Local History - Marblehead Current

24 Feb

Through the years: Dan Dixey’s snowy Marblehead

As Marblehead continues to dig out from one of its snowiest winters in recent memory, the Current turned to local photographer and historian Dan Dixey, who has collected thousands of photographs, negatives, slides and even stereo cards of Marblehead, dating back to the 1860s. Dixey shared a striking gallery of snowy scenes spanning several decades. Enjoy! Water Street, Blizzard of 1978 Tucker Street, Blizzard of 1978 Blizzard of 1978 Bassett Street, 1978 Washington Street,1969 Town tractor, 1969 King's Rook, State Street, Blizzard of 1978 Hoods…

11 Feb

Remembering Marblehead mariners lost 50 years ago

Luca TedescoLocal History, Sailing, Top Stories

The recent fishing vessel tragedy in Gloucester comes as Marblehead remembers local fishermen lost at sea 50 years ago. In the last days of January 1976, Marbleheaders Steven “Leroy” Haynes, 26, and Capt. Steven “Stevie” Goodwin, 31, died alongside Stephen Kelly, 32, of Newport, Rhode Island, and Candice Stuart, 21, of Newport and Sarasota, Florida, aboard the steel-hulled lobstering vessel, Zubenelgenubi. The 60-foot craft, named for a quadruple star system in the constellation Libra, left Newport on Jan. 18 on what Goodwin described to his…

09 Feb

News in brief: Save the Glover update, PJ collection and more

Leigh BlanderArt, Local History, Local News, News in brief, Nonprofit corner

Bruins PJ Drive Collection Donate children’s pajamas to the 19th annual Boston Bruins PJ Drive at Abbot Public Library. The library will be collecting pajamas in its front lobby through Saturday, March 14. Last year, people donated 55 pairs of PJs. The library’s goal this year is 100. Save the Glover Save the Glover announced that two recent fundraising events held in late January raised over $10,000 to support preservation of the historic Gen. John Glover farmhouse at 299 Salem St., Swampscott. To date, the…

03 Feb

FROM THE VAULT: Before CVS, there was William Goodwin, Marblehead’s 19th-century pharmacist

Submitted ContentFrom the Vault, Local History, Local News

By Lauren McCormack, executive director of the Marblehead Museum For much of the late 19th century, the row of buildings from 96 to 104 Washington St. was known as Drug Store Row. Three druggists — William H. Shepard (96 Washington St.), William M. Lemmon (98 Washington St.) and William Goodwin (104 – now 102 – Washington St.), vied for the town’s pharmaceutical customers. Last December, the descendants of William Goodwin donated items from their ancestor’s store, as well as a thoroughly-researched family history, containing numerous…

31 Jan

Marblehead honors Glover with annual march to Burial Hill

Grey CollinsLocal History, Top Stories

Just as ice and snow couldn’t stop Glover’s Regiment from crossing the Delaware and capturing Trenton 250 years ago, the frigid 15-degree temperatures and deep snow couldn’t stop more than 80 Marbleheaders from honoring Gen. John Glover's memory on Saturday evening. Glover’s Regiment, followed by dozens of residents, marched down Washington Street to Old Burial Hill to the sound of drums and fifes, and the light of lanterns, to hold the annual ceremony honoring Glover. Families watched in wonder through their frosty windows as the…

27 Jan

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderArt, Education, Entertainment, Local History, Local News, Nonprofit corner

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. ’90s Karaoke NightFriday, Jan. 30, 6-8 p.m. Join Marblehead Charter for a ’90s-themed Karaoke Night. This is a free, all-ages community event. Sing your favorite ’90s hits, dress in your best throwback style, and enjoy a fun evening with friends and family. Food and sweet treats will be available for purchase. This night is part of MCCPS’ 30th anniversary celebration. RSVP at https://bit.ly/4qSa6mh.…

21 Jan

Fifty years, thousands of players: Marblehead Youth Soccer celebrates milestone

Julie FlynnCommunity Resources, Local History, Sports, Top Stories

Marblehead Youth Soccer Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary in February. In the five decades since its founding, thousands of kids have played soccer thanks to Dr. Maximilliaan Kaulbach (who passed away last year at age 94) and his wife, DL who founded MYSA in 1976. Grab your shorts, socks, shin guards and cleats! Headlining local newspapers in February 1976 was the announcement that sign-ups to play soccer had begun for Marblehead boys and girls ages 11 to 18. According to MYSA historical records, by…

08 Jan

Marblehead Cultural Council announces winners of 2026 grants

Leigh BlanderArt, Community Resources, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Local History, Local News

The Marblehead Cultural Council has awarded grants for 2026, including funding for live music, historical performances and programming, art installations, and workshops. “Our council enjoyed reviewing 20 broad and varied applications from members of our local arts and culture community,” said MCC Chair Jeanie Stahl. “We are pleased to announce that we have awarded nine inspirational grants to enliven, enrich and deepen Marblehead’s creative arts scene throughout 2026.” The MCC places an emphasis on new, emerging and established artists and programs in local venues, as…

31 Dec

FROM THE VAULT: Party like it’s 1773

Leigh BlanderColumns, Local History, Opinion

On Dec. 16, 1773, Dr. Elisha Story snuck through the back door of Chase and Speakman’s Distillery in Boston, after its proprietors had closed for the night. He found dozens of men assembled there, including carpenters, shoemakers, blacksmiths and coopers. They organized into gangs to carry out a clandestine mission: proceed to Griffin’s Wharf and dump the East India Company’s tea into the sea. The men put on disguises inside the distillery. Story rubbed burnt cork on his face and placed a hump in his…

26 Dec

What’s your job? Translating those plaques on homes in the Historic District

Leigh BlanderColumns, Local History, Local News

Walking the streets of downtown Marblehead, the observant stroller may notice a plaque with a date and some text on many houses. Frequently, these plaques will indicate that a fisherman or mariner or ship captain once resided there. This is not very surprising; after all, the first permanent European settlers in 1629 were intrepid seafaring folk. Many subsequent settlers were also attracted to Marblehead because of the safe harbor and bountiful seas. Fishing and shipping were the foundation of the economy in the 16th and…