Saturday, February 15th: The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation Presents Kory Curcuru’s film series, “Timeline: Cape Ann.”

”Curcuru’s docuseries, “Timeline: Cape Ann”, produced for 1623 Studios, focuses on the history,culture and heritage of Cape Ann.  This event will present eight of Curcuru’s shorter videos,telling the story of Cape Ann’s unique history in jewel-like form, from the “first boss-lady,”Abigail Trask of Manchester-by-the-sea to Rockport’s long celebrated but little understood“Paper House,” actually a much more complicated tale than just a house of newspaper. Curcuru will be guiding the audience with his exciting style of storytelling.  The films will be shown on a big screen, in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema, in the Meetinghouse.  This will be a highly entertaining celebration of Cape Ann’s quirky, singular history.  

The film showing will be held on Saturday, February 15th at 7:30pm in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). Parking is available on the green. The admission for the event is $20 General, $5 Students (all ages), under 12 free.  An elevator is available from the side door at 10 Church Street. For more information please visit:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Event Highlights: Fire Spinner, Contortionist, Juggler, Stiltwalker, Roving Harpist, String Quartet, DJ & Dancing
Catering by: Gloucester’s Missy Sallah of Sugar Magnolias
Open Bar: Serving Beer, Wine, Prosecco & Signature Cocktail.

Masked in mystery and draped in decadence, this unforgettable masquerade ball promises an evening of magic, intrigue, and timeless elegance. Step back in time to 15th-century Venice, where the Renaissance ignited a flourishing of art, beauty, and imagination. Originally an exclusive affair for the elite, masquerade balls grew in popularity across Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, defying societal norms by uniting rich and poor in shared celebration.

Join us at Hammond Castle Museum for an extraordinary evening of colorful costumes, captivating music, exquisite cuisine, and dazzling live entertainment. From 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, immerse yourself in the grandeur and enchantment of The Masquerade Ball of Dreams. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the thrilling spectacle of a fire spinner, lighting your way across the drawbridge and into the Castle. Inside the Great Hall, a string quartet by the Firebird Pops Orchestra will fill the air with the timeless sounds of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mozart, and Beethoven, setting the perfect ambiance.

Throughout the evening, a roving harpist will serenade you with Italian classics as you explore the Castle’s galleries and secret passageways. Indulge in elegant hors d’oeuvres and decadent desserts, featuring both passed and stationary selections designed by Missy Sallah of Gloucester’s Sugar Magnolias. An open bar will offer beer, wine, Prosecco, and a signature cocktail crafted especially for the night. As you mingle and dance to the DJ, captivating performers, including a juggler, contortionist, and stiltwalker, will enchant and dazzle, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder and excitement.

What to Wear? The centerpiece of your outfit will undoubtedly be a stunning mask! Masks have long been a vital part of the Venetian Carnival. Whether you wish to embody the spirit of a jester, a wizard, or a sophisticated noble, your mask offers endless possibilities for self-expression. For nearly a thousand years, the Venetian Carnival has granted individuals the rare chance to conceal their identity, gender, and social class. The mask becomes a powerful tool for liberation, allowing freedom to be yourself and engage as you please. Immerse yourself in a lavish world where masks grant you the ultimate freedom to express creativity and even challenge the status quo without fear. Beyond disguise, the mask and costume embody personal artistry and unique expression.

Join us and embrace the mesmerizing costumes & opulent atmosphere that will transport you back in time.