NEWBURYPORT — The Custom House Maritime Museum is launching a new three-part lecture series covering maritime history, art and genealogy.
The museum is completing a major interior renovation project as it prepares for opening in May. Each of the lectures touches upon a different aspect of the museum.
"While our mission continues to be preservation of our local maritime heritage, we also want to make history more relevant, interesting and fun," said Jeff Bard, a board member.
All lectures will be at the Custom House Maritime Museum, located on 25 Water St. in downtown Newburyport. All lectures will start a 7 p.m., with a reception following each talk. There is limited seating, up to 70 people per lecture. The cost is $8 per lecture for members of the museum and $10 for nonmembers. Tickets will be sold the day of the lecture starting at 6:30 p.m.
The three lectures are:
Understanding the Influence of the Atlantic on the Cultural Flowering of New England — Thursday, May 22, by James C. Johnston Jr., author of The Yankee Fleet, Maritime New England in the Age of Sail.
Since the Mayflower made landfall, New Englanders have enjoyed a close and unique relationship with the sea. Join Johnston as he recounts our storied maritime tradition. From the Puritan fathers to Francisco Ruiz, New England's last known pirate, he chronicles the colorful and offbeat exploration of Yankee sailors and the world they made in New England.
Interpreting Maritime History Through Maritime Art — Saturday, June 7, by Paul Garnett, maritime artist with permanent exhibits in the Constitution Museum, Marine Museum and Minnesota Maritime Museum.
Garnett combines fine art with historical research to create magnificent marine paintings. Garnett will discuss both his research and artistic techniques. Using actual samples of his work, you'll see how this fascinating process comes together. The lecture will appeal to the artist and the history buff. Visit paulgarnett.com to see examples of Garnett's artistry.
Genealogy: The Who, What, When, Where and Why — Thursday, June 12, by Marcia Iannizzi Melnyk, professional genealogist, author (The Genealogists Handbook for New England Research and Family History 101) and the president of the Italian Genealogist Society of America.
Have you ever thought about your ancestors? Any sea captains or pirates in your family tree? Melnyk explains how genealogy combines history, family dynamics and personal stories into a fascinating exploration of your family's roots. Melnyk will devote a portion of her lecture to a question-and-answer session. So if you're a beginner, intermediate or expert genealogist, bring your questions so we can all sharpen our genealogy skills.
Directions to the Custom House Maritime Museum can be found on the Web site www.thechmm.org.
