New exhibition opens Nov. 27 at Cape Ann Museum

GLOUCESTER, MASS. (Nov. 24, 2020) – When the Cape Ann Museum shut its doors in March along with museums worldwide for the COVID 19 pandemic, the staff began to pursue several initiatives to buoy community spirit and to remain connected to members and supporters with expanded virtual programming and other innovative initiatives.

CAM (Re)Connects is a new exhibition, opening Friday, Nov. 27, that showcases many of the objects and works of art spotlighted in the Museum’s virtual outreach shared over the past six months as part of its CAM Connects series. The exhibition covers a range of locally-significant subjects including St. Peter’s Fiesta, the fishing industry, granite quarrying, food of the region, local traditions, printmaking, and Cape Ann writers, artists and musicians, underscoring the versatility of the Museum’s collection as well as the rich and varied story of the Cape Ann region.

“This challenging time in our history gave us an opportunity to take stock of our collection, the generosity of our community, and the spirit that it takes for all of us to endure during the pandemic,” said Museum Director Oliver Barker. “We put together this exhibition to tell that story, not only for this time in history but for many other times, where community perseverance saw us through. The banner on the front of the museum reminds us that “Storms Rage; Gloucester Endures.”

Several works of art are integrated into the exhibition including Fitz Henry Lane’s Vessel Returning from Surinam, c.1850s, which is represented in the “Gloucester Endures” banner; Emile A. Gruppe’s Always at your Service, c. 1940s; William Meyerowitz’s Meyerowitz’s Garden, Spring, 1924; Winslow Homer’s The Life Line, 1884; Philip Reisman’s Blessing of the Fleet, 1952; Barbara Swan’s John Swan’s Quarry, 1986; George Demetrios’s bronze sculptures, Charles A. Savinen (1885-1961), 1953 and Marcia Gronblad: Finnish Girl, c. 1949; Max Kuehne’s Floral, c. 1936 – among others.

The show looks back at significant historical moments including the “Tent Hospital” set up outside Addison Gilbert Hospital to treat patients during the 1918 pandemic and discusses the success of Open Door Food Pantry’s response to a 40 percent increase in need for meals and food during this pandemic. The Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit, an annual religious ceremony significant to the City’s Portugese community since 1902, is also featured. The many contributions of Cape Ann women in the fishing industry, the artistic community, and during wartime, among other moments is also included in the exhibition.

HIGH RES IMAGES FOR CAM (RE)CONNECTS

For more information about the Museum, its programs, exhibits, and collections, visit www.capeannmuseum.org.

The Cape Ann Museum has been in existence since the 1870s, working to preserve and celebrate the history and culture of the area and to keep it relevant to today’s audiences. Spanning 44,000 square feet, the Museum is one of the major cultural institutions on Boston’s North Shore welcoming more than 25,000 local, national and international visitors each year to its exhibitions and programs. In addition to fine art, the Museum’s collections include decorative art, textiles, artifacts from the maritime and granite industries, three historic homes, a Library & Archives and a sculpture park in the heart of downtown Gloucester. In summer 2020, the Museum opened a second campus called the Cape Ann Museum Green and completed construction of the 12,000 square foot Janet & William Ellery James Center. The campus also includes three historic buildings – the White Ellery House (1710), an adjacent Barn (c. 1740), and the recently acquired Babson-Alling House (c.1740), all located on the site at the intersection of Washington and Poplar Streets in Gloucester.  

The Cape Ann Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in Gloucester. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, operating hours have been reduced to better protect the safety and well-being of visitors, staff and volunteers. The Museum is currently open Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Timed tickets are required for all visitors at this time and can be reserved online at www.camuseum.eventbrite.com. Admission is $12.00 adults, $10.00 Cape Ann residents, seniors and students. Youth (under 18) and Museum members are free. Cape Ann residents can visit for free on the second Saturday of each month. For more information please call (978)283-0455 x110 or visit www.capeannmuseum.org.  

For a detailed media fact sheet please visit www.capeannmuseum.org/press.

MEDIA CONTACTS:   Diana Brown McCloy
                                    Teak Media
                                    (978) 697-9414
                                    Diana@teakmedia.com

Meredith Anderson
meredithanderson@capeannmuseum.org
(978) 283-0455 x115