The Brick Kitchen
Preserving Stories, Honoring Lives
Experience the newly renovated 1768 Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen building—a testament to preservation, education, and the untold stories of those who lived and labored within these historic walls.
A Historic Preservation Success
The 1768 Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen stands as one of only three surviving detached slave quarters owned by a museum in New England. After years of meticulous planning and a $1.4 million restoration project, this remarkable building has been preserved for future generations.
The Mansion's original multi-purpose outbuilding served as the hub of domestic labor—both hired and enslaved—in the Lee household beginning in the 1760s. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of the complex social dynamics of colonial America.
"This building tells the complete story of Marblehead's past, including the difficult chapters that must be remembered and honored."
The Museum is committed to sharing the stories of those who labored and lived in this building, incorporating their histories into our mission of education and preservation.
Inside the Brick Kitchen
Explore the transformed spaces that now serve education, research, and remembrance
Ted & Julie Moore Family Fund Exhibit Gallery
The first floor features an exhibition space dedicated to telling the stories of enslaved and hired workers who lived and labored in this building. Interactive displays bring history to life through archaeological discoveries and historical documentation.
Standley H. Goodwin Research Center & Archive
The second floor houses the museum's extensive archives, including over 40,000 photographs and documents. This climate-controlled research center provides access to Marblehead's rich historical collections for researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts.
Archaeological Exhibition Space
View artifacts and discoveries from recent excavations conducted by UMass Boston's Fiske Center for Archaeological Research. These findings provide tangible connections to the building's past inhabitants and their daily lives.
Preserved Historical Elements
Original 19th-century architectural features, including ceiling medallions from Mugford Hall, have been carefully preserved during renovation. The building's brick structure and historical integrity remain intact while meeting modern preservation standards.
Celebrating the Transformation
From restoration to celebration, witness the journey of bringing this historic building back to life
The Restoration Project
Purchased by the Marblehead Museum in 2021, the Brick Kitchen underwent extensive stabilization and preservation to safeguard its original architectural details. The multi-year restoration effort was supported by private donations, grants, and foundation funding from generous community members.
The project faced significant challenges, including the loss of a federal grant that threatened progress. Thanks to the transformative $150,000 gift from Ted and Julie Moore, along with support from numerous other donors, the project successfully reached completion in 2025.
The restored Brick Kitchen now serves multiple purposes: honoring the lives of those who worked within its walls, providing world-class archival research facilities, and offering educational programming that connects present-day visitors with Marblehead's complex history.
With Gratitude to Our Supporters
Signature Sponsor
Visit the Brick Kitchen
Plan your visit to experience this remarkable restoration. Tours are available as part of the Lee Mansion experience, offering a complete picture of life in colonial Marblehead.
For questions or group tours: 781-631-1768 | info@marbleheadmuseum.org
A COCKTAIL RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE RENOVATION PROJECT
Saturday, September 13, 2023, 5-8pm
Lee Mansion, Brick Kitchen, & Gardens,
157-161 Washington St.
FOR TICKETS, CLICK HERE
~Cocktail Attire~
Be the first to see the newly renovated and preserved 1768 Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen building! Celebrate the success of the project and help us look toward the future.
Spend the evening in the beautiful Lee Mansion, Brick Kitchen, and Gardens with friends and family. Enter the Lee Mansion in all its Georgian-era charm with the sounds of the 18th-century, featuring local performing duo, Arts’ Delight. Tour the newly-renovated Brick Kitchen, including the new Standley Goodwin Research Center and Archive. Peruse some of this summer’s archaeological discoveries with the archaeologists. And spend the evening enjoying delicious food and drink provided by Vinwood Catering, plus a special performance by the award-winning acapella group Pitch, Please!
A portion of each ticket price will be tax deductible. There is a service fee for online ticket purchases. Feel free to call us at 781.631.1768 with a credit card number or drop off a check. Thank you!
Thank you to our Signature Sponsor
And many thanks to all our generous Gala sponsors
JOYCE JAY RAYMOND FOUNDATION
Nan Dumas
I can’t make it to the party, but I would like to donate instead. CLICK HERE.
Become a Brick Kitchen Gala Sponsor – support the Museum and receive fun perks and benefits. Sponsorships start at $250! –
Download the Sponsorship Packet HERE or click the button below to learn more.
Vinwood Catering
The Brick Kitchen Gala supports Marblehead Museum’s public and educational programming. A 501c3 non-profit, the Museum’s mission is to preserve, protect, and promote Marblehead’s past as a means of enriching the present. Marblehead Museum welcomes people of all ages to discover what makes Marblehead extraordinary through innovative learning opportunities. The Museum’s four properties and its preeminent collection serve as the catalysts for programming
that connects individuals to the past and present, broadening their perspectives and understanding of Marblehead and the wider world.