MARBLEHEAD – History lovers and partygoers alike will gather this September to celebrate the completion of a major preservation project at one of Marblehead’s most significant historic landmarks.
On Saturday, Sept. 13 from 5-8 p.m., the Marblehead Museum will host the Brick Kitchen Gala at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, Brick Kitchen and Gardens at 157–161 Washington Street. The evening will mark the official unveiling of the newly renovated 1768 Brick Kitchen building, a key part of the site’s ongoing preservation efforts.
Guests will step into the Georgian-era splendor of the Lee Mansion while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. The evening will feature live 18th-century music by the local duo Arts’ Delight and a special performance by Pitch, Please!: an a cappella group based at Northeastern University that includes Marblehead’s own Chloe Curtis.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Standley Goodwin Research Center and Archive, housed within the restored Brick Kitchen, and view recent archaeological discoveries from the site made by researchers at UMass Boston’s Fiske Center for Archaeological Research.
For Lauren McCormack, executive director of the Marblehead Museum, the gala is more than just an elegant evening.
“This event is a sneak peek,” she said. “The building won’t be fully open to the public for a little while, but this is our chance to show people the renovations up close, celebrate the work that’s been done, and share what this space will mean for the future.”
The Brick Kitchen restoration has been a multi-year, $1.2 million effort supported by private donations, grants, and foundation funding.
Purchased by the museum in 2021, the structure underwent extensive stabilization and preservation to safeguard its original architectural details.
“It’s been a massive amount of work,” McCormack said. “Seeing the building looking so fabulous again — and knowing it will now house our archives of more than 40,000 photographs and documents is really exciting.”
Food and drinks for the evening will be provided by Vinwood Catering, with the mansion, gardens, and newly opened kitchen serving as the backdrop for an evening blending history, culture, and community celebration.
McCormack added, “It’s about preserving the past while creating a space where researchers, genealogists, and anyone interested in Marblehead’s history can explore and connect with our incredible collections.”
Tickets are available online, with a portion of each ticket price tax-deductible. Organizers note that service fees apply to online sales, but tickets may also be purchased by calling (781) 631-1768 or by check at the Marblehead Museum. Cocktail attire is requested.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Marblehead Museum’s website.
