P. Chris Johnston, Chairman
Joyce L. Booth
William E. Conly
Harry C. Christensen, Jr.
Donald W. Gardner
Nancy Graves
Douglas O'Leary

Associate Commissioners
Gail Gray
Eleanor Rhoades, Secretary
Peter Stacey

Collections Manager
Wayne T. Butler 


Hours of Operation
Historical Commission displays in the hallways and basement of Abbot Hall are available for viewing by the public at all times that Abbot Hall is open. (See Selectmen's webpage for hours.).

The Commission maintains the Maritime Museum, which tells the story of Marblehead's naval history. The Maritime Museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Mon. through Thur. & Sat. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Fri. 1:00 AM to 4:00 PM - depending on volunteer docent availablity. The Maritime Museum is also open at various times during the Spring and Fall.

The Commission's Gift Shop is located on the first floor and is open from Memorial Day through Christmas, Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Friday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

The Commission's Archivist Office, Volunteers' Office, Conference Room and Archives are located on the second floor of Abbot Hall and are open Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM for researchers and other visitors. Additional times may be arranged by appointment. It is recommended to call beforehand, since we are an all-volunteer organization and staff may not be available at all times.

Both the Gift Shop and Office are staffed by volunteers.

We live in a unique and historic town – it's places, structures, people and stories tell the history of New England in a microcosm. Our mission is to identify, preserve and protect Marblehead's historical assets – it's places, artifacts and stories, while making these accessible to all. We want to educate the public about and publicize Marblehead's proud history. We also want to work with other organizations to help achieve our mission. Finally, we fulfill our legally required obligations per Mass. General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8d by working with the state Historical Commission and State Archeologist. 

The Marblehead Historical Commission was established in 1964.

The Commission consists of a seven-member board that is appointed by the Board of Selectmen for staggered three-year terms.

Many of the Historical Commission Archives can be viewed and searched by clicking on the link below: 

Link to Archives

Learn a little about Old Marblehead from information in our archives. Use the link below to read a piece of Marblehead history. 

Old Marblehead Link

The responsibility of the Commission includes researching all places in town of historic value and to maintain an inventory of all historical markers. From time to time the Commission may place historical markers or signs at locations of historical significance.

The Commission may accept donated artifacts on behalf of the Town, many of which are displayed in Abbot Hall. With the consent of the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting, it may acquire properties.

The Historical Commission has limited oversight over an area of Marblehead designated by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Department of the Interior as being on the National Register of Historic Districts. The National Register Historic District is one of the largest contiguous colonial districts to be placed on National Register, the nation’s official list of important sites and structures that preserves local, state, and national heritage. It was established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to provide eligible property owners with some federal tax benefits and federal grants for approved historic preservation.

The Old and Historic Districts Commission has direct oversight of the Old and Historic District of Marblehead, distinct from the National Register Historic District.

The Commission maintains the Maritime Museum and the museum cases in Abbot Hall and a gift shop that is staffed by volunteers. The Museum and Gift Shop are open seasonally, generally from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Contact the Historical Commission or the Selectmens' Office for hours.

The Historical Commission maintains a bookshelf of resource materials on caring for and preserving various kinds of historical materials (eg. photos). These are available for town residents to use. Come to the Historical Commission offices on the second floor of Abbot Hall to review and/or use any of these reference materials.

The Historical Commission meets on the second floor of Abbot Hall, generally on the fourth Tuesday each month, except December.

The Historical Commission staff is available by appointment or chance to assist researchers on the history of Marblehead or Marbleheaders.

Volunteers are always welcome and can assist with archival work, historic preservation planning, work in the Gift shop or become docents for the Maritime Museum. Contact the Historical Commission for more information.

Massachusetts Historical Commission 
National Register of Historic Places 
Naval Historical Center
Marblehead Museum and Historical Society
Marblehead Historical Commission Archives