De Hirsh Margules, Mother Ann Lighthouse, Eastern Point, Gloucester, 1946. Gouache on paper. Gift of Jean M. Horblit, 2002. [Acc. #2002.004.002]
Gloucester Daily Times: Exhibits related to the upcoming Battle of Bunker Hill reenactment
By Gloucester Daily Times Staff, June 13, 2025
Cape Ann Museum has a weekend of free activities taking place as the city prepares for the 250th anniversary of the reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
On Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, there will be activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CAM Green, 13 Poplar St., Gloucester, to learn about events that ultimately led to the American Revolution, such as the Stamp Act of 1765, the Saville Incidents of 1768 and 1770, the Tea Act of 1773, the Boston Port Bill of 1774 and more.
Activities include creating broadsides, which served as public announcements and a precursor to newspapers, or trying 18th century calligraphy, making mini-ships to navigate a map of the harbor, learn a Colonial dice game, and more.
“As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, these programs are a chance for the community to come together, connect with our local history, and reflect on how Gloucester’s past continues to shape its identity today,” said Oliver Barker, director of the Cape Ann Museum. “Through local stories, hands-on activities, and important artifacts, we hope to inspire a deeper connection to our shared history, and to the ongoing story of Cape Ann.”
At the Janet & William Ellery James Center, there will be a special Collection Highlights case that holds historic documents and artifacts, which include 50th anniversary commemorative ribbons from 1825, which were awarded to Benjamin Webber (1756-1841) of Gloucester who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was given the ribbons at the 50th anniversary event on June 17, 1825, the same day the cornerstone was laid for the Bunker Hill Memorial, according to an exhibition statement. This collection is on view through July 27.
Visitors are invited to take a tour of the White-Ellery House, a c.1710 landmark and view the Contemporary Art Wetu, which commemorates the Indigenous presence on what is today known as Cape Ann. Visitors also can sign up for the museum’s Patriots & Privateers Walking Tour on Middle Street in Gloucester. For details, visit: capeannmuseum.org.
The following week, Gloucester’s waterfront Stage Fort Park will be the center of the Battle of Bunker Hill reenactments on June 21 and 22. For details, visit: https://essexheritage.org/rev250/event/the-250th-battle-of-bunker-hill-reenactment.
– Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum, at 10 Union St., opened a special exhibit “Manchester in 1775 — Manchester, The Revolution, and The War at Sea.”
“The exhibit intends to create a better understanding of the town’s heritage, specifically the story of Manchester men during the Revolutionary War, as it was fought at sea, with additional information about the war at land and home,” according to an exhibition statement. It will run through September.
– Artists also wanted to commemorate the event with members of the longstanding Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative creating new works inspired by this occasion. The results are now on display at the Gloucester gallery. Some artists explored the use of colors of the period, using red, white, and blue glass; others have included photography. One member, Bessie Blum, made stuffed bears from felted recycled wool sweaters, creating “a small family of red-coated, tricorner-hatted bears complete with drums and fifes.” The display will be up through the end of June.
To read the full Gloucester Daily Times article, click here.
