˈwɛnəm/) is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts. The population was 4,979 at the time of the 2020 census.[1]

The town of Wenham was settled in 1635 and incorporated in 1643. It has retained much of its historic character and rural scenery. It is a town of many open views of farm lands, lakes, woodlands, historic homes, and old stone walls that accompany its winding tree-lined roads. It features nearly 300 acres (120 ha) of parks, playgrounds, and recreational lands.[2]

Wenham is closely tied to its neighboring town of Hamilton, sharing a school system, library, recreation department, commuter rail station, and newspaper. In 2010, the community of Hamilton-Wenham was listed among the "Best Places to Live" by Boston magazine.[3]

  1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Wenham town, Essex County, Massachusetts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  2. ^ "About Wenham". Town of Wenham, MA. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  3. ^ Katherine Bowers (April 21, 2010). "Best Places To Live 2010: North Shore". Boston Magazine.