Discover how 18th- and 19th-century abolitionists in Marblehead used everyday boycotts against slavery, paired with historical desserts, to voice dissent. Join this unique presentation for a taste of history and meaningful dialogue.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
No physical exertion needed; suitable for all fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Marblehead was a pivotal fishing and shipping center in colonial America and played a significant role in early abolitionist efforts through local boycotts.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on preserving Marblehead’s coastal ecosystems and historic buildings, promoting sustainable tourism and community education.
Marblehead Museum
Marblehead Museum, located in Marblehead, Massachusetts, preserves and interprets the town’s maritime, colonial, and social history through public programs, rotating exhibits, and guided experiences. The museum offers site-specific tours and presentations that explore Marblehead’s role in early American history and community life. Notable offerings include the Jeremiah Lee Mansion Tour, a 45-minute guided walk through three floors of the Georgian Lee Mansion that reveals the Lee family’s lifestyle, the presence of enslaved individuals in the household, and local economic and social contexts of the colonial era.
Educational programming includes the Annual Ambassador Michael Brackett Smith Memorial Lecture, presented as John Glover’s Schooner Hannah (Zoom only), an illustrated talk detailing the schooner Hannah’s 1775 escape from the British naval vessel Nautilus and its significance to early Revolutionary maritime history. Another public presentation, Bittersweet: Dessert and Dissent, is a 45-minute session that examines eighteenth- and nineteenth-century anti-slavery boycotts, pairs historical desserts such as apple tartlet and gingerbread with interpretation, and concludes with audience Q&A.
Marblehead Museum works with local historians, volunteers, and community partners to deliver informed programming for residents, students, and visitors. The museum’s public calendar, ticketed tours, and virtual lectures provide accessible ways to engage with primary history and to deepen understanding of Marblehead’s past. Visitors are encouraged to consult the museum’s official schedule for up-to-date event details. Admission and registration details are posted on the museum’s official website; groups, schools, and educators may request guided visits or tailor programs by contacting museum staff directly for scheduling and accessibility information.
Location
Marblehead, MA
Historic coastal New England town
Tour Lengths
45 minutes
Standard guided tour duration
Jeremiah Lee
Three floors
Georgian mansion exploration
Lecture Format
Zoom & in-person
Virtual and live presentations available
Check the official schedule, reserve tickets, or sign up for the virtual Hannah lecture today.
Arrive Early
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; arriving early guarantees a good seat and time to settle in before the presentation starts.
Parking Options
Public parking is available nearby; consider using Marblehead’s downtown lots for convenience.
Dietary Info
Historical desserts contain common allergens; inquire ahead if you have dietary restrictions.
Prepare for Q&A
Bring questions or reflections to engage fully during the discussion following the presentation.
Comfortable Seating
You’ll be seated indoors, but bringing a cushion or small pad can enhance comfort.
Notebook and Pen
Useful for jotting down insights or questions during the talk.
Light Jacket
Evenings in Marblehead can be cool, so bring a jacket for comfort before and after the event.
fall
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the historic Old Town House exterior or document your visit to Marblehead.