Local History - Marblehead Current

16 Jun

New museum exhibit highlights unsung Marbleheaders of the Revolution

Jordan HorowitzLocal History, Top Stories

The name of Marblehead Museum’s new exhibit, “Voices of Independence: Marblehead in the Revolution,” might make you think that it focuses entirely on the men of Marblehead who fought in the Revolutionary War. And while the exhibit does contain incredible military artifacts like a muster role from Glover’s Regiment and swords used by Marbleheaders in the Battle of Bunker Hill, it also shows that the town has a long history of independence that goes beyond those more familiar war stories. As Jarrett Zeman, the museum’s…

09 Jun

Select Board doesn’t relish idea of ‘Spirit of ’76’ sullied by hot dog

Leigh BlanderArt, Local History, Top Stories

A national hot dog marketing campaign celebrating America's 250th birthday will feature Revolutionary-era imagery, George Washington and historic works of art — but not Marblehead's beloved “The Spirit of ’76.” In March, the Select Board unanimously rejected a request from Kayem Foods to use Archibald M. Willard's iconic painting in a nationwide advertising campaign commemorating the nation's semiquincentennial. The Select Board rejected a request to use “The Spirit of ’76,” which hangs in Abbot Hall, in a hot dog marketing campaign marking the 250th anniversary…

01 Jun

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Local History, Recreation, Top Stories

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org Jazz evening Thursday, June 4, 7-10:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)The jazz artist Alex Minasian Quartet will perform at The Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St. Enjoy a cash bar. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at tickettailor.com/events/marbleheadarts/2182376 or in advance at the Marblehead Art Association or at Arnould Gallery. The Heritage Friend Event Thursday, June 4, 5:30-7 p.m. Join Essex Heritage for an evening exploring hidden histories…

28 May

New Brick Kitchen exhibit centers humanity of enslaved people

Leigh BlanderEducation, Local History, Top Stories

A new permanent exhibit opening June 1 at the Marblehead Museum’s Brick Kitchen seeks to tell a difficult but deeply human story about the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked in Marblehead. Housed inside the museum’s newly restored Brick Kitchen building on Washington Street, the exhibit features 10 striking portraits by Peabody artist Yamanda Wright representing enslaved individuals whose stories were uncovered through years of archival research. Lauren McCormack, director of the Marblehead Museum, stands inside the new Brick Kitchen exhibit, which opens…

27 May

VIDEO: What’s a question you would ask your Marblehead neighbors?

Leigh BlanderCulture, Local History, Top Stories

The Current is proud to share the video series, Harborside, by Marblehead High students Max Kane and Grey Collins. The two aim to capture authentic stories and foster understanding between neighbors by asking Marbleheaders on the street to answer questions on camera. Each video has a different theme — this one focuses on questions that Marbleheaders have for one another. https://videopress.com/v/WvHzxyoA?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

11 May

NEW: Popular Marblehead Museum leader stepping away on eve of 250th

Leigh BlanderLocal History, Top Stories

The Current has learned that Marblehead Museum Executive Director Lauren McCormack is resigning effective June 30. She has been at the museum since 2018. "As much as I love the museum, I just can't do the three-hour round trip commute everyday anymore (I live in central Mass). I have accepted a position as executive director of Freedom's Way National Heritage Area and start there in early July," McCormack wrote in an email. She added about Marblehead Museum: "We are in the process of hiring a new…

30 Apr

From tax rates to poor house, 135-year-old report offers window into town life

Leigh BlanderLocal History, Marblehead Public Schools, Municipal Matters, Top Stories, Town Meeting

Jerry Wishnow was combing through bins at a flea market on the Lynnway years ago when something caught his eye: a 72-page paperback titled “Town of Marblehead Auditors’ Report, 1890-91.” As Marbleheaders closely follow today’s budget and override debate, Wishnow said the old report offers a fascinating look at how little — and how much — has changed. Jerry Wishnow stands on his back porch holding the copy of the “Town of Marblehead Auditors’ Report 1890-91.” CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER Wishnow, a retired award-winning…

23 Apr

Marblehead brings its special history to the party as the U.S. celebrates 250

Jordan HorowitzCommunity Resources, Culture, Local History, Local News

This July 4 will mark the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence — and thus the nation’s 250th birthday. Festivities and events to commemorate the first quarter-millenium of the United States are being planned all across the country, but what’s happening here in Marblehead is truly special. That’s because this historically rich town, with its 300-plus Colonial-era homes lining the streets, played a decisive role in the patriots’ victory against the British during the Revolutionary War, a fact which the Marblehead…

22 Apr

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

Julia RocklerArt, Community Resources, Culture, Entertainment, Environment, Local History, Top Stories

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email info@marbleheadnews.org. Live music with 5 X Fast Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m. Come rock out with local band 5X Fast, which performs a mix of indie, alternative and new wave covers. They’re playing at The Landing Restaurant. Dan Dixey at Marblehead MuseumThursday, April 23, 7 p.m. Dan Dixey returns to the Marblehead Museum for the latest in his series of popular “Marblehead Images” lectures. The event will feature historic photographs…

29 Mar

News in brief: Week of March 30

Leigh BlanderArt, Community Resources, Entertainment, Health, Local History, Local News, Public safety

The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org. Marblehead Police want youGo behind the badge and learn about the Marblehead Police Department from the inside. MPD is offering its eight-week course Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., starting April 23. Attendees will meet local officers, detectives and staff and learn how operations work. They’ll observe a real trial and tour the Middleton House of Corrections. The course is free. Learn more and register at marbleheadma.gov/citizen-police-academy. Epstein Hillel School awarded security grantThe state has…