SAUGUS — The sounds of the 17th century filled the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site on Saturday as internationally recognized musician Frances Conover Fitch played period melodies on an English Style replica virginal at the site’s winter open house.
The virginal is a keyboard instrument that Fitch described as having very distinct base and treble sounds, almost like a guitar.
“I always gravitated towards harpsichord type instrument, I like the sound,” she said.
The instrument would have likely been owned by a wealthy family, like one that would own and operate an iron works according to curator Dr. Emily Murphy.
“I get so happy watching this be played, because if an instrument isn’t played it often dies,” she said.
A group visitors gathered in the museum to watch and listen to the music.
“It’s very fun for me,” Fitch said. The 17th century house was open for the public, filled with iron works related and period artifacts.
The Iron Works, which usually shuts down for the season after October, was experimenting with the open house and a Broadhearth holiday pop-up shop this past weekend.
“We really want to attempt to bring life and activity to the winter months,” said Education Specialist and Park Ranger, Maryann Zujewski.
The pop-up shop sold period-based goods as well, like 17th century style chocolate and decorative items.
“This is all a take on what colonial items would look like and it’s a chance for visitors to buy and take these items home,” shop manager James Gilligan said while describing items like Asian-influenced dishes made in Massachusetts and Redware pottery from Maine.
The proceeds from the shop help the site run and operate and fund events like the winter open house.
“A lot of people don’t even realize this site is here,” Gilligan said. “It’s such a beautiful place.”
