The Governor Bellingham Cary House is excited to announce a series of Open Houses, along with historical programming, this spring as the city celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Chelsea Creek. This series of events is held in partnership with the City of Chelsea and made possible by a Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism grant.
All programming is free and open to the general public.
About the House
This building and the acreage surrounding the Governor Bellingham Cary House have been witness to over 350 years of American history. From the beginning of European settlement in the early 17th century, when it was a bountiful place full of natural resources to the 21st century, bustling city that now exists, it has evolved and survived.
The Cary family and their extended household lived here from the 1760s until the beginning of the 20th century. Their home, known lovingly as “the Retreat”, was a bucolic oasis remembered fondly by both family and friends alike. At the start of America's War of Independence, and most notably during the Siege of Boston from April 19, 1775 to March 17, 1776, the property was used by the newly formed Continental Army as they assisted refugees escaping Boston via the Winnisimmet Ferry, engaged in surveillance of British ships, and defended Chelsea during a pivotal moment in the Revolution.
Open Houses and Talks Calendar
Thursday, April 17, 6-8pm
Cuban History: Talk with Max Pro
Chelsea artist Max Pro explores personal and cultural ties between Chelsea and the Caribbean in a compelling presentation on the history of Cuba. The Cary family, whose historic home serves as the backdrop for this event, lived in Chelsea while also overseeing plantations in Grenada and other Caribbean islands. Their story is intertwined with the contradictions of colonial trade and enslavement within the aspirations for freedom and prosperity that shaped the American dream. This talk highlights contemporary immigrant experiences between these two regions.
About Max Pro
Max Corona, also known as Max Pro, was born and raised in Chelsea, where his family has deep roots, with his grandparents having migrated from Cuba. Max’s artistic journey began at the age of four when he first watched his mother draw a flower. From there, his art continued to grow, and his creative journey expanded. An avid member of Chelsea’s community, Max has contributed several public art pieces around the city. After spending 15 years in the healthcare industry, he discovered peace, solitude, and therapy through his art.
Max’s artwork incorporates a wide range of materials, including recycled items, and is inspired by colors that evoke memories of nature, aiming to spark meaningful conversations. His love for comic books and time travel has greatly influenced his creativity.
Thursday, April 26, 11am-2pm
open house and Cuban History display by Max Pro
SUNDAY, may 4, 11am-3pm
open house on the Cary Square day
SATURDAY, May 10, 11am-2pm
open house + Battle of Chelsea Creek talk
Join us for a historical presentation on the Battle of Chelsea Creek, presented by Robert Allison, Professor at Suffolk University, and Jeff Pearlman, at 11:30 a.m.
Robert Allison is a Professor of History, Language and Global Culture at Suffolk University. He’s one of the coordinators of The Revolution 250 Advisory Group that is overseeing commemorations across Massachusetts of the American Revolution. He is the author of numerous publications including books on The Boston Tea Party (2007), The Boston Massacre (2006), and A Short History of Boston (20040). He is president of the South Boston Historical Society and is involved with several museums and historical societies in Boston.
Jeff Pearlman a city historian in Revere and a member of the Revere Society for Cultural and Historical Preservation as well as the Colonial Society of Massachusetts. Mr. Pearlman is currently an adjunct professor at Salem State University. He previously taught public school in Revere for 36 years.
Thursday, May 15, 6-8pm
Letters from Chelsea and the Siege of Boston
Join us for a presentation by Mimi Graney at 6:30 p.m.
During the Siege of Boston, as war and hardship consumed the city, Chelsea became an unexpected refuge. This presentation brings the crisis to life through firsthand accounts that reveal the uncertainty, fear, and resilience of those caught in the turmoil. At the heart of these accounts are the letters of Colonel Loammi Baldwin, who reported directly to General George Washington while overseeing the flood of desperate civilians escaping Boston via the Winnisimmet Ferry. Baldwin’s correspondence provides a vivid record of the refugee movement, the surveillance of British ships, and the challenges of defending Chelsea during this pivotal moment in the Revolution.
