Historical Commission Chair Chris Johnston was nice enough to offer a sneak peek at the progress inside Abbot Hall's Dr. Ray Cole Maritime Room Museum early Thursday morning.

Johnston said he was pleased to report that the commission's effort to renovate the Maritime Room is nearly complete and members are planning to officially reopen it on Wednesday, July 11.

The Maritime Room, he said, will also be open to visitors on the Fourth of July, though it probably won't be completely finished by then.

The museum was originally founded and curated by town native, naval veteran and local dentist Dr. Ray Cole. The museum is aimed at celebrating Marblehead's "unique and illustrious naval history."

The museum will provide information about Marblehead's famous patriots and heroes; the navy ships named after them and the town; the USS Constitution and Marblehead's unique role in protecting her during the War of 1812; and Marblehead's significant role in early marine aviation.

Johnston said guests will be able to press a button to watch a video about the USS Constitution and view a group of model planes that will be hanging from the ceiling.

Another innovative feature, which Johnston said was meant to "double the size of the room" will be that the watercolor paintings by well-known painter and illustrator Samuel H .Bryant's will be mounted on doors that will open up to reveal more information about a given subject.

Restoration of the Maritime Room was funded by a generous bequest to the town by Dr. Cole.

The design was done by Fred Johnson, former Peabody Essex Museum chief exhibit designer. The graphics are by Anna Geraghty and text on the walls by Merry Glosband, bother formerly of the Peabody Essex.

The Historical Commission operates the Maritime Room, displays in Abbot Hall and the Abbot Hall Gift Shop. The Maritime Room and gift shop hours at Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.