As with many small to mid-sized regional museums, the collection of the Cape Ann Museum has come together over the past century through the generosity of numerous individuals and families. While purchases have occasionally been made, most of the objects in the collections have been gifted to the institution and the funds needed for their conservation and preservation similarly received through donation. With the special exhibition, Coming Home, the Cape Ann Museum recognized one of the most transformative of these gifts: the promised donation of the collection of Janet and William Ellery James. For the Jameses, collecting is a passion and each object they acquire, be it a painting, a ship model, or a piece of sculpture, has special significance, ties to their life here on Cape Ann and to the long and rich history of the area. Coming Home not only provides a glimpse into the significant and diverse collection but more importantly allows the Cape Ann Museum to publicly announce this important gift and to thank Janet and William for their extraordinary generosity.
From the onset of their collection, Janet and Wilber have envisioned placing it in a public institution where it can be preserved intact and made accessible to all. Since 1990, the couple has explored the work of a broad range of artists, almost all with connections to Cape Ann. Their preference for 20th century pieces drew them first to Theresa Bernstein, Stow Wengenroth, Harrison Cady and other artists with strong local connections; recently they have sought out works by more widely recognized individuals including sculptors Walker Hancock, Eli Nadelman and Anna Hyatt Huntington, and painters Milton Avery, Adolph Gottlieb and Stuart Davis. The result is a trove of works that will captivate the viewing public, provide valuable material for art scholars, and elevate the profile of the Cape Ann Museum immeasurably.
Purchase the accompanying catalog featuring 36 works of art in the Museum Store or at our online store. Purchase Here.
Image credit: Jane Peterson (1876-1965), Smith’s Cove, East Gloucester, 1920s. Oil on canvas. The James Collection, promised gift to the Cape Ann Museum by Janet & William Ellery James.
Fridays at 2:00 p.m. Downtown Campus, 27 Pleasant St, Gloucester, MA Free with admission Due to limited space it is first come, first serve. Let the Visitor Services Representative know […]
Downtown Campus
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Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. White-Ellery House, CAM Green 13 Poplar St, Gloucester, MA 01930 Free and open to the public. This is a drop in program and space […]
CAM Green
Thursday, August 27, 2026 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Education Room, Downtown Campus 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 CAM Members $5, Non-Members (Adult) $25 (includes admission to the General […]
Downtown Campus
Friday, August 28, 2026 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Downtown Campus 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930 CAM Members $15, Non-Members $25. Registration Required Explore the area surrounding the Museum […]
Downtown Campus
Fridays at 2:00 p.m. Downtown Campus, 27 Pleasant St, Gloucester, MA Free with admission Due to limited space it is first come, first serve. Let the Visitor Services Representative know […]
Downtown Campus
Saturday, August 29, 2026 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Downtown Campus 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 CAM Members $15, Non-Members $25. Registration Required This walking tour looks at changes […]
Downtown Campus
Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. White-Ellery House, CAM Green 13 Poplar St, Gloucester, MA 01930 Free and open to the public. This is a drop in program and space […]
CAM Green
Fridays at 2:00 p.m. Downtown Campus, 27 Pleasant St, Gloucester, MA Free with admission Due to limited space it is first come, first serve. Let the Visitor Services Representative know […]
Downtown Campus
Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Downtown Campus 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 CAM Members $15, Non-Members $25. Registration Required Delve into the 19th century on […]
Downtown Campus
27 Pleasant Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-283-0455
Buy Tickets to visit the newly renovated Museum and the special exhibition Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea.
13 Poplar Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
Our CAM Green Campus is open seasonally beginning July 10th, Friday – Sunday.
