Captain Laurel Seaborn, a maritime archaeologist and sailing ship captain, will offer an in-depth look at the brave women who went to sea in the nineteenth century during her illustrated lecture on March 26 at 2:00p.m. at the Cape Ann Museum.

During the 19th century, when women chose to go to sea in sailing ships, they contributed as nurses, nannies and navigators, and in extreme cases took command of the ship. Besides the beds, chairs, and parlor organs that might be found during an archaeological excavation of a shipwreck, their personal possessions such as jewelry, sewing kits and children’s toys would also convey evidence of how the culture on ships changed with a woman’s presence. The investigation of these artifacts, as clues into the lives of these seafaring women, is part of Captain Seaborn’s ongoing PhD research at the University of New Hampshire.

Photo credit: Deck of J.L. Ralston, Canadian salt transport at Pew’s Wharf, 1920. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum.

Seaborn has crewed and captained both modern and historic sailing ships, and has worked on archaeological projects doing underwater excavations on such renowned ships as Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge and Captain Kidd’s Cara Merchant.

This program is free for CAM members / $10 for non-members (includes admission). Space is limited; reservations are required.

For more information or to make reservations please call (978) 283-0455 x10 or email info@capeannmuseum.org.

Reservations can also be made online at Eventbrite.

Inspired by Home Online Photo Contest

In conjunction with this summer’s exhibition, Design/Build: The Drawings of Phillips & Holloran, Architects, the Museum is hosting an online photography contest. Photographers are invited to submit images based on the theme of “home” that capture the unique character of Cape Ann (photos must be taken in Rockport, Gloucester, Essex or Manchester-by-the-Sea). Whether a physical place, a distant memory or a local reminder, there is inspiration to be found throughout Cape Ann’s distinct architecture, neighborhoods and cultural districts.

Deadline for submission: April 29, 2016

Each entrant must complete and sign one entry form (download here).

For more information visit: Cape Ann Museum Photo Contest

On Saturday, March 5th, the CAM will host a unique opportunity for area college and high school students interested in working in the cultural sector to join in conversation with a panel of young professionals employed locally in arts- and culture-related occupations.

Participants will meet young men and women working for the Cape Ann Museum, the Hive, Maritime Gloucester and Trident Gallery. Curators, educators and administrators will recount the journeys that led them to their current positions, take questions from the audience, then split off into small groups for discussion and specialized consultations. For high school students curious about educational directions and college students wondering about what kinds of jobs are out there, this informational program is a great place to begin. Admission is free for students—all you need to bring is a collaborative spirit and career-minded questions.

For more information please call (978) 283-0455 x10 or email info@capeannmuseum.org.

On Saturday, Feb. 27 at 2:00PM, Textile conservator Kathryn Tarleton will give an illustrated talk and presentation on how to care for and conserve quilts. Tarleton will have quilts on display and provide practical tips for do-it-yourselfers looking to better care for their family heirlooms and creative projects. Following the lecture, Tarleton will offer personal consultations on quilt conservation. Consultations are limited to five people; pre-registration is required.

This program is free for Museum members/ $10 non-members. Registration required for personal consultations only. For more information or to register, please email info@capeannmuseum.org or call (978)283-0455 x10.

This program is offered in conjunction with the Gloucester: A Community of Neighborhoods exhibition currently displaying thirteen quilts designed and created by participants in the Art Program at Gloucester’s Rose Baker Senior Center under the leadership of artist Juni Van Dyke.

Author and Ipswich resident, Doug Stewart will present an illustrated lecture on Essex County’s spectacular Great Salt Marsh on Saturday, Feb 6th.

The Marsh is a biological engine whose nutrients sustain fish stocks and bird life. It also protects shore towns from flooding and storm surges, but despite its necessity, the Marsh is poorly understood and under-appreciated. Stewart will explore the Great Marsh’s past as valuable real estate for farming salt hay, its unique success over much of the past century in dodging the nation’s swamp-filling mania, and its uncertain future as sea-level rise accelerates.

The photography of Ipswich native, conservation volunteer and master photographer, Dorothy Kerper Monnelly will be on display in the auditorium. Monnelly and Stewart collaborated on Between Land and Sea – The Great Marsh.

Free for CAM members or with admission. Space is limited; reservations required. To make a reservation please call (978) 283-0455 x10 or email info@capeannmuseum.org or go to Eventbrite to sign up online.

The third Tuesday of every month marks a special public program at the Cape Ann Museum in which seniors are invited to spend time in one gallery for extended reflection and small group conversation. This coming Tuesday, the 19th, a CAM guide will lead a discussion in the maritime galleries, stimulating personal curiosities and stories, while having fun, growing and learning together. The program will begin at 10:30am and last about one hour. It is free and open to the public.

Photo credit: Nicole Fandel

Enjoy three days of close instruction from artists Mary Rhinelander and Victoria Petway as they delve into the beautiful and rewarding world of block printing.

This customized course offers adult participants a special opportunity to create his/her own artwork surrounded by the inspirational work of the Folly Cove Designers. Participants will sketch, carve linoleum blocks and print an original work to take home. They will leave this course with a greater understanding of the history and work of the Folly Cove Designers, with a new creative outlet and twenty original greeting cards. All levels of experience are welcome and materials will be provided (participants will be required to bring enthusiasm and some elbow grease!).

The workshop will meet on Thursday, February 4, February 11 and February 25.

$125 for CAM members / $145 for nonmembers. Space is limited to 15, reservations required: (978) 283-0455 x10 or info@capeannmuseum.org or register on Eventbrite.

Are you hosting guests this Christmas weekend? Bring them to the Cape Ann Museum! We’re open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday (tours at 11am and 2 pm) and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday (tour at 2pm).

Relax after the rush of the holidays in our peaceful galleries, share the history of your hometown with your guests and bask in that indescribable Cape Ann light.

http://www.capeannmuseum.org/