Sargent House Museum Board of Directors Expands as the First Step in a Two-Year Reimagining Project.

Sargent House Museum Board of Directors Expands as the First Step in a Two-Year Reimagining Project.

Museum to Focus on Judith Sargent Murray and the Rev. John Murray.

The Sargent House Museum moves forward with a new purpose and welcomes new Board Members.

Gloucester, MA, April 14, 2026

The Sargent House Museum is undertaking a reimagining project focused on two early progressive occupants: the literary feminist Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820) and her second husband, the Reverend John Murray (1741-1815), who played an important role in both the organization of American Universalism and Gloucester’s early push for freedom of religion.

Built for Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820) and her first husband, John Stevens in 1782, the Sargent House Museum exemplifies mid-18th century New England architecture in the Historic District of Gloucester. In the 2026 season, the museum will operate as it has for many years. Starting in 2027, the emphasis will shift to Judith and John Murray’s life in both Gloucester and Boston.

Starting with her first published essay in 1784, Judith argued for improving the education of girls, promoting female independence, resisting patriarchal norms, and asserting women’s equal spiritual, emotional, and intellectual equality. John Murray’s impact on American religion began in 1770 when he arrived from England, inspired by James Relly’s belief in universal salvation.

This effort brings a new Board of Directors. Joining Thomas Manning, Interim President and Treasurer, Joan Ford Mongeau, Clerk, and Maria Di Stefano, Board member, are:

• Paul Lewis, Professor of English, Emeritus, at Boston College and Curator of the Sargent House Museum;
• Lucinda Damon-Bach, Professor of English at Salem State University;
• Barbara Durgin, Esquire;
• Alexandra Mitropoulos, Senior Counsel, Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP