‘Headers in the Revolution
September 20 & 21, 2025, 10am-4pm
Free. Drop-in. Rain or Shine.
Learn about Marbleheaders during the Revolutionary War and visit various historic sites in town during this weekend-long event. On September 20th and 21st, pick up a program book at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion and experience Revolutionary War-era Marblehead at various sites in the Historic District. Rain or Shine. CLICK HERE to see the program booklet or print at home. Schedule also below.
Meet the wife of war hero, James Mugford; explore Fort Sewall with Glover’s Regiment; meet diarist Ashley Bowen portrayed by Donald Friary and experience a colonial Anglican service at St. Michael’s church; walk onboard the Hannah at the State Street Landing; participate in a recreated town meeting and decide whether or not to support the Patriot cause at the Old Town House; tour the Jeremiah Lee Mansion; and learn about the town’s loyalist population at the “King” Hooper Mansion; among other opportunities.
***New this year, visit and set sail on the Hannah, (aka Salem’s reproduction sailing vessel Fame). See below for more info.**
Marbleheaders in the Revolution is funded in part by a grant from the Marblehead Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Event Program:
SAME SCHEDULE BOTH DAYS (except Sarah Mugford)
Masonic Hall
62 Pleasant Street
Visit Marblehead’s Masonic Hall and its meeting rooms in a former 1870s home, and view artifacts from the history of the Marblehead Masonic Lodge, which was one of the earliest ones to be formed in Massachusetts (c.1760), including items belonging to one of the first heroes and martyrs of the American Revolution, James Mugford of Marblehead, and others.
Open House, 11am – 4pm
Meet Ashley Bowen
St. Michael’s Church, enter across from 10 Summer Street
Join historian Donald Friary in St. Michael’s churchyard and in the 1714 church for his portrayal of Ashley Bowen, Marblehead mariner and rigger, reminiscing about his long life in Marblehead, especially during the years of the American Revolution. Ashley Bowen wrote an illustrated journal for over 40 years recording his experiences and opinions before, during, and after the Revolution and revealing his ambivalent British-American identity.
12pm and 2:30pm
St. Michael’s Church
Enter across from 10 Summer Street or from 26 Pleasant Street
Visit St. Michael’s Episcopal Church to learn about Patriots and Loyalists in Marblehead’s Anglican church. Tour the church building erected in 1714 with a rich history through the American Revolution up to today. View the diary of Loyalist Rev. Joshua W. Weeks begun as he escaped from Marblehead in 1778. On Sunday at 10 am, attend a pre-Revolution Anglican service with music.
Open House, 10am-4pm.
Jeremiah Lee Mansion
Marblehead Museum, 161 Washington Street
Tour the first floor of the home of one of Marblehead’s leading Patriots, Colonel Jeremiah Lee, and learn about his efforts to secure arms and supplies for the rebels. Also, see General John Glover’s desk and a letter written to him by General George Washington. Representatives of Save the Glover Farmhouse will be on hand to share more information about their preservation efforts.
First-floor Open House, 10am – 4pm
Meet Sarah Mugford at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion
161 Washington Street
Local historian Meghan Boehmer portrays Sarah, the widow of one of the American Revolution’s first heroes and martyrs, privateer ship Captain James Mugford. Learn about Sarah’s life before and after James’ death, as well as life in Marblehead during the Revolutionary War.
Sunday only 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
King Hooper Mansion
Marblehead Arts Association and Judy Anderson, 8 Hooper Street
At the mansion of Marblehead’s famous Loyalist, Robert “King” Hooper, find out who in town were Loyalists (aka “Tories”) and who were not, and why. Also learn about King Hooper’s political stances and about his 7 sons and 4 daughters, half of whom were Patriot leaders in Newburyport, while one Tory son in Marblehead was forced to leave.
Drop-in, 10am – 4pm
Marblehead Town Meeting Reenactment at the Old Town House
1 Market Square
Join Town Historian Don Doliber at Marblehead’s Old Town House (built 1727-29) and take part in the November 9, 1774 Marblehead Town Meeting. This was a critical meeting setting Marblehead on the road to revolution. Take part in and/or and listen to the reasoning and emotions experienced by the residents.
11am and 1:30pm
Fort Sewall
Glover’s Marblehead Regiment, 8 Fort Sewall Lane
Tour the Fort and meet members of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment as they prepare for war with drills, musket ball making, musket cleaning and repair, and other crafts. You can learn about their contribution to the War including the regiment’s three rescues of General Washington and his army during the latter part of 1776. Colonel Glover and his 600 men and boys, almost exclusively from Marblehead, were true heroes of the Revolution.
Open House, 10am – 4pm
Open Boarding and Sail on the Hannah (AKA the Fame)
State Street Landing, 75 Front Street
The Hannah, the first of several schooners commissioned by General George Washington, began her career as an armed cruiser in September 1775. To commemorate that important part of Marblehead’s history, the Fame – similar in size and appearance to the Hannah – will be docked at Marblehead’s Town Landing from 9:00am to 10:15am on Saturday, September 20th, and Sunday, September 21st. Visitors may board the ship and experience an 18th century schooner. Crew and members of Glover’s Regiment will be on hand to tell the story of Hannah and answer questions.
BOTH mornings we will offer a 90-minute sail from 10:15am-11:45am. All tickets are $50, with proceeds to benefit the Marblehead 250 events for 2025 and 2026.
- This is a SAIL, so the route is subject to wind and weather. We sail as far and as fast as we can based on conditions, and our goal is always to shut off the engine and give our guests an authentic schooner experience. Every trip is different.
- Guests have the opportunity to raise sails, take the tiller, learn knots, and engage with our knowledgeable crew about Hannah’s and Fame’s interesting histories, and learn about the many islands, lighthouses, forts, and other sights of Salem Sound. If you’re interested in history, ask questions! If you’d just as soon relax and enjoy the ride, you can do that, too.
- Sponsored by the Marblehead Historical Commission and the Harold B. and. Elizabeth L. Shattuck Fund
- Direct online booking at Schoonerfame.com or call 978-729-7600.
CHECK OUT THIS TEASER VIDEO FROM MHTV FEATURING DONALD FRIARY AS ASHLEY BOWEN!
Visit the Marblehead 250 page for more resources and events.
2024 RECORDED EVENTS