About Mimi Graney.
Mimi Graney is a trustee of the Bellingham Cary House and formerly worked for the City of Chelsea where she focused on public art and local initiatives for community building and economic development. She is the author of Fluff: The Sticky Sweet Story of an American Icon, which traces the history of Marshmallow Fluff while exploring broader themes of American culture, industrialization, and advertising.
SATURDAY, may 24, 11am-3pm
open house on THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Battle of Chelsea Creek
Saturday, June 7, 11am-3pm
Curator’s Choice Day
When we visit historic houses, the stories we hear often center on men—politicians, soldiers, and writers—while the lives of those who kept the household running are often overlooked. Yet behind every grand home were the people who cooked the meals, tended the children, managed the accounts, and maintained the property. On June 7, we turn our focus to the essential but often forgotten labor that sustained homes like the Governor Bellingham-Cary House. This program will explore who performed this work in colonial times, how their roles evolved over the centuries, and the ways household labor shaped daily life.
1:00PM: Hearth and Home: The Colonial Kitchen – Bread to Thread by Janet Sartor
The colonial kitchen was a hub of constant activity—not just for cooking, but for spinning, candle-making, soap-making, laundry, mending, and even childcare. Step back in time as you explore the tools and gadgets that remain in the house, from colonial-era kitchen implements to 19th-century innovations. Admire the beautifully preserved fireplace and ovens that once served as the heart of the home, and take home authentic colonial recipes to try in your own kitchen.
Janet Sartor currently serves as Curator of Collections at the Governor Bellingham-Cary House, bringing her expertise in curating, collection care, and historical interpretation to house museums and cultural organizations. A Chelsea resident. Janet has extensive experience with prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Harvard Art Museum.
1: 45 pm: 1667-1900: The Workers – Tenant Farmers, Servants, and Enslaved People by Stacey Smith and Lee Farrington
Who carried out the daily work that kept the Governor Bellingham-Cary House running? Throughout its history, the home relied on the labor of farmhands, household workers, and enslaved individuals—both those who worked on the Cary family's plantations in Grenada and those who served within the house itself. This program shares some of their often-overlooked stories, shedding light on the essential roles they played.
Lee Farrington is a community historian and former trustee of the Governor Bellingham-Cary House in Chelsea, where she continues to support educational programs. She has created historic tours of Chelsea's Prattville and Cary Square neighborhoods and is a former member of the Chelsea Historic Commission. With a passion for house museums, Lee has visited over 50 across New England.
Stacey Smith, a fifth-generation Chelsea resident, is an active member of the Chelsea Black Community. In 2023, she received the Chelsea Trailblazer Award, and in 2025, she was honored with the Black Excellence Award by the Massachusetts 11th Suffolk District for her contributions to the community and local activism.
Saturday, June 12, 6-8 PM
open house
Saturday, June 21 - 11AM-2PM
Strawberry Festival
Join us for this beloved annual event as we honor Chelsea’s rich agricultural history and welcome the summer season! Explore the historic house with guided tours, enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, and indulge in delicious strawberry shortcake available for purchase. Try your hand at colonial-era games or practice traditional handicrafts once common in homes like the Governor Bellingham-Cary House. Step back in time and celebrate history, community, and the flavors of summer!
House Tours by Matt Frank
Matt Frank is a trustee and President of the Governor Bellingham-Cary House, where he leverages his expertise in organizational leadership and community engagement to advance the museum's mission. As Director of Operations at the Chelsea Housing Authority and a former Chelsea City Council member, Matt is deeply invested in local issues. He actively connects the house’s history to the evolving stories of Chelsea today, focusing on its relevance to the community.
34 Parker St
Chelsea, MA
For more information, visit https://bellinghamcary.org/
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