Marblehead panel eyes museum changes

MARBLEHEAD – The Historical Commission is studying proposed changes to the Maritime Museum that are estimated to cost $67,650 – but they may not be ready in time for this year?s marine anniversaries.Acting Chairman William Conly has told the commission that the Abbot Hall room that became the Maritime Museum is “public property.”?That means we can do anything we want in that room except paint it, take the rug up and change the floor,” he said, noting that the commission will have to go out to bid to have those changes made.The room needs upgrades in those areas. Conly said the rug has been there for 40 years and needs replacement.However, the bid process means that the commission probably won?t be voting on any contracts until March – and the commission was hoping to have the renovation complete by Memorial Day.Commission members want the Maritime Museum ready for tourists this year because plans are under way to recognize the 100th anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation, which began in Marblehead on May 22, 1912 at Hammond Park, near the town?s boatyard.A hydroplane took off from that park piloted by Marine Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham, leading to Marblehead?s formal recognition as the birthplace of Marine Corps aviation in 1977.This year also marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, in which Marblehead Harbor served as a shelter for the USS Constitution during an important naval action. That action took place in 1814 and commissioners have asked the Navy about its plans to observe the anniversary.