Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Scurvy —a debilitating disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, was a scourge among sailors, with hundreds of thousands perishing during the colonial period, and during the American Revolutionary War it became a critical strategic factor that severely weakened the British Royal Navy and affected the health of the Continental Army.

Before the concept of vitamin deficiency was known to the world, physicians struggled to find what caused the disease. That did not stop them from developing both herbal and chemical treatments with mixed results. The story of finding a true cure spans the centuries, from ancient references to sailors’ superstitions to the birth of “clinical trials” in the 18th century.

Join Dan Marshall as he dives into both European and American colonial sources that shed light on the effects of scurvy on the body and the many colonial cures recorded for posterity. Afterwards, he will demonstrate the tools and techniques of turning simple ingredients into medicine in the 17th & 18th centuries.

Dan Marshall is a museum professional who has shared his love of history with the public for over 25 years. He has created and presented countless hands-on public history events, school tour programs, and lectures on a wide range of historical topics. With experience at Colonial Williamsburg, The House of the Seven Gables, Lexington Historical Society, and the City of Salem, Dan is currently serving as Vice President of the Salem Historical Society.

This program is presented in partnership with the National Park Service and Essex Heritage as part of a series; Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution. As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, this dynamic series brings together diverse voices and experts to examine the Revolution through its many perspectives, lived experiences, and lasting legacies.

Join us for a memorable evening of music, history, and conversation celebrating the life, military service, and lasting legacy of one of the American Revolution's most celebrated — and often overlooked — figures.

The evening kicks off with a rousing performance by Scurvy Fellows Indeed, a spirited crew of 18th-century privateers who will entertain with rollicking sea chanteys — audience sing-along strongly encouraged!

Historian Robert Booth then takes us through the compelling story of how John Glover's Marblehead roots and family ties shaped his path to becoming a Revolutionary War hero.

He is followed by Larry Sands — Captain of Glover's Marblehead Regiment — who brings Glover's battlefield career to life with a lively overview of his major engagements and accomplishments.

Nancy Lusignan Schultz, Chair of the Swampscott Historical Commission and President of Save the Glover! Inc., rounds out the presentations with the latest news on the ongoing effort to preserve General Glover's historic farmhouse.

This program is part of the Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution lecture series. This series is a partnership between Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime National Historical Park and highlights the unique role of Essex County communities during the American Revolution.

As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, join us for Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution — a dynamic series of programs exploring the American Revolution — its many perspectives, lived experiences, and lasting legacies. This series brings together a range of voices and experts to examine the Revolution from multiple angles. Programs will take a variety of formats including lectures, panel discussions, living history presentations, and more.

Christopher Magra, Professor of History at the University of Tennessee, will present "The Fisherman’s Cause: Atlantic Commerce and Maritime Dimensions of the American Revolution." This lecture, based on his 2007 book by the same name, will explore the maritime roots of the Revolution.

As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, join us for Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution — a dynamic series of programs exploring the American Revolution — its many perspectives, lived experiences, and lasting legacies. This series brings together a range of voices and experts to examine the Revolution from multiple angles. Programs will take a variety of formats including lectures, panel discussions, living history presentations, and more.

Emily Murphy, PhD, Curator at Salem Maritime National Historical Park & Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site will explore the stories of Essex Country privateers throughout the American Revolution.

Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy live orchestra music on Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historical Park for a grand celebration of our nation’s 250th Independence Day. Featuring live music, family fun, and fireworks launched over Salem Harbor, this is a quintessential celebration of the 4th of July. A full schedule of events will be added in the future. Check back for additional information. This event is hosted by the City of Salem.