Illustrated talk with internal and external photos about the Danvers country house of Marblehead’s principal 18th c. merchant, Robert “King” Hooper, where the last royal governor, British military Gen. Gage lived in summer 1774 when the Massachusetts government. moved to Salem. Built c. 1754, it was more opulent than his Marblehead home (c. 1728-30 with...
Tour the site of the Great Salem Fire, October 6, 1774 with retired park ranger, Curtis White. The fire destroyed shops, a meeting-house, dwellings, and the Custom House. Was the fire a diversionary tactic to deter the arrest of Massachusetts delegates who met in defiance of the Massachusetts Government Act? The walking tour will meet...
A guided tour of Abbot Hall, Marblehead’s fourth town meeting hall, whose corner stone was laid in 1876, the nation’s Centennial year. Be inspired by the life-size “Spirit of ’76” painting, explore historical scenes in WPA murals painted in 1934, and more. A different program in Abbot Hall is offered the following weekend. This event...
A walking tour of downtown Marblehead focusing on the mid-1700s, on the eve of independence, when the gritty but thriving and prosperous international Atlantic seaport was the sixth or tenth most populous metropolis in British N. America. The town’s zealous and nearly fully rebel (Patriot) service, both on land and at sea, through the American...
Women in full period dress relate their field activities as wives, mothers, and supporters of soldiers fighting in battle and performing camp life work during this documentary film. Fascinating perspective of family involvement during the War for Independence. Filmed with reenactors in Wyndham NH. Share your knowledge in casual discussion. Bring your lunch, tables available....
For some social history background related to Robert “King” Hooper’s “Great House at Danvers,” social historian Judy Anderson of Marblehead will present an illustrated talk about the two dozen members of Robert “King” Hooper’s family in Marblehead, Newburyport, and Danvers. You’ll find drama, tragedy, high-end fashion, nearly twenty portraits by J.S. Copley, complex family relations,...
Privateers, often seen as profiteers and pirates, were crucial to America’s first war. Explore this little-known part of Revolutionary War history. The ragtag fleet of private vessels, from 20-foot whaleboats to 40-cannon men-of-war, truly revealed the new nation’s character, its ambition and entrepreneurial ethos. Award-winning author Eric Jay Dolin will make this aspect of our...
A walking tour of downtown Marblehead focusing on the mid-1700s, on the eve of independence, when the gritty but thriving and prosperous international Atlantic seaport was the sixth or tenth most populous metropolis in British N. America. The town’s zealous and nearly fully rebel (Patriot) service, both on land and at sea, through the American...
Join a park ranger for a 45-minute walking tour on the grounds of Salem Maritime National Historic Site. During the tour, learn about Salem’s role in the American Revolution, from the arrival of General Gage in 1774 to the privateering battles featuring Salem ships and crews. Explore the stories of Salem residents, both free and...
Pick up a program book and experience Revolutionary War-era Marblehead at various sites in the Historic District. Meet the wife of war hero, James Mugford; explore Fort Sewall with Glover’s Regiment; meet diarist Ashley Bowen portrayed by Don Friary and experience a loyalist service at St. Michael’s church; participate in a recreated town meeting and...
Pick up a program book and experience Revolutionary War-era Marblehead at various sites in the Historic District. Meet the wife of war hero, James Mugford; explore Fort Sewall with Glover’s Regiment; meet diarist Ashley Bowen portrayed by Don Friary and experience a loyalist service at St. Michael’s church; participate in a recreated town meeting and...
Professor Donald Hayes, will be presenting on his recent research and discovery of the role Danvers militias played in the Battle of Menotomy (Arlington) at the time of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Danvers lost seven men that day, second only to Lexington itself. He will highlight what is myth and lore about the...
