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- Sturgis Library | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Museum Directory Sturgis Library Website : https://www.sturgislibrary.org/ Address: 3090 Main Street, Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630 Phone: 508-362-6636 Email: director@sturgislibrary.org Constructed in 1644 for the Reverend John Lothrop, founder of Barnstable, the house which forms the original part of the Library is the oldest Library building in the United States. The building is also one of the oldest houses remaining on Cape Cod. A living museum, the library hosts exhibitions and exhibits year round, as well as guided tours and special events open to the public. Since Reverend Lothrop used the front room of the house for public worship, another distinction of the Sturgis Library is that it is the oldest structure still standing in America where religious services were regularly held. This room, now called “The Lothrop Room,” with its beamed ceiling and pumpkin-colored wide-board floors, retains the quintessential early character of authentic Cape Cod houses. Reverend Lothrop’s bible , with handwritten repairs to the pages, is on display in this room. On February 25, 1782, William Sturgis, a direct descendant of Reverend Lothrop, was born in this house. To help support the family after the death of his father, William went to sea at the age of 15. In 1810, he founded Bryant and Sturgis, clipper ship owners engaged in the Northwest and China Trades. In 1863, after a successful career, Captain Sturgis willed his former home, plus $15,000 in bonds, for the establishment of a village Library in the village of Barnstable. The Library opened in 1867 with 1,300 volumes, many of which came from Sturgis’ private library. Today, Sturgis Library is a national treasure. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Library is situated on the “ Old King’s Highway ,” recently named as “one of the ten most scenic byways in America.” The Library Collections have grown to over 65,000 volumes, including the Special Collections . These include the Cape Cod History Collection of books, manuscripts, photographs and microfilm, the most important collection of its kind in the United States; the Kittredge Maritime Collection, one of the finest maritime collections on the East Coast, notable for its concentration on Cape Cod sea captains and vessels; and the Lothrop Genealogy Collection, which is used by genealogists from all over the United States in examining their connections to Cape Cod History. Read an article on the opening of the library , originally published in the Barnstable Patriot in 1867. Learn more about the early collections of the Sturgis Library in an article by Renee Roberts. Read all about the Sturgis Library and Barnstable Village in You’ve never been to Barnstable? by Kurt Vonnegut» Read a historic poem about the library , originally published in the Barnstable Patriot in 1906. Hours: Mon. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Tue. 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM Wed. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Thu. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Fri. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Sat. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Sun. Closed 3090 Main Street, Barnstable, MA, USA
- Winslow Crocker House | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Museum Directory Winslow Crocker House Website: https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/winslow-crocker-house/ Address: 250 MA-6A, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts 02675 Phone: 617-994-6661 Email: info@HistoricNewEngland.org Open second and fourth Saturdays, June 1 – October 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Tours on the hour. Last tour at 4:00 PM Admission $5 adults $4 seniors $3 students Free for Historic New England members and Yarmouth residents. Become a member This Georgian-style house was built in West Barnstable c. 1780 by Winslow Crocker, a trader and land speculator. Winslow Crocker joined the American navy when the Revolutionary War began, and was serving on a privateer in 1777 when his ship was captured by the British. He was imprisoned in Nova Scotia, but was later exchanged for British prisoners and allowed to return home. He became a merchant and built this home for his family. There is speculation that he may have been a rum runner, a common occupation for those involved in trading at this time. Little is known about his later life because a courthouse fire destroyed many local records in the nineteenth century. When Crocker died in 1821, his two sons inherited the house. The sons divided the house vertically, even splitting rooms and fireplaces in the process. Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. Closed Fri. Closed Sat. Closed Sun. Closed 250 MA-6A, Yarmouth, Yarmouth Port, MA, USA
