Join 1623 Studios for the premiere of the newest installment of its award-winning Timeline: Cape Ann documentary series, The Rockport Murder Mysteries. Based on the book Murder in Rockport, Massachusetts: Terror in a Small Town by Robert Fitzgibbon and Wayne Soini, the film explores one of Cape Ann’s most haunting unsolved crimes.

On May 21, 1932, Rockport tailor Arthur Oker was brutally murdered in his shop, shocking the quiet seaside community. Little more than a year later, another Rockport resident, Augusta Johnson, was murdered in her home. The two crimes sparked an extensive investigation that included searches throughout the town, thousands of interviews, and countless leads. Yet despite the extraordinary effort to find answers, both murders remain unsolved more than 90 years later.

Produced by 1623 Studios, The Rockport Murder Mysteries brings this fascinating chapter of local history to life through archival photographs and extensive historical research, revisiting the crimes that shook the Rockport community more than 90 years ago.

Following the screening, stay for a conversation with 1623 Studios producer Kory Curcuru and authors Robert Fitzgibbon and Wayne Soini, as they discuss the history behind the murders, the research that informed the book and documentary, and the process of bringing this remarkable local story to the screen.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit 1623 Studios and help support its mission to provide community media, local programming, and opportunities for people across Cape Ann to share their stories.

Program Length: Approximately 85 minutes, followed by a post-screening discussion. There will be no intermission.