During the 1720s, Marblehead was becoming a commercial seaport in the Atlantic world of trade. Ambitious locals had brought about major changes in the town’s political and religious power centers and some Marblehead vessels were being sent into the world – not to go fishing – but to carry cured fish to overseas ports to make money off the exchange of goods. These activities launched a new leadership cadre in the town — one that had capital, connections and commercial ambitions. The smallpox epidemic of 1730 brought a lot of tensions and rivalries to a head, and finally resulted in an uprising that was nothing short of a coup. Marblehead author and historian, Robert Booth, will entertain and allow time for lively discourse. Donations Accepted, By Reservation Only, Limited Space, Reservations: broomandblade@gmail.com

Calling all fierce wanters! Ready for a fresh start? Thriving North Shore is pleased to announce our partnership with Lisa Abbate for the Vision Board Online Workshop. They’re especially looking forward to the momentum session to help strategize your vision for 2022!

The MMHTF Speaker Series presents Suicide Awareness, a community discussion, on Monday, January 31st at 7pm in the MHS auditorium.

Black History is also the story of individual Black people in the places where they lived. Let’s take a look at two Marbleheaders, one a boy born into slavery and sent from Marblehead to Ipswich, returning, when free, to live and work in Marblehead; and one a girl from Salem, probably born into a family who were not enslaved, who married a Marbleheader, settled here, and became one of the notable people of her generation. What was their experience of early life? What do we know of their adult lives in the town, and of the community of other Black people whom they knew here? Marblehead author and historian, Robert Booth, will entertain and allow time for lively discourse. Donations Accepted, By Reservation Only, Limited Space, Reservations: broomandblade@gmail.com

This is a 12-session workshop, with The Abbey Studio, in which participants will learn six different calligraphic hands in chronological order as they were used historically. Using traditional tools and historic examples, participants will be guided through the five main broad-edged lettering styles, and one script style (pointed-pen). If you have wanted to expand your calligraphic experience into multiple hands, this is the course for you! 

Like all other seaport towns, colonial Marblehead had families who owned enslaved persons; and there were a few free Blacks and Black families in town as well. How did they live, and what was the attitude of their fellow townspeople? With the creation of the United States — a new nation that continued to permit slavery — how did things change in town? Rolling forward into the 1830s, as many places in the North adopted abolition — anti-slavery — in their politics, what happened in Marblehead? What was the standing of Blacks in the town? As some Northeners took a direct role in helping Blacks to escape slavery through the so-called Underground Railroad, what was Marblehead’s attitude, and who got involved? Marblehead author and historian, Robert Booth, will entertain and allow time for lively discourse. Donations Accepted, By Reservation Only, Limited Space, Reservations: broomandblade@gmail.com

Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braiding technique employed to make rope ties for Kimonos. Jewelers have adapted this technique to make beautiful cord or beaded ropes in many styles. In this class we will complete a round 8 strand beaded rope bracelet with a tie slide knot closure. This is a popular class so sign up early! $20 + materials. Location: Eos Designs Studio.

Boston-based band Seven Times Salt, an English concert specializing in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century music, will perform at the Church of St. Andrew in Marblehead on February 20 at 7 p.m. (Snow date, February 27.) The concert, titled “Banbury Ale,” will bring the best of the Elizabethan pub scene to the present day, with drinking songs, love ballads, rustic catches, and country dances from around the British Isles, performed with period instruments and dialect. Admission is $20. Please purchase tickets in advance. Seats are limited owing to social distancing requirements. Face masks are required inside the church.

Step foot on a sacred 30-day journey, guided by your own intuition, inner wisdom, truth…and oracle cards! This month-long experience will empower you to go within yourself for clarity, peace, and inspiration for the sake of receiving transformational guidance on all of life’s topics. Your facilitator is Peyton Pugmire, of Creative Spirit, spiritual intuitive and lover of all things magical​.