MARBLEHEAD — Architecture enthusiasts will soon be able to learn more about the historical buildings of their town through the Marblehead Museum’s new virtual lecture series.
Starting on February 3, the four-part, Zoom-based series will touch on buildings in the town that were built anywhere from 1629 to 1976.
“It’s an introduction,” said Lauren McCormack, executive director of the museum. “It’s only four weeks, but I think what people will get out of it is they’ll be able to walk around Marblehead and have a better understanding of the buildings in Marblehead.”
McCormack said that participants in the series, which will be led by local historian Judy Anderson, will learn to identify components of the architecture of different time periods in the town, including from the first European settlers and pre-Revolutionary War buildings.
Some structures even include details from multiple time periods, as they were built upon through the decades. The series will mostly focus on exterior components of the structures, such as windows and gables, although another series planned for the fall will look at interior details.
Many of the buildings are private houses, but some public buildings, like Abbot Hall, will be studied as well. McCormack said that the goal is for participants to take a closer look at the buildings they walk by every day.
Although the program will be limited to virtual tours instead of in-person due to the pandemic, there are some advantages, as Anderson will be able to zoom in to small details that participants may not otherwise be able to get a close look at.
McCormack hopes that viewers will be able to take what they learn in the series and explore the town on their own.
“This is really an opportunity to stop for a moment, step back and take a look at what we’re seeing, what history it represents for the town,” she said.
Participants in the virtual program will meet by Zoom from 10-11:30 a.m. February 3, 10, 17 and 24. Pre-registration is required at marbleheadmuseum.org or by calling 781-631-1768.
Trea Lavery can be reached at itemlive.com.
