Historic houses, landmarks & museums of New England & the Mid-Atlantic

Magazine Antiques, April, 2005

MARBLEHEAD: Marblehead Museum & Historical Society, 170 Washington St., 01945. (781) 631-1768. Visit the 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion, one of the most opulent homes in late-colonial America, with three floors of outstanding early American furnishings, decorative arts, and portraits. Spectacular hand-painted 18th c. English scenic wallpapers and rococo woodwork carving. Beautiful gardens. (June 1-Oct. 30, Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Delightful folk art paintings of daily life in Marblehead and fishing on the Grand Banks by native artist J.O.J. Frost. (Year-round, Tues-Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m., plus Sat. June-Oct.) Special Exhibit: Treasures from the Marblehead Museum: Furniture & Decorative Arts from the Collections (Nov. 2004-Oct. 2005)

NANTUCKET: Nantucket Historical Association, 15 Broad Street, P.O. Box 1016, 02554. Reopening Whaling Museum after extensive restoration. Highlights include restored 1847 candle factory, a sperm-whale skeleton, and a rooftop observation deck. Other historic sites include the grand neo-classical Hadwen House, the Oldest House, an 1838 Quaker Meeting House, and a 1746 windmill. Historic properties open daily May-September. Limited hours otherwise. Visit www.nha.org or call (508) 228-1894.

STURBRIDGE: Old Sturbridge Village, Route 20, Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Explore a recreated early 19th century New England village, with 40 restored buildings on 200 acres. Daily demonstrations, activities and performances. Antique furniture, ceramics, glass; authentic reproduction costumes and textiles. Historical gardens. NEW! Garden Weekend, June 11 and 12; Made in mass: A New England Country Festival, Oct. 1 & 2; Textile Weekend, Nov. 5 & 6: Spirit of the Season, Dec. 1-31. Museum Gift Shop and Bookstore, Dining, Lodging. Open year-round; call for seasonal hours. 800-SEE-1830. Visit website: www.osv.org

NEW HAMPSHIRE

MANCHESTER: Currier Museum of Art, 201 Myrtle Way, 03104. An internationally renowned art museum featuring European and American paintings and sculpture with works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet, O'Keeffe, Wyeth, Remington and Saint-Gaudens. Extensive collection of early American furniture, glass, silver and decorative arts. Cafe and Museum shop. Open: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (free hours, Sat 10 a.m.-1 p.m.). Telephone: (603) 669-6144, fax (603) 669-7194, website www.currier.org

MANCHESTER: Zimmerman House by Frank Lloyd Wright, owned by the Currier Museum of Art, 201 Myrtle Way, 03104. Designed by Wright in 1950, the Zimmerman House is a classic "Usonian" and the only Wright-designed residence in New England open to the public. Wright also designed the landscaping, furnishings and textiles. Reservations required for all tours, which leave from the museum. For complete tour schedule and prices, call (603) 669-6144, ext. 108 or visit www.currier.org

NEW YORK

ALBANY: Albany Institute or History and Art, 125 Washington Avenue, 12210. The Albany Institute of History & Art offers visitors a unique museum experience that celebrates five centuries of the Upper Hudson Valley. Exhibitions from the permanent collection include fine and decorative arts, societal artifacts, and archival materials. The museum also presents an ongoing schedule of traveling exhibitions and public programs. Hours: Wed-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 12 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues-preregistered groups only, closed Mondays and major holidays. Telephone: (518) 463-4478, Fax: (518) 462-1522. www.albanyinstitute.org