09/18/2026
It is with a heavy heart that the board of the Governor Bellingham-Cary House recognizes the passing of our Vice President Emeritus Jean Chapman.
Jean will be remembered fondly as a true steward of the House that we all love spending countless hours caring for, organizing, networking, advocating, mentoring, and of course, polishing the cast iron cookware in the old oven, bringing out the natural beauty of our extensive cookware collection.
Along with her husband Charlie, Jean was a driving force behind ensuring the long term viability of the Museum, educating countless guests and sharing amazing stories.
Her family fondly remembers visiting the house with Jean to preserve and promote local history and they have been advocates of the house and its collections for years.
We are humbled that in lieu of flowers, Jean's family has requested donations be made in her name to the Museum–a testament to her devotion to the oldest and most historic structures in Chelsea. Jean not only advanced our history, but is part of that storied history and will be remembered now and forever.
In 2025, The Chapman Award of Excellence was established by the board of GBCH, in honor of Jean and her husband Charlie Chapman. The House kicked it off by surprising Jean with the inaugural granting of the award. We look forward to honoring and continuing the Chapman legacy by recognizing another member of the community with the award in the coming months so we may continue the legacy Jean was instrumental in creating.
Rest in Peace, Dear Jean.
Photo credit: Darlene Devita Photography and the Chelsea Project
