Over 60,000 individual items — from personal papers and journals to maritime artifacts and 20,000 photographs. The Marblehead Museum's collection tells the story of this town across centuries.
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.
Submit a Research RequestWe 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? Read Our Complete AcknowledgementLand 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
© 2025 Marblehead Museum. All rights reserved. The contents of this site may not be reproduced in any form without the consent of the Marblehead Museum.
