Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime Launch Revolutionary War Lecture Series

Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime Launch Revolutionary War Lecture Series

         

Historic partnership brings American Revolution to life through innovative lecture series exploring Essex County’s revolutionary past

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New Lecture Series Explores Revolutionary War Through Local Lens

Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime National Historical Park are launching an innovative new lecture series that examines Essex County’s role in the American Revolution. The series, titled “Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution,” kicks off on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM with a fascinating exploration of colonial medicine.

Presented in partnership as part of the Essex County Revolution 250 initiative, the series brings together historians, scholars, and demonstrators. Together, they illuminate the experiences of Essex County residents during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

Opening Lecture: Revolutionary Cures for Scurvy

The inaugural presentation features historian Dan Marshall presenting “Revolutionary Cures for Scurvy.” The lecture and demonstration will take place at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, Massachusetts. Moreover, the program explores the devastating impact of scurvy on sailors during the colonial era and the American Revolutionary War.

During the Revolutionary War, scurvy became a critical strategic factor. It severely weakened the British Royal Navy and threatened the health of the Continental Army. Before physicians understood vitamin deficiency, they struggled to identify the cause of scurvy. Consequently, they developed a wide range of herbal and chemical treatments with mixed results.

Marshall will examine both European and American colonial sources. These documents shed light on the effects of scurvy on the body and the many cures recorded during the period. Additionally, he will demonstrate the tools and techniques used to transform simple ingredients into medicine in the 17th and 18th centuries.

“The story of finding a cure for scurvy is one of the great detective stories of medical history,” said Dan Marshall. “The search for a cure spans centuries, from ancient references to sailors’ superstitions all the way to some of the earliest clinical trials in the 18th century. What makes it so compelling is how the Revolutionary War forced military leaders and physicians to confront this crisis in real time. I look forward to bringing this history to life—including a hands-on look at how colonial healers actually made medicine.”

Exploring the Revolutionary Period in Full Complexity

The series aims to present a comprehensive view of the Revolutionary period. It examines not just military and political dimensions, but also the scientific, social, and medical realities that shaped everyday life.

“The Conflict & Community series is an opportunity to explore the Revolutionary period in all its complexity—the military and political dimensions, but also the scientific, social, and medical realities that shaped everyday life,” said Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage. “Through partnership with Salem Maritime and our regional network of local scholars and heritage sites, we are committed to telling the full story of Essex County’s role in the Revolution, including the voices and experiences of those who have too often been left out of that narrative.”

Salem’s Vital Revolutionary War Role

Salem’s port played a crucial role during the Revolutionary War. This new lecture series helps connect visitors and community members to that history in meaningful, engaging ways.

“Salem Maritime National Historical Park is proud to partner with Essex Heritage on this lecture series,” said Jennifer Hardin, Superintendent of Salem Maritime National Historical Park. “The port of Salem played a vital role during the Revolutionary War, and programs like this help connect visitors and community members to that history in meaningful, engaging ways. Dan Marshall’s exploration of scurvy and colonial medicine is exactly the kind of richly researched, accessible programming that brings the 18th century to life.”

Part of Multi-Year Revolutionary War Commemoration

This series represents part of a multi-year effort by Salem Maritime National Historical Park. The initiative commemorates Salem’s unique contributions to the American Revolution. Furthermore, it is part of Essex County Revolution 250, led by Essex Heritage in partnership with Massachusetts Rev250 and numerous regional heritage sites.

This collaborative effort aims to highlight the diverse experiences of Essex County residents during the American Revolutionary period. The initiative prepares the nation to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Additional new events and exhibits will be announced throughout the coming year.

Event Details

What: “Revolutionary Cures for Scurvy” — Part of the Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution lecture series
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 6:30 PM
Where: Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA
Cost: Free admission

More Information:
Visit https://essexheritage.org/rev250/events/conflict-and-community-salem-the-american-revolution-lecture-series/ or contact info@essexheritage.org

Additional talks in the Conflict & Community series are forthcoming. Stay tuned for more announcements.

About the Partner Organizations

About Essex Heritage

Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that manages the Essex National Heritage Area and promotes the unique cultural and natural heritage of Essex County, Massachusetts. Through partnerships and educational initiatives, Essex Heritage works to preserve and enhance the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the region.

About Salem Maritime National Historical Park

Salem Maritime National Historical Park preserves and interprets New England’s maritime history. The buildings and landscapes on the waterfront of Salem, Massachusetts, illustrate global maritime connections from the Colonial period through the 19th century.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Conary, Program and Event Manager
Essex Heritage
Phone: 603-686-2253
Email: ryanc@essexheritage.org

Photos and other information available upon request