Marblehead 250 announced the second annual weekend-long program, “Marbleheaders in the Revolution” which will take place on September 20 and 21, 2025, at venues within the historic district. A collection of free programs designed for audiences of all ages will be offered throughout the weekend.
Marblehead 250 invites residents and visitors to experience Revolutionary War Marblehead at locations in the Historic District from 10:00 am-4:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include Glover’s Regiment at Fort Sewell; an historical interpreter portraying the widow of war hero, James Mugford; 18th century diarist Ashley Bowen portrayed by Donald Friary and a colonial Anglican service all at St. Michael’s Church. In addition, audience members can decide which side of the Revolution they would have defended by participating in a recreated town meeting at the Old Town House; visit the Jeremiah Lee Mansion and discover Lee’s role in procuring weapons and supplies for the rebels; and learn about the town’s Tory population at the “King” Hooper Mansion, home of the Marblehead Arts Association. New this year: the Fame from Salem portraying the Hannah docked at State Street Landing each morning, with the option of a paid harbor sail each day.
Free program booklets will be available on September 20 and 21 at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. For more information and to download copies of the program visit the Marblehead 250 Committee’s webpage: https://marbleheadmuseum.org/headers-in-the-revolution/.
Marbleheaders in the Revolution is funded in part by a grant from the Marblehead Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. It is also part of Essex Heritage’s annual Trails and Sails program.
About Marblehead 250:
Marblehead 250 is a public private partnership between individuals and organizations dedicated to commemorating and promoting Marblehead’s role during the Revolutionary War. For more information about the Marblehead 250 Committee, related events, and educational resources, visit: https://marbleheadmuseum.org/mhd250/
DETAILED PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:
Masonic Hall, 62 Pleasant Street
View artifacts from the history of the Marblehead Masonic Lodge, including items belonging to one of the first heroes and martyrs of the American Revolution, James Mugford of Marblehead. Open House, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Meet Ashley Bowen, St. Michael’s Church, enter across from 10 Summer Street
Join historian Donald Friary in St. Michael’s churchyard and in the 1714 church for his portrayal of Ashley Bowen, Marblehead mariner and rigger, as he reminisces about his long life in Marblehead, especially during the years of the American Revolution. 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm.
St. Michael’s Church, Enter across from 10 Summer Street or from 26 Pleasant Street
Learn about Patriots and Loyalists in Marblehead’s Anglican church. Tour the 1714 church building and view the diary of Loyalist Rev. Joshua W. Weeks. On Sunday at 10:00 am, attend a pre-Revolution Anglican service with music. Open House, 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
Jeremiah Lee Mansion, Marblehead Museum, 161 Washington Street
Tour the first floor of the home of one of Marblehead’s leading Patriots, Colonel Jeremiah Lee, and learn about his efforts to secure arms and supplies for the rebels. While there, see General John Glover’s desk and a letter written to him by General George Washington. First-floor Open House, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Meet Sarah Mugford at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington Street
Local historian Meghan Boehmer portrays Sarah, the widow of one of the American Revolution’s first heroes and martyrs, privateer ship Captain James Mugford. Sunday only 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00pm
King Hooper Mansion, Marblehead Arts Association and Judy Anderson, 8 Hooper Street
Historian Judy Anderson will lead a discussion at the home of Marblehead’s famous Loyalist, Robert “King” Hooper. Find out which Marbleheaders were Loyalists (aka “Tories”), which were not, and why. Drop-in, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Marblehead Town Meeting Reenactment at the Old Town House, 1 Market Square
Join Town Historian Don Doliber at Marblehead’s 1727 Old Town House and take part in the November 9, 1774, Marblehead Town Meeting. This critical meeting set Marblehead on the road to revolution. 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.
Fort Sewall, Glover’s Marblehead Regiment, 8 Fort Sewall Lane
Tour the Fort and meet members of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment as they prepare for war with drills, musket ball making, musket cleaning and repair. Learn about their contributions to the War including the regiment’s three rescues of General Washington and his army. Open House, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Open Boarding and Sail on the Fame (AKA the Hannah), State Street Landing, 75 Front Street
The Hannah, the first of several schooners commissioned by General George Washington, began her career as an armed cruiser in September 1775. To commemorate that important part of Marblehead’s history, the Fame – similar in size and appearance to the Hannah – will be docked at Marblehead’s Town Landing from 9:00am to 10:15am both days. Visitors may board the ship and experience an 18th century schooner. Crew and members of Glover’s Regiment will be on hand to tell the story of Hannah and answer questions.
BOTH mornings we will offer a 90-minute sail from 10:15am-11:45am. All tickets are $50, with proceeds to benefit the Marblehead 250 events for 2025 and 2026.
This is a SAIL, so the route is subject to wind and weather. We sail as far and as fast as we can based on conditions, and our goal is always to shut off the engine and give our guests an authentic schooner experience. Every trip is different.
Guests have the opportunity to raise sails, take the tiller, learn knots, and engage with our knowledgeable crew about Hannah’s and Fame’s interesting histories, and learn about the many islands, lighthouses, forts, and other sights of Salem Sound. If you’re interested in history, ask questions! If you’d just as soon relax and enjoy the ride, you can do that, too.
Sponsored by the Marblehead Historical Commission and the Harold B. and. Elizabeth L. Shattuck Fund
Direct online booking at Schoonerfame.com or call 978-729-7600.
