The Museum’s Board invites you to read its concise, informative report outlining the goals and objectives that will guide the organization over the next three years, culminating in the opening of our newly acquired Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen and Slave Quarters.
The Museum’s Board invites you to read its concise, informative report outlining the three goals and objectives that will guide the organization over the next three years, culminating in the 2018 celebration of the Jeremiah Lee Mansion’s 250th anniversary.
Appendix A contains results of the online questionnaire.
Marblehead Museum Strategic Planning 2016–2019
The Museum’s current strategic planning includes three goals geared towards creating dynamic programming, revitalizing its three sites, and fostering stronger connections around the North Shore to build greater financial support.
In 2018, these goals also create the framework to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Museum’s world-renowned Jeremiah Lee Mansion.
Marblehead Museum carries on the traditions of preserving the past and planning for the future that started in 1898 years ago when…
…in 1898, a group of farsighted trustees of the Abbot Public Library recognized the need to collect and preserve materials relating to Marblehead and its citizens. To accomplish this, they formed a new organization that would be continually fostered by a large and active membership: they named it the Marblehead Historical Society.
1. A Jewel Saved
The 1879 publication of The History and Traditions of Marblehead by Samuel Roads, Jr., served to reinforce how the town’s history and heritage had long inspired pride in its history. Thirty years later, the same sense of pride and preservation finally rallied to save the Mansion, an imposing 1768 Lee Mansion, from a fate of being razed.
The Mansion was ultimately purchased and donated to the Historical Society, thus beginning the Museum’s stewardship of a recognized American’s finest surviving example of colonial Georgian architecture.
A vintage postcard of the Mansion, c.1940
The Jeremiah Lee Mansion is recognized as America’s finest surviving example of colonial Georgian architecture.
2. A Civil War Time Capsule
In 1865, Civil War veterans returned home to the bitter sweetness of peace and turned to rebuilding their own Marblehead. They formed the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Post 82, and named it in honor of Captain James J. Goodwin, who had died in the war. The group met regularly for more than sixty years, preserving their memories and mementos of service to the Union. Now, 82 remains, deeded to the Marblehead Historical Society, became the Museum’s newest site in 2013, and the G.A.R. Meeting Room is one of only two left in New England.
Marblehead Museum’s G.A.R. Room restored to its 1914 meeting in 1934.
3. Frost: His Own Gallery
Museum founder, the Historical Society of Marblehead, also collected works by noted artists of the town, including Frank W. Benson and Philip Little. One of the most recognized of all was John F. Frost, an accomplished painter and etcher, and a Marblehead resident from 1910 to 1937. Frost’s artwork was shown in the J.O.J. Frost Gallery, named for the Carolyn Lynch Education Center.
J.O.J. Frost holding one of his paintings, c.1922
Land Acknowledgement We recognize that this land was home to the Naumkeag band of the Massachusett/Pawtucket Tribes. The Marblehead Museum is committed to incorporating the study and dissemination of this land’s Native History into its mission.
What is a Land Acknowledgement and Why is it Important? Click HERE. Read our complete Land Acknowledgment HERE.
Get a sneak peak at our three sites!
Photo credits: Rick Ashley, Jeff Dykes, Marcia Hunkins, Lisa Indelicato
MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM
170 Washington St.
Marblehead, MA 01945
phone : 781-631-1768
info@marbleheadmuseum.org
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