On June 7, we turn our focus to the essential but often forgotten labor that sustained homes like the Governor Bellingham-Cary House. This program will explore who performed this work in colonial times, how their roles evolved over the centuries, and the ways household labor shaped daily life.
1:00PM: Hearth and Home: The Colonial Kitchen – Bread to Thread by Janet Sartor
The colonial kitchen was a hub of constant activity—not just for cooking, but for spinning, candle-making, soap-making, laundry, mending, and even childcare. Step back in time as you explore the tools and gadgets that remain in the house, from colonial-era kitchen implements to 19th-century innovations. Admire the beautifully preserved fireplace and ovens that once served as the heart of the home, and take home authentic colonial recipes to try in your own kitchen.
Janet Sartor currently serves as Curator of Collections at the Governor Bellingham-Cary House, bringing her expertise in curating, collection care, and historical interpretation to house museums and cultural organizations. A Chelsea resident. Janet has extensive experience with prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Harvard Art Museum.
1: 45 pm: 1667-1900: The Workers – Tenant Farmers, Servants, and Enslaved People by Stacey Smith and Lee Farrington
Who carried out the daily work that kept the Governor Bellingham-Cary House running? Throughout its history, the home relied on the labor of farmhands, household workers, and enslaved individuals—both those who worked on the Cary family's plantations in Grenada and those who served within the house itself. This program shares some of their often-overlooked stories, shedding light on the essential roles they played.
Lee Farrington is a community historian and former trustee of the Governor Bellingham-Cary House in Chelsea, where she continues to support educational programs. She has created historic tours of Chelsea's Prattville and Cary Square neighborhoods and is a former member of the Chelsea Historic Commission. With a passion for house museums, Lee has visited over 50 across New England.
Stacey Smith, a fifth-generation Chelsea resident, is an active member of the Chelsea Black Community. In 2023, she received the Chelsea Trailblazer Award, and in 2025, she was honored with the Black Excellence Award by the Massachusetts 11th Suffolk District for her contributions to the community and local activism.
Also check out other Arts events in Chelsea, Fine Arts events in Chelsea.
