FAQ— RENTING A MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM VENUE FOR YOUR EVENT
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in Marblehead Museum for your event. Here you’ll find all the answers to all your questions about hosting your event with us. Please read these FAQ before calling or emailing the Museum with questions, and please keep in mind that we do not do any event planning (we are a very small staff)!
Does Marblehead Museum rent space for events?
Yes! Marblehead Museum has two venues that can be rented for events:
- CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO FLOODING ISSUES. Garden of the 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion at 161 Washington Street
- Museum Galleries at 170 Washington Street (unavailable June 2025 to December 2025)
Historic Garden of the 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion
The Garden of the 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion is a beautiful setting for any occasion from weddings to graduation or anniversary parties to company outings. The Garden comprises 2 levels, the smaller Upper Garden and the larger Lower Garden. Only this outdoor space is available for event rental. The Mansion interior is not part of the venue.
How many guests may I have?
The Garden’s event maximum is 150 people.
May I see the location first?
Yes! The Mansion Garden is open seven days a week. You may visit it unescorted at your convenience.
How much does it cost to rent the Mansion Garden and how much time do I get?
The Lee Mansion Historic Garden rents for $4200 for a 4-hour event, excluding set-up and break-down time. We know set-up and break-down can be time-consuming. If you need to set everything up the day before the event, or break everything down the day after, this can usually be arranged ahead of time.
How big is the garden?
The Upper Level is 48’ by 45’. The Lower Level is 110’ by 42’. Here is a map of the Lee Mansion Garden illustrating how clients typically use the space:
Does the Museum provide chairs and tables? How about tents and canopies?
No, the Museum does not provide chairs, tables, or tents. You’ll need to rent these from an outside vendor. We have two (2) 120-volt exterior power outlets for entertainment, catering, or decorations requiring power. If these are not enough, you’ll need to rent a power generator. Please see the end of these FAQ for the names of event vendors the Museum frequently works with.
Do you cater? If not, where can my hired caterer set up and prep?
We do not cater, but outside caterers will be able to set up and work from a small kitchen attached to the back of the Mansion. This space is limited, with only a sink and stove, but it can be made available to your caterers before your event starts. Please see the end of these FAQ for the names of caterers the Museum has worked with.
Is there access to restrooms?
No, there are no venue restrooms. If your event is scheduled for the entire 4 hours or if your intended number of guests is 75 or more, our contract will require you to rent portable restrooms, which must be set up on the gravel path along the western side of the Lower Level (see map above).
Is there a place where the bridal party can change into or out of ceremony dress?
Yes, we will make one room inside the Mansion available to the bridal party. This room is accessible to and from the Upper Garden via an exterior staircase at the back of the Mansion.
Is there reserved parking?
There is street parking all around the Mansion, but no dedicated Museum parking. Guests should abide by all parking restrictions unless you arrange directly with the town to have special parking accommodations.
Do you have a shuttle that could transport guests from my church or offsite parking?
No, you’ll have to arrange a shuttle with a private livery. If you do hire a shuttle, you’ll also need to have a police detail monitoring drop-off and pick-up.
Is there internet service on the property?
No, there’s no Museum internet service available to event guests.
Can my guests get a tour of the Lee Mansion during my event?
The Mansion is closed during private events and from November through May, but tours are available from June 1st through Oct. 31st, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10AM to 3PM. If you or your guests have not visited the Lee Mansion, we highly recommend booking a tour! The building and its original owner made remarkable contributions to Marblehead history; it’s a house worth seeing and a story worth hearing. To book a tour, click here: Lee Mansion Tour Tickets.
Are there any restrictions on using the property?
Yes, the Lee Mansion Gardens are an important historic property, so we take good care of them. When you sign a contract to rent this unique space, you’ll be agreeing to abide by these rules:
- Decorations: No zip-ties or duct tape on fence or stone wall
- No Smoking
- NO Fireworks of any kind
- No bonfires or open flames of any kind
- If you arrange for shuttles to or from the Gardens, you are required to hire a police detail
- Trash & Recycling: Caterers must take food and bar waste. Please arrange to bag and remove all other trash and recycling at the end of the event.
Will there be a Marblehead Museum staff member available during my event?
Yes, a Museum staff member will be either onsite or in the Museum office at 170 Washington Street for the duration of the event. You will have that staff member’s phone number in case of emergency.
How do I find out whether my event date is available?
Please email us at info@marbleheadmuseum.org with this information:
- Your name:
- Your phone number:
- Your email address:
- The type of event you want to host:
- Your preferred date:
- How many guests (maximum 150):
- Any question not answered in the FAQ:
Marblehead Museum Galleries
The Museum Galleries at 170 Washington Street are a charming setting for meetings, receptions, or lectures. Enjoy the historic, storytelling art of the J.O.J. Frost Gallery on the second floor and other delightful changing exhibitions in the first floor gallery. The Galleries are available Monday through Saturday after 4PM and on Sundays.
How many guests may I have?
The Galleries’ event maximum is 40 people.
May I see the location first?
Yes! The Museum Galleries are open for visitors:
- Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM from June 1st through October 31st, and
- Tuesday through Friday from 10AM to 4PM from November 1st through May 31st.
What is the cost to rent the Galleries and how much time do I get?
The Galleries rent for $150 per hour, excluding set-up and break-down time.
Does the Museum provide chairs and tables?
Yes, your rental fee includes six 4’ white vinyl tables and chairs. Note: We do not provide table linens.
Do you cater? If not, where can my hired caterer set up and prep?
We do not cater, but outside caterers may make use of the small kitchen between the Museum Gallery spaces, where there is a sink, small stove and oven, and limited counter space.
Is there access to restrooms?
Yes, the Galleries have one small restroom.
Is there reserved parking?
The Museum Galleries are across the street from the Mansion on Washington Street. There is street parking all around, but no dedicated Museum parking. Guests should abide by all parking restrictions unless you arrange directly with the town to have special parking accommodations.
Do you have a shuttle that could transport guests from my church or offsite parking?
No, you’ll have to arrange a shuttle with a private livery. If you do hire a shuttle, you’ll also need to have a police detail monitoring drop-off and pick-up.
Is there internet service on the property?
If you know you’ll need internet access, please ask about this in your inquiry email (see below).
Can my guests get a tour of the Lee Mansion during my event?
The Mansion is closed during private events and from November through May, but tours are available from June 1st through Oct. 31st, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10AM to 3PM. If you or your guests have not visited the Lee Mansion, we highly recommend booking a tour! The building and its original owner made remarkable contributions to Marblehead history; it’s a house worth seeing and a story worth hearing. To book a tour, click here: Lee Mansion Tour Tickets.
Are there any restrictions on using the property?
Yes, the Lee Mansion Galleries are a unique space and valuable Museum property, so we take good care of them. When you sign a contract to rent this unique space, you’ll be agreeing to abide by these rules:
- Decorations: Nothing attached to or touching any exhibit items
- No Smoking
- If you arrange for shuttles to and from the building, you’re required to hire a police detail
- Trash & Recycling: Caterers must take food and bar waste. Please arrange to bag and remove all other trash and recycling at the end of the event.
Will there be a Marblehead Museum staff member available during my event?
Yes, a Museum staff member will be onsite for the duration of the event.
How do I find out whether my event date is available?
Please email us at info@marbleheadmuseum.org with this information:
- Your name:
- Your phone number:
- Your email address:
- The type of event you want to host:
- Your preferred date:
- How many guests (maximum 40):
- Any question not answered in the FAQ:
Vendors with whom Marblehead Museum frequently works
Tents, canopies, tables, chairs, etc.
The Event Company, https://rentent.com; 978-283-4884; 866-215-TENT
Roland L. Appleton, Inc., http://www.rlappleton.com; 800-752-0427
Catering
Vinwood Caterers, https://www.vinwood.com, 978-356-3273
Every Little Breeze Catering, https://www.facebook.com/EveryLittleBreezeCatering/; 617-875-897
We offer two distinctive options:
The 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion Gardens
The 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion Gardens are a beautiful setting for any occasion from weddings to company outings. A guided tour of the Mansion’s first two floors can be arranged for your group in conjunction with your event for an additional fee. The garden is open seven days a week and you may visit it unescorted anytime. Learn more about hosting an event HERE.
To take a tour, ask questions, or book an event, submit an inquiry here: 
The Museum Galleries
The Museum Galleries at 170 Washington Street are a charming setting for meetings, receptions, or lectures. Your guests will mingle amidst maritime images of the J.O.J. Frost Gallery on the upstairs level and other delightful changing exhibitions in the first floor gallery. $150.00 per hour; Includes up to 6 4ft. round tables & chairs; 40 person maximum.
Marblehead Museum members receive a 10% discount on the facilities rental fee.
If you have any questions or would like to make a site visit, please email info@marbleheadmuseum.org