A delegation from Marblehead and Swampscott traveled to Bermuda in February to strengthen historical ties between two locations linked by an 18th-century loyalist with deep connections to both places.
The visit also centered on efforts to preserve the General John Glover Farmhouse in Swampscott, Salem and Marblehead — a property once owned by William Browne, a Salem loyalist who later served as Bermuda’s governor from 1782 to 1788.
Nancy Schultz, chair of the Swampscott Historical Commission, and Ed Nilsson of the Marblehead Historical Commission and Planning Board, presented to Bermudian historians and officials about preservation efforts for the historic farmhouse.
The visit came shortly after the Bermuda Historical Society received a $30,000 portrait of Browne painted by Joseph Blackburn, whom Schultz described as a renowned portrait artist, while Browne was a Harvard student in 1755.
The William Browne property was seized by Massachusetts during the American Revolution after he fled to England in 1776. Revolutionary War hero Gen. John Glover purchased the 180-acre property and farmhouse from the state in 1781 for 1,362 pounds.
“Brown was a loyalist, and he was banished, and some loyalists were able to return, but Browne never did,” Schultz said. “He lost thousands of acres. He was a big landowner in Connecticut, as well as here.”
The preservation effort has gained momentum after the original developer, Leggat McCall Properties, withdrew from plans to demolish the historic structure to build a 140-unit condominium complex. The property is owned by Anthony Athanas, who has been working with preservationists to protect the deteriorating structure.
“We were able to stop some of the water from getting inside,” Schultz said. “The town was successful. They had to grant us access for which we are very grateful to get in, to do the tarp and we have structural engineers doing some work, doing a manual on what it would take to restore the buildings.”
The property’s future remains uncertain as development permits, which preservationists had hoped would expire, were extended by the governor until 2025.
The project has gained national attention, appearing in American Heritage magazine, as preservation advocates work to raise awareness about the property’s historical significance before the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.
“It just fills out the story so beautifully,” Nilsson said. “I think people will learn more about and move as time goes by, especially with … 250.”
Nilsson and Schultz said their delegation was warmly received by the Bermuda Historical Society and its president, Andrew Bermingham, who arranged tours of historic properties and museums across the island.
The visit highlighted previously unexplored connections between Salem and Bermuda during the Revolutionary War period. Despite being under British rule, Bermuda maintained crucial trade relations with the American colonies.
“Even though monarchy at that time, people of Bermuda were doing business with George Washington, selling gunpowder to George Washington and his army,” Nilsson said. “There was a split loyalty to the people of the states, because the United States provided their commodities.”
Preservation advocates hope the continued attention will help save the farmhouse for future generations.
“I hope it stands for another 250 years,” Schultz said. “We’d love to ensure that their legacy is included in the history of this property. There were so many fascinating owners. We’ve done a ton of research.”
