About the Estate
History of the Beebe Estate
The Beebe Estate was renovated by the City of Melrose, Massachusetts in 1996 with the intent to operate the Beebe as a self-sustaining amenity to house non-profit or city departments, provide a place for event rentals, and to operate lyceum-style events such as lectures, demonstrations, exhibits, and classes for the benefit of the public.
Over the years a successful mix of these activities has occurred, and the Beebe is currently home to the offices of the Council on Aging, the Melrose Alliance Against Violence, and the Friends of the Fells. A dedicated group of volunteers curates a series of monthly art exhibits featuring local artists, and there are a variety of regular meetings and scheduled events that occur on site. In between these functions, the Beebe is well used for a broad variety of rental functions including wedding receptions, corporate parties, showers, family reunions, christening and confirmation celebrations, fundraisers, and classes.
Learn more about our historic preservation efforts and historic gardens.
Board of Trustees
STEWARDS OF THE ESTATE
The Trustees are appointed by the City and serve as custodians of the building. Their duty is to maintain and preserve the structure while ensuring public access, appropriate use, and good stewardship of the facility on behalf of the City. In addition the Trustees are responsible for meeting the requirements of a preservation easement held by the Massachusetts Historical Commission which mandates the protection and care of the historic features of the building.
The Trustees are volunteers who bring a wealth of experience from a variety of backgrounds to the benefit of the Beebe Estate’s management. The Trustees have professional affiliations in a wide variety of areas including cultural resource management and history, architecture and historic preservation, business and community service, law, and marketing/sales.
The Trustees meet monthly and their meetings are posted and open to the public. The Beebe Estate operates through support from the City, a very modest rental income, and grants and gifts.
CO-CHAIRS: Bill Butler and Sean Heneghan
TREASURER: Jessica McKenna
SECRETARY: Sarah Besegai
TRUSTEE: David Thimble
The Beebe Estate Association
The Beebe Estate Association (BEA) sponsors monthly art exhibits at the Beebe Estate Gallery, featuring the work of local and regional artists.
Each monthly art exhibit features an Opening Reception the first Friday of the month, from 7-9 PM. Receptions are free and open to the public. Refreshments are served, and all work is available for purchase.
The Gallery is also open for public viewing every Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Artists interested in exhibiting at the Beebe Estate should send digital images of their work to Gary Borkan. Artists should submit at least five examples of their work. All submissions will be reviewed by the BEA selection committee, which meets monthly.