Glover Farmhouse attracts $50K donation, letter from Ken Burns
An anonymous Swampscott resident has donated $50,000 (and is promising another $50,000 next year) to preserve the Glover Farmhouse, which sits on land in Marblehead, Swampscott and Salem in Vinnin Square. The Swampscott Historical Commission has created a nonprofit and is working to raise $1.5 to $2 million in the next nine months to preserve the farmhouse.
The nonprofit also received a letter of appreciation from filmmaker Ken Burns.
Gen. John Glover led a militia of about 500 local mariners and militian. He is perhaps most famously remembered for leading his regiment in rowing Gen. George Washington across the Delaware River on the night of Dec. 25, 1776. The crossing culminated in a surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries in Trenton.
After the war, Glover purchased the 180-acre farmhouse property, moving there in 1782.
Over the years, the property was also owned by shoe manufacturer Alexander Little and Anthony Athanas, who opened the General Glover House restaurant with additions to the main house in 1957.
Today, the farmhouse sits on 1.56 acres in Marblehead, 2.28 acres in Swampscott and about a quarter-acre in Salem. About 75% of the original house — including beehive ovens, doors, paneling and hardware — remains intact. Swampscott Historical Commission Chair Nancy Schultz said the property is eligible for both the National Register of Historic Places and National Landmark status.
Earlier this month, the house was named to Preservation Massachusetts’ list of most endangered historic resources.
The Glover’s Farmhouse brief included reporting by the Swampscott Tides.
2026 Youth Winter Exhibit
The Marblehead Arts Association Youth Council is inviting young artists, both MAA members and non-members, to participate in an open exhibit of 2D and 3D artwork. All mediums are welcome. The show will be judged for awards. Artists aged 18 and under are encouraged to partake in the exhibition and can submit multiple pieces. All work must be framed, wired or ready to display.
The deadline for online submission is Monday, Jan. 12, 5 p.m. Works must be dropped off at the MAA, 8 Hooper St., no later than Jan. 13, 4:30 p.m.
Media relations exec named to art board
Marblehead media relations executive Sandra Goldfarb has been named to the Beyond Walls board of directors. Since its founding in 2017, Beyond Walls has worked with residents, businesses, a corps of volunteers and local officials to bring public art, educational programs and creative design projects to communities throughout New England.
Goldfarb directs the nonprofit and education practice at Rasky Partners, a leading public relations and government relations firm with offices in Boston and Washington, D.C. Current clients include Mass General Hospital, the College of the Holy Cross, the Museum of African American History of Boston and Nantucket, and the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance.
“Sandi has supported Beyond Walls right from the start,” said Al Wilson, Beyond Walls’ president. “As a result of her efforts we have garnered positive coverage of our people, programs and initiatives, from our mural festivals and commissioned services work to our partnerships with schools and our designed response installations. This extensive coverage has helped introduce Beyond Walls to educators, elected officials, business leaders, foundations, community members and organizations across the Commonwealth and throughout the region.”
Wilson continued, “Equally important, she is a valued advisor, a creative thinker and a good friend to Beyond Walls.”
BLOOM for mental health
The town of Marblehead is partnering with BLOOM, which offers free, confidential and personalized support for the following:
- Mental health therapy, psychiatry and substance use
- Parenting and eldercare
- Personal well-being
“With BLOOM, you get fast, easy access to expert care — saving you time, money, and stress. From coaching and therapy to live events and on-demand resources, support is available anytime you need it,” according to a town press release.
To activate your account, visit marbleheadma.gov.
30-day art challenge
In January, Peyton Pugmire of Creative Spirit is leading a 30-day, independent art challenge, where people will create in their own space and at their own pace. The 30 days do not need to be consecutive. Pugmire will host a closed group where the artists can share their creations. Free. Register at creativespiritma.com/event-details/30-day-art-challenge-2026.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
