Marblehead historical board ‘to tell town’s story’

MARBLEHEAD – The new year will see joint private and public efforts to preserve and display the town’s history.The Historical Commission, a town committee appointed by the selectmen and the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society, a 114-year-old privately funded organization, has signed a letter of understanding to pool their efforts “to tell the town’s story,” as commission Chairman Chris Johnston and Society President Richard Carlson said to the selectmen. The selectmen’s approval of the letter was required and the board approved it unanimously..The commission oversees the historic artifacts in Abbot Hall, including a sign museum downstairs and a maritime history museum on the main floor. The society oversees the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, the J.O.J. Frost Gallery, Marblehead History Archives and the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum.Both groups currently present historical programs, exhibits and lectures. Joint efforts may include design, creation and operation of a museum or museums; shared efforts on events, programs, lectures and exhibits and educational materials. Johnston and Carlson credited commission member and society board of directors member William Conly with helping the process along.Carlson pointed out, “We have a public entity and a private entity with mission statements that are almost identical.”Johnston said the society has technological expertise that will help the commission, which is discussing a major upgrade of the maritime history museum.Selectman Harry Christensen, a commission member, said, “We both have vast treasures and we’re going to share these. It’s a win-win situation.”