The museum is switching up free days in January for days throughout the year including a fixed schedule of second Saturdays of every month.

Courtney Richardson shares news about the debut of a bounty of new Cape Ann Museum tours presented by dedicated docents on Saturdays in January 2020. Peruse the complete list below; a tremendous amount of knowledge and passion went into preparing distinct and engaging programs for museum visitors.

Winter Shorts Return in January!

Theme-based tours of the collection Saturdays throughout January

The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to present a month-long series of specialty tours on Saturdays starting January 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.  Learn more about the Museum’s collections through Winter Shorts. Each tour has been creatively crafted by one of the Museum’s volunteer docents. Each themed tour focuses on different areas of the collection. Three or four tours are offered each Saturday —sign up for one or more—a great way for members and nonmembers alike to learn about the Museum and Cape Ann art & history. Each tour lasts approximately 20 minutes with time to transition in between. Come for one or all! On these Saturdays, Winter Shorts will replace the 11:00 a.m. highlights tours. Tours are free for CAM members or with Museum admission. Space is limited. Reservations required. For more information visit capeannmuseum.org or call 978-283-0455 x10.

List of tours by date.

January 11, 2020

“Everyday Art Objects” with CAM docent Pat Earle

There are many things in our world what are used on a regular basis but not remarked on for their appearance. Sometimes, when no longer used, these items become recognized and treasured for their beauty. View objects on display now which are admired as artwork and consider what everyday objects might be exhibited by this Museum 50 years from now.

“Cape Ann Morals, Commerce and Culture Viewed Through a 19^th Century Piano” with CAM docent Paul Romary

The piano in the rear parlor of the Davis House was built in Boston in 1828 and accessioned by the Cape Ann Museum in 1942. In exploring between those dates, this piano offers a window into the transformation of the mores, commerce and culture of the nation charting Cape Ann from the Federal era of the early 19th century until the Great Depression.

“Angels, Saints and Serpents” with CAM docent Trudi Olivetti

Amid the realistic landscapes and life-like portraits in the Cape Ann Museum, one can find surprising representations of otherworldly beings. Some of these are allegorical and some are sworn to be seen by eyewitnesses. On this brief tour, we will visit some of these and learn their intriguing stories.

“Is that a Lane?” with CAM docent John Day

The Captain Elias Davis house has many treasures: furniture, portraits, pewter, imported serving ware, navigational instruments; a bird cage, a large ship model, a sailor’s valentine, a peep box, and a lady’s fireplace screen.  Sometimes overlooked are the landscapes and seascapes on the walls of the several rooms, some of which are among the Museum’s oldest and most historically important paintings.  And among these are several with direct or indirect links to the work of Fitz Henry Lane.

January 18, 2020

“The Material World” with CAM docent Gail Anderson

A British redcoat, an elegant silk dress, lavish upholstery and carpeting. Have you ever looked carefully at the use and depiction of fabric in the museum’s collections……and what that material might indicate about the owner or wearer? This Winter Short will explore artworks and artifacts to discover hidden meanings folded into fabric.

“Geology as Destiny” with CAM docent Ed Becker

The landscape of Cape Ann has been shaped by ancient geologic forces – from the collision of tectonic plates to the scraping of glacial ice. Using examples from the Museum’s collection, we’ll explore how this geologic history led to Cape Ann’s important quarry industry, and to landforms that have inspired artists for over two centuries.

“Cape Ann Really Rocks” with CAM docent Hazel Von Rosenvinge

Fishing wasn’t the only booming industry on Cape Ann. Granite quarries speckle the landscape. Rocks were shipped all over the world. Learn more about the people who worked in the quarries and the impact the industry had on this place.

“Let’s Have a Show of Hands” with CAM docent John Huss

Visit an array of exhibits and see how artists portrayal of HANDS helps deliver their message. HANDS are on display on canvas, in stone and on film. It’s a fast and fun tour!

January 25, 2020

“Judith, John and Universalism” with CAM docent Sarah Wetzel

Musings on Judith Sargent Murray born in Gloucester May 1,1751 -nearly to the day 200 years before me -and her husband the Rev. John Murray. Exploring her voice and influence during the time of the birth of our country and the establishment of the first Universalist Church here in Gloucester.

“Sailing Solo” with CAM docent Doug Stewart

What kind of person would willingly spend two months, maybe three, alone in a small boat being tossed around by waves while trying to sail 3,000 miles to Europe? Meet two of them, both Gloucester fishermen, in the Museum’s Maritime Gallery and see the actual boats they sailed. One of the men, Danish immigrant Alfred Johnson, was the first person in history to sail alone across the Atlantic. The other, Nova Scotian Howard Blackburn, was the first to do so without fingers!

“From Tragedy to Beauty: Thacher Island and the Fresnel Lens” with CAM docent Suellen Wedmore

This multi-media presentation on the Island of the Twin Lights, includes a brief history of the island and lens, shared photographs, a piece of a Fresnel Lens that you may hold in your hands, music, movement, and the reading of two poems relating to Maria Bray’s 1864 heroism. She is joined in this presentation by Cape Ann Museum members Barbara Brewer and Juliana McGovern, who participated in Suellen’s 2016 CAM presentation “Mind the Light.”

COMPLETED TOURS Continue reading “Tomorrow! Check out these unique custom tours by the talented docents at Cape Ann Museum – and new free days #GloucesterMA” →