- Ongoing Saturdays | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Events Saturday Morning Italian with Guido Farina Ongoing Saturdays, 10-1130am. FREE to members. LENGTH: ongoing Saturdays LEVEL: intermediate & advanced WHAT TO EXPECT: Guido Farina returns to the Center to teach his popular FREE Italian class every Saturday morning. Open to members of the Cultural Center, this class is for intermediate and advanced students only. If you have questions, you can call Guido at 508-398-0675. EXTRAS: Imparerai a parlare italiano come un madrelingua! DON'T FORGET: No class Oct 4. Please purchase "Learning Italian With or Without a Teacher" (written by instructor Guido Farina) from our gift shop. SAVE: Attend this class for FREE by purchasing a membership for only $65 and get discounts on classes and events year-round at the Center. INSTRUCTOR: Guido Farina’s life and accomplishments make sense only in America, land of freedom and opportunity. His intelligence, hard work and perseverance allowed him to make a difference. Born in Gallinaro, Frosinone, Italy, Guido survived many months of bombings and shellings in 1943-44 during the devastating battles on the land around Montecassino, before coming to America, after the Second World War. After serving in the US Army, Guido continued his education om the United States, graduating from Coyne Electrical and Technical School, Beacon Collage and Boston College. He worked for Raytheon for 22 years and also excelled as a bilingual teacher in Newton Public Schools in Massachusetts. Now retired and living on Cape Cod, Guido dedicates his time to writing. Date and Time: Ongoing Saturdays Cost: Free to Members Place: Cultural Center of Cape Cod 307 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth, MA, USA Website
- CCMT Programs | Cape Cod Museum Trail
At the Cape Cod Museum Trail, we strive to bring programs to our communities that assist in providing enrichment through arts and culture within Cape Cod and beyond! If you are interested in partnering with us to promote arts and culture on Cape Cod, please reach out to info@capecodmuseumtrail.com CCMT Programs At the Cape Cod Museum Trail, we strive to bring programs to our communities that assist in providing enrichment through arts and culture within Cape Cod and beyond! Annually, during the month of May. we partner with select Museums to provide Museum Mondays , which provides FREE entry on specific days. We also promote Cape Cod Artweek yearly towards the end of April for special Museum events and exhibits. If you are interested in partnering with us to promote arts and culture on Cape Cod, please reach out to info@capecodmuseumtrail.com
- Tales of Cape Cod | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Museum Directory Tales of Cape Cod Website: https://talesofcapecod.org/ Address: 3046 Main Street, Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630 Email: tales@talesofcapecod.org Tales of Cape Cod was founded in 1949 to record the voices of old-time Cape Codders in first-hand accounts of life on the Cape in bygone days. Faithfully preserved through the years and transferred into digital form, this archive now numbers hundreds of CDs, DVDs and other original documents. Other Tales of Cape Cod activities include: A popular summer evening lecture series, now in its 49th year, preservation of the Olde Colonial Courthouse and documentation of its place in history, dramatizations of the Body of the People Protest for Barnstable schoolchildren , books on a variety of Cape-related subjects, preservation of the Iyannough Gravesite Property in collaboration with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and special events, book signings & receptions. Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. Closed Fri. Closed Sat. Closed Sun. Closed 3046 Main Street, Barnstable, MA, USA
- National Marine Life Center | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Museum Directory National Marine Life Center Website: http://nmlc.org/ Address: 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532 Phone: 508-743-9888 Email: nmlc@nmlc.org Cape Cod is a stranding hot spot. Each year, up to 56 live seals, 98 live dolphins, and 144 live sea turtles strand on our beaches, sick, injured, and in need of medical care. In 1995, a group of visionaries gathered to address the significant environmental need of a hospital to care for these stranded animals, many of whom are endangered and all of whom are federally-protected species. And thus, the National Marine Life Center was born. It is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) marine animal hospital and science and education center. Our mission is to rehabilitate and release stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation. Mission Statement : The National Marine Life Center rehabilitates and releases stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation. Vision Statement: The vision of the National Marine Life Center is to be a world leader in marine wildlife rehabilitation, conservation science, and STEM education. Values Statement : The Trustees, Staff, and Volunteers of the National Marine Life Center believe in humane care for stranded marine animals, thoughtful science that improves our understanding of wildlife health, and quality education programs that promote a conservation ethic. We carry out our work with respect for each other, our supporters, our partner organizations, our community, and the environment. The National Marine Life Center’s Marine Animal Discovery Center and Gift Shop is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, 10-5 daily, then weekends through Columbus Day. We’re also open select days throughout the fall, winter, and spring (Open Houses, February and April School Vacation Weeks). An educational experience about helping sea life on Cape Cod, the Marine Animal Discovery Center features educational displays, specimens, and information about marine animals, strandings, rehabilitation, marine science, and ocean conservation. NMLC’s Gift Shop features a unique selection of local art, jewelry, educational toys & games, eco-friendly, and fair trade items with a marine theme. Shop for a good cause! All proceeds benefit NMLC’s marine animal rehabilitation, science, and education programs. The Discovery Center will be open Sunday – Friday every week from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm then 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm; there is a $3 admission fee for those 2 years and older. These days and hours are subject to change, based on staffing availability and season. The Discovery Center features specimens and exhibits featuring information about the species we rehabilitate, the science our work contributes to and conservation efforts for these species. They also have interactive exhibits for kids of all ages! This educational area will give you a look at the work we do to care for stranded marine animals and their natural history. Please be aware, that this is not a tour of the animal hospital. For more information, click here . Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. Closed Fri. Closed Sat. Closed Sun. Closed 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA, USA
- Ongoing Fridays | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Events 4th Friday Poets Poets of all ages and experience are welcome to this FREE monthly group workshop. Poets will each bring a new or revised older poem and read aloud. The group will offer reaction and commentary, with the option to pass. Ground rules for the group are simple: as writers we seek confidentiality and accuracy in lieu of harsh critique or false kindness in a safe environment that values thoughtful engagement. Facilitated by poet Bill Holcombe. Come on in — the water's fine! This workshop is free but membership at the Cultural Center is strongly encouraged for participants.Click here for more info! Bill Holcombe, fully retired, 76 years young, writes and reads poetry in various venues. He believes poetry should be read aloud and heard when possible. Bill has facilitated writing groups in various settings on and off for 50 years. He has been published in obscure quarterlies, the Cape Cod Times, and the Quaker Gazette. His first book will soon be published. Learn More & Register Date and Time: Ongoing Fridays Cost: FREE Place: Cultural Center of Cape Cod 307 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth, MA, USA Website
- John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Museum Directory John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum Website: https://jfkhyannismuseum.org/ Address: 397 Main St, Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601 Phone: 508-790-3077 Email: jennifer@jfkhyannismuseum.org The Cape Cod National Seashore legislation was introduced by Kennedy when he was a U.S. Senator. He signed it into law when he was President. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum preserves and promotes the legacy of President Kennedy, his family, and their deep connection to Cape Cod. It features multimedia exhibits designed to open a window on the days JFK spent on Cape Cod; days relaxing with family, days as President of the United Sates when the Cape provided a time to relax and be reinvigorated and days spent sailing on the ocean to which he was so constantly drawn. Admissions - Tickets need to be purchased online. Members: Free Active Military with ID: Free Seniors (65+): $12 Retired Military: $12 Adults (18-64): $14 Youths (6-17): $8 Children 5 and Under: Free Students with ID: $8 Card to Culture: Free NARM Member: Free with NARM ID Last ticket sold 45 minutes before Museum closing. The Museum changes it hours seasonally. We do not have control over the accuracy of other publications and websites that choose to display our hours. Hours: Mon. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Tue. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Wed. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Thu. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Fri. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Sat. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Sun. Closed 397 Main Street, Hyannis, MA, USA
- Centerville Historical Museum | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Museum Directory Centerville Historical Museum Website: http://centervillehistoricalmuseum.org/ Address: 513 Main Street, Centerville, Massachusetts 02632 Phone: (508) 775-0331 Email: chsm@centervillehistoricalmuseum.org One of the most beautiful of the seven villages in the Town of Barnstable, Centerville’s roots go back to the 17th century, when it was called "Chequaquet", meaning “pleasant harbor,” or "village by the sea" by the local Wampanoag Indians. The area of land that Chequaquet occupied was part of a much larger tract purchased in 1648 from the Wampanoags by Myles Standish for two brass kettles and some fencing. The early 18th century settlers first built their homes around Lake Wequaquet and took advantage of its fertile soil, fresh water and fish. In the early 19th century Chequaquet experienced dramatic expansion and growth. The first post office was established in 1834 and the village’s name was changed to 'Centreville.' The village was aptly named for its central location in the Town of Barnstable; as such, it held an important position in the town, serving as a crossroads and a meeting place. Did you know? Centerville’s Russell Marston went to sea as a cabin boy. He eventually became a sea captain and then opened the Marston's Restaurants in Boston, employing 600 and serving 10,000 people daily. The Centerville Historical Museum, founded in 1952, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Centerville and Cape Cod. The fourteen-room museum includes an 1840 house and contains an outstanding collection of historic costumes, maritime and military artifacts, quilts, Crowell birds, 18th and 19th century decorative