To the editor:
As our nation and our community commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we would like to draw your attention to one of our town’s leading heritage institutions — the Marblehead Museum. We are a private organization dedicated to Marblehead’s rich history.
Since 1898, the Museum — formerly Marblehead Historical Society — has preserved, protected and promoted Marblehead’s storied history, sharing it with residents and students, as well as visitors from all over the world.
The Museum’s collection includes 67,500 historic objects, photographs and archival items — each with an important place in Marblehead’s story. Our collection is particularly abundant in 18th- and 19th-century artifacts, tracing the history of Marblehead’s heyday as a mercantile and fishing center, when local merchants deployed their ships around the world.
Our Revolutionary War collection is vital to understanding Marblehead’s role in the War and the experiences of her patriotic citizenry. We preserve Gen. John Glover’s desk, as well as a letter written to him by Gen. George Washington. Our Revolutionary War collection also includes Glover’s wartime records and letters; thousands of pages related to privateering; the muskets, powder horns and swords carried by our soldiers in battle; enlistment and payroll records; veteran’s pension records; and more.
Many of these items will be on display in our upcoming exhibit, “Declarations of Independence: Marblehead and the Revolution,” opening this spring.
Our collection is always available to the public through our website (marbleheadmuseum.org) and can be visited and studied in person by researchers, genealogists and interested individuals throughout the year by appointment.
We have also maintained and shared the 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion and Gardens since 1909, when the museum saved the iconic landmark from demolition. Over 2,000 school children and visitors walk its halls annually, immersing themselves in the history of our beloved town.
The museum does all this and more, including maintaining three other historic sites and exhibits in town, without any local, state or federal funding, except through competitive grants. As a 501c3 non-profit, the museum relies on donations, memberships and program income for its survival. We receive zero allocated town funds. In other words, we rely on your support.
For 128 years, the museum has cared for and shared the town’s priceless treasures, and we will continue to do so for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Lauren McCormack
Marblehead Museum
