Marblehead Spirit Day 2018 to be held Saturday, Sept. 15

The celebration of Marblehead Spirit Day 2018 on Saturday, September 15, will feature free presentations and activities with noted Marblehead speakers and historians at five Marblehead locations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Start your day at any of these five featured locations to receive your free nametag, guidebook and map. The presentations will begin every hour on the hour, but everyone is invited to tour the locations at their own pace.

• Abbot Hall and the Maritime Museum

Learn about Marblehead’s maritime roots, hear Marblehead stories from local experts and town officials, see the famous “Spirit of ’76” painting, enjoy a scavenger hunt with outdoor children’s activities.

• Marblehead Museum and The Jeremiah Lee Mansion

Walk the halls of the renowned 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion celebrating its 250th Anniversary this year. Then enjoy the distinctive art of J.O.J. Frost.

• The Old Town House and the G.A.R./Civil War Museum

See where Marblehead’s first Town Meetings took place with Marblehead Town Historian Don Doliber. Upstairs, docents will provide insights into Marblehead’s experiences during the Civil War.

• Tucker’s Wharf: Marblehead Fishing Boats

Visit fishing boats tied up for tours and capture the lore of Marblehead’s 300 years of fishing history.

• Fort Sewall and The Crew from USS Constitution

History comes alive with a real-life encampment of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment. Crew members from USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) will talk about Marblehead’s pivotal role in the ship’s history and in The War of 1812.

There will be a lunch break between noon and 1 p.m. with ample time to visit local eateries and businesses. Or plan to bring a picnic to enjoy at any of the sites.

Now in its second year, Town Historian Don Doliber and educational historic tour director Libby Moore have developed this event to give all generations and their friends a chance to share the splendor of Marblehead.

“The inspiration for ‘Spirit Day’ came from the tours the schools and we have given for Marblehead third and eighth graders over the past 10 years. Parents found those tours so interesting that they asked us to create tours for the whole family,” Moore explained. “The free guidebook, “Passport to Marblehead,” was created as a special keepsake for families to use as they share the town in the future with their friends.”

“‘Spirit Day’ is about inspiring an appreciation for Marblehead’s wealth of history, lore and tradition and to make it all accessible to everyone now and into the future,” Doliber said.

The historic sites and activities are free and open to the public. Free parking will be available at Marblehead High School, 2 Humphrey Street, with free bus transportation to and from Marblehead’s downtown historic area.

For more information about this event, contact Libby Moore at 781-631-631-6733 or Don Doliber at 781-631-6938.