The Marblehead Museum Archives and Collections contain over 60,000 individual items. The Archives are a treasure trove of personal papers, books, journals, genealogical materials, building histories, and over 20,000 photographs. Collection highlights include the Ashley Bowen Collection of journals and watercolor images of maritime and town events, as well as documents related to the 18th and 19th shipping and fishing industries and the local shoemaking industry.
The three-dimensional collection is particularly strong in the areas of 18th and 19th century furniture and decorative arts, as well as maritime, fishing, and shoemaking tools and equipment. The Museum also holds a vast collection of portraits of Marblehead residents, including many painted by celebrated local artist, William Bartoll. Collections pieces are on display at all three properties.
Search our Online Collections Database for more information
(Can’t find what you’re looking for? Please note: currently the online database only contains a fraction of the collection. Please fill out a Research Services Request Form for a more comprehensive search of our collection.)