arts, paintings, tools, and children's toys and dolls. The museum provides ongoing programs for all ages. The Third Grade History Program, family days, field trips, walking tours of Main Street, living history days, lectures, and an old fashioned Christmas Stroll are all part of our regular program of events that highlight the museum's collection. Open February through December. Permanent Exhibits on Display: Maritime gallery Colonial Revival kitchen Mid-19th century period rooms Glass collection including Sandwich glass Elmer Crowell carved birds Historic clothing and quilt collection Military artifacts, uniforms and weaponry 19th century school room Historic children's toys and vintage dolls Watch two videos: What’s Underneath Exhibit 2020 video link The Waist Exhibit 2020 video link Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM Wed. 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM Thu. 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM Fri. 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM Sat. 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM Sun. Closed 513 Main Street, Centerville, MA, USA
- About Us | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Cape Cod Museum Trail (“CCMT”) is a 501(c)3, public non-profit organization that is both a physical journey, and digital initiative that provides a history-related prism into Cape Cod Life and Culture. Who We Are Cape Cod Museum Trail ( “CCMT” ) is a 501(c)3 , public non-profit organization that is both a physical journey, and digital initiative that provides a history-related prism into Cape Cod Life and Culture. Our mission is to support and promote the image, wellbeing and financial health of Cape Cod Museums, Cultural Centers and Art Exhibitions by creating opportunities for networking, collaboration and educational programs. In support of these, we seeks to enrich the community by providing opportunities for discovery and learning to residents and visitors. We began in October 2015 and what started modestly as a series of meetings with a few museums has evolved into a consortium of over 75+ Cape-wide institutions whose directors and staff members meet regularly and communicate digitally to develop comprehensive monthly calendars of events, story ideas and more. The vision of the Cape Cod Museum Trail seeks to strengthen and promote the important role that museums play. To educate and visibly market to residents, visitors and tourists alike, that museums are a valuable part of the wider cultural and heritage sector. They are key to both the visitor market and the cultural provision for local communities across Massachusetts providing stimulation, education and fun.
- Dec 20-Feb 1 @ 12 PM | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Events Smithsonian Museum Traveling Exhibition “Voices & Votes: Democracy in America December 20, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – February 1, 2026 @ 12:00 pm The Smithsonian is coming to Sandwich! The Smithsonian Institution is hitting the roads in 2025 and 2026 and traveling to different rural sites in Massachusetts. We are very proud to be selected as a host site for the Smithsonian Museum’s Traveling Exhibition titled Voices and Votes: Democracy in America . It will be on view at the Nye Museum from December 20-February 1. We can’t wait to share this experience with you! Stay tuned for more details on special events and programming. Voices and Votes has been made possible in Sandwich, Massachusetts by Mass Humanities. Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. It is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. Date and Time: Dec 20-Feb 1 @ 12 PM Cost: Free Place: Nye Museum 85 Old County Road, East Sandwich, MA, USA Website
- Barnstable Historical Society Museum | Cape Cod Museum Trail
Museum Directory Barnstable Historical Society Museum Website: Barnstable Historical Society Address: 3087 Main Street, Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630 Phone: (508) 362-2982 Email : barnstablehistoricalsociety@gmail.com Did you know the oldest wooden jail still standing is in Barnstable? Built c.1690 This season we’re proud of 2 new exhibits: Early Industries of Cape Cod and our Tool room (so new the signage is almost complete!) From its inception, the Society took a leading role in documenting the 7 villages of Barnstable’s local history. We took charge of moving the Old Jail to the grounds of the Custom House and now we oversee that as well as the Blacksmith Shop (both are available for tours by calling 508-280-3864 The Barnstable Historical Society, across the street from the Sturgis Library, houses a virtual treasure chest of history providing research assistance to schools, authors and the public. Founded in 1939, on the 300th anniversary of the Town of Barnstable, our collection dates from the 17th century to the 20th century and consists of maritime paintings, portraits of sea captains and their wives, ships’ logs, ships’ models, vintage photographs, trade artifacts from around the world, Sandwich glass, a quilt collection, silver artifacts, antique furniture, correspondence, diaries, and much more. Our grounds are open to the public and boast gardens, paths and benches for a place to relax and reflect. Admission and times Open mid-June to mid-October Thursday - Saturday, 1pm-4pm Or email for an appointment Individual Membership $25 Family Membership – $50 Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM Fri. 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM Sat. 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM Sun. Closed 3087 Main Street, Barnstable, MA, USA




