Eastham Historical Society

Website: https://www.easthamhistoricalsociety.org/

Address: 25 Schoolhouse Road, Eastham, Massachusetts 02642

Phone: (508) 255-0788

Email: easthamhistorical@verizon.net

The Eastham Historical Society offers a variety of museum experiences for visitors as well as the Archives for research. Admission is free but donations are requested for upkeep of the museums.

Our Museums

1869 Schoolhouse Museum

25 Schoolhouse Road, Eastham

· Vintage Schoolroom

· Eastham History & Stories Wing

· Community Connections &. Genealogy Wing

Swift-Daley Complex

2375 State Highway, Eastham

· 1741 Swift-Daley House

· Dill Beach Camp

· Ranlett Tool Museum

· Olde Gift Shop

The Archives

25 Schoolhouse Road, Eastham

· Open year-round on Tuesdays 1:00 - 4:00 PM, and by appointment.

· For personal research visits, requests should be sent to easthamarchives@gmail.com.

About Our Museums

1869 Schoolhouse Museum

The museum is housed in a former schoolhouse that grew from one room in 1869 to three school wings by 1909. The building was fully restored to its historic footprint in 2025. Each wing offers a different perspective on Eastham history.

Vintage Schoolroom

A "hands on" museum complete with its original schoolmaster's desk, the schoolroom is furnished to replicate how it looked in earlier days. Children of all ages are encouraged to sit at the desks, look at the books, dress in period costumes and "play school." Historic world maps line the walls,

Eastham History Wing

Our main museum tells the story of Eastham from its first people and Mayflower settlers to its maritime heritage and war veterans. A permanent exhibit on Henry Beston and The Outermost House marks that book’s influence on the creation of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Changing exhibits celebrate local events and special aspects of town life.

Community Connections & Genealogy

Our recently completed third wing offers insights into community life in Eastham including transportation, mail service, the days of camp meetings, volunteer fireman and other community groups. A Map Wall illustrates how the community has changed over the years. A hand-on shelf offers the opportunity to touch and explore various artifacts from our Archives. The new genealogy and research corner provides a variety of resources for those who want to delve into their own or area history.

Swift-Daley Complex

1741 Swift-Daley House

Built in 1741 by Joshua Knowles, its bowed roof is typical of early houses built by ship’s carpenters. The wide board floors, deep fireplace in the keeping room and narrow stairway are other features of 18th century houses. The entire house is furnished with articles ranging from Colonial to Victorian, reflecting the long period when the house was home to many generations.

In 1859 the house was occupied by butcher Nathaniel Swift, who with his brother Gustavus, soon moved to Chicago and founded the Swift meat packing empire. The second part of its present name comes from Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Daley who purchased the house in 1939 and restored it to its original condition. Mrs. Daley generously donated the house to the Eastham Historical Society in 1974. The house is completely furnished; its collections include examples of period furniture, clothing, china and quilts.

Dill Beach Camp

The A. Thomas Dill Beach Camp survived the 1978 storm that ravaged the spit south of the Coast Guard Station. Built in 1936, it is furnished as it was when used as a hunting and fishing camp. It was moved to its present location in 1995.

Ranlett Tool Museum

On display are hundreds of tools, many of them unusual and unique to this area. A forge on the premises operates at the whim of the blacksmith.

Olde Gift Shop

The Olde Gift Shop is filled with fascinating treasures from antiques to hand-crafted items from local artisans. New treasurers arrive all the time. All sales support the historical society.

Our Commitment to Our Visitors

Since the Eastham Historical Society’s founding in 1963, the Society has been committed to conserving Eastham’s past for Eastham’s future by preserving, sharing and partnering with our community. Our vision is to create a place where Eastham History Comes to Life for residents and visitors alike.