CAM Talk: Cape Ann Museum – Then, Now, and Tomorrow
Date and Time
Sunday Sep 13, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
Sunday, September 13, 2026
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location
Auditorium, Downtown Campus
27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Fees/Admission
CAM Members $5, Non-Members $15 (includes General Admission)
Description
Join the Bayliss Society at the Cape Ann Museum on September 13 for the closing program of this year’s Jonathan Bayliss Society annual conference, “Gloucester’s Acropolis: Defining the City Then and Now.” This final session features a series of short talks exploring the role and influence of Cape Ann Museum in the community life of Gloucester throughout its existence, with a glimpse toward an exciting future as well.
Speakers are CAM’s Director Oliver Barker, Chief Curator Martha Oaks, and former Museum volunteer Deanie Hancock French. Deanie’s father, the major American sculptor Walker Hancock, was involved for many years in the development of what was then called the Cape Ann Historical Association.
About the Conference
Novelist Jonathan Bayliss (1926–2009) coined the term Acropolis to describe the cluster of civic institutions rising above Gloucester Harbor—City Hall, Sawyer Free Library, the Museum, and neighboring landmarks. This year’s conference brings that idea to life through talks, walks, and readings from September 11–13, exploring how this hillside cultural district has shaped Gloucester from the 19th century to today.
The conference is organized by the Jonathan Bayliss Society in collaboration with Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester Writers Center, and Sawyer Free Library, with support from the Gloucester Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, and the Bruce Cove Foundation.
More information is available at www.jonathanbayliss.org/acropolis.
