Explore the Legacy of the United Shoe Machinery Corporation in Beverly
The United Shoe Machinery Corporation, better known locally as the USMC, was the largest and most influential company ever to establish itself in Beverly. Formed in 1899 through the merger of several “non-competing” companies, the USMC quickly grew into a global force in shoe manufacturing, innovation, and patent control.
While the corporation’s executive offices remained in Boston, its very first factory rose right here in Beverly, on the site where the Cummings Center stands today. At its height, the Beverly plant employed thousands of workers, many from families who spent generations with the company. For decades, the USMC shaped the economic, social, and cultural landscape of Beverly and the North Shore.
At its peak, the United Shoe leased and serviced machinery to upwards of 95% of shoe manufacturers across the globe, operating factories in North and South America and throughout Europe. Few companies have left such an enduring impact on both industry and community.
Discover the fascinating story of Beverly’s industrial giant. Walk the grounds where thousands once worked, learn how the company shaped modern manufacturing, and explore the legacy that remains woven into the fabric of our city today. Step into Beverly’s industrial past—and see how the United Shoe helped shape the world
Join us for Part 1 of a 3 part series of walking tours of the United Shoe Machinery Corporation and take a deep dive into 100 years of industrial history in Beverly!
$5 HB members/$10 non-members
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