Sippican Historical and Preservation Society

This year marks the 17th anniversary of the Sippican Historical Society’s premier fundraiser, the much-celebrated Marion Antiques Show, featuring approximately 65 dealers from across the country. Highlights will include a photographic exhibit depicting the Gilded Age of Marion as well as Heirloom Discovery, a popular appraisal event. As in prior years, the 2009 Show will be held at Tabor Academy’s Fish Athletic Center, and will debut with a gala Preview Party on Friday, August 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Show continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Society’s mission is to preserve Marion’s historic seaside village character. Funds raised in previous years have been utilized to complete numerous valuable preservation and beautification projects throughout the town, including the purchase and renovation of Marion’s US Post Office building, management of the Island Wharf project, the donation of 22 trees to the Marion Tree Committee to beautify the Route 6 area of town, and the implementation of an extensive archival database and connection with the Elizabeth Taber Library. Proceeds from the 2007 Show funded the publication of the popular book, A Picture Postcard History of Marion, Massachusetts, and those from the 2008 Show were used to install a comprehensive climate control system for the SHS Museum and archives, as well as to implement an ongoing local history education initiative with area schools.

This year, the Show’s proceeds will be utilized for the design and construction of a new bandstand for Marion’s Island Wharf Park. This venue has long been home to the Marion Concert Band’s summer series, a perennial family favorite. The current structure, the Robert O. Broomstead Bandstand, was originally erected in 1934, and re-built in 1955 after being demolished by Hurricane Carol. SHS will work with a team of top architects to replace the current, pavilion-style bandstand with a model that is acoustically efficient, environmentally sensitive and aesthetically appropriate, so that Marion may continue its tradition of providing a wonderful venue for its vital public offerings.

For more information regarding the Marion Antiques Show, or to reserve tickets for the Preview Party, please contact the Sippican Historical Society at (508) 748-1116.

You may view a slide show from our 2005 show by clicking here:

Special Events

Preview Party

Date: Will be the Friday, August 15th. 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Join us for splendid fare, browsing and buying, at the annual Marion Antiques Show Preview Party.

Admission: Tickets may be purchased at the Bookstall, Marion Antiques, China Trader, or by calling 508-748-1116.

Heirloom Discovery Day

Heirloom Discovery Day is one of the most popular events during the Marion Antiques Show weekend. A panel of experts chosen from among the Show’s 70+ exhibitors are on-hand to evaluate your favorite treasures.

In past years, some great treasures have surfaced here, including:

An early 19th century whaling log detailing a whaling voyage to the South Pacific by a New Bedford vessel with beautiful drawings drawn on the borders. Valued at $20,000.

An important miniature portrait on ivory by American folk art painter, Mrs. Moses Russell, which later sold for $24,000. The owner of this miniature piece had it hanging in her kitchen!

Stay tuned for the time and location of this year’s Heirloom Discovery Day!