INTERN ALICIA ABATE JOINS GBCH !

Alicia Abate (she/her/hers) is an emerging archivist and historian born and raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Technical Theatre from Salem State University in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science at Indiana University Indianapolis, with a concentration in Archive Management and Digital Curation.

Outside of her internship, she currently works at the Chelsea Public Library, where she is gaining hands-on experience serving her city and further developing her passion for libraries and archives. Enthusiastic about preserving Chelsea’s history and expanding access to archival collections, Alicia is building a career at the intersection of archives, local history, and the cultural heritage of Chelsea.

We look forward to having Alicia on our team!

The Bellingham-Cary House

The Governor Bellingham- Cary House and surrounding acres in Chelsea have been witness to over 350 years of American history.  From the beginning of European settlement in the early 17th century, when it was a bountiful place full of natural resources to the bustling 21st century city today, it has evolved and persevered.

The Cary family lived here from the 1760s until the beginning of the 20th century.  Their home, known lovingly as “the Retreat”, was a bucolic oasis remembered fondly by both family and friends alike.

For over a century, the Governor Bellingham-Cary House Association has cared for this singular piece of our nation’s history.  Registered as a National Landmark property, numerous preservation and conservation grants have helped to preserve both the building and its contents to serve as a window to the past for the over 1,000 people, including school children, who visit here every year.

It is open for sponsored events and open houses throughout the year, as well as by appointment. Check our Facebook page and events section of this website for upcoming events.