top of page

Search

148 results found with an empty search

  • Nobska Point Lighthouse | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Nobska Point Lighthouse Website: https://friendsofnobska.org/ Address : 233 Nobska Rd, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 02543 Phone: 774-763-6453 Email: info@friendsofnobska.org In the 19th Century, construction of lighthouses along the Atlantic coast was critical for the safety of merchant mariners transporting goods and materials by sea. In 1828, the U.S. government purchased four acres on Nobska (Nobsque) Point for $160 and the first lighthouse on the site, a wooden structure that incorporated keeper’s quarters, was constructed at a cost of $2, 249.In 1841, the first Fresnel lens (pronounced “frennel”) was installed. Named for French physicist Augustin Fresnel, these massive glass lenses are cleverly designed to gather light from a source, concentrate it and emit a beam with a range of many nautical miles. Peter Dagget, the light keeper in 1845, reported using ten oil lamps which consumed 339 gallons annually, carried by hand up to the light room. The wooden light structure operated for 38 years and was replaced in 1876 by the present, 40-foot tall cast iron lighthouse, which was manufactured in Chelsea, Massachusetts. A separate house for the lightkeeper was also built that year. The Fresnel lens was upgraded to a larger, 4th order lens in 1888; this lens is still in place today and may be viewed during a lighthouse tour. Improvements were periodically added to the facility, including construction of a brick oil house, a paint locker and, in 1875, a fog bell tower. In 1905 a second keeper’s dwelling was added; a 1 ½ story, wood frame structure built at a cost of $6,000. By 1919, electricity had come to Cape Cod and the light was electrified with a 150-watt bulb, making oil obsolete. The Nobska Point Lighthouse was operated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service for 111 years, from 1828 until 1939, when the Service was merged with the U.S. Coast Guard. By 1949, the Woods Hole Coast Guard also had responsibility for 23 other manned lighthouses as well as for eight lightships; Nantucket, Handkerchief, Pollack Rip, Stone Horse, Cross Rip, Vineyard, Hens and Chickens and Bretton Reef. In 2014, the Coast Guard advertised for bidders to assume responsibility for the lighthouse, tower, and land surrounding the structures. The Town of Falmouth was the successful bidder, becoming the licensee with the understanding that the property would continue to belong to the federal government and as public property, must be open to the public for free. The Town, in turn, in March 2016, gave responsibility for restoration, maintenance and operation as a museum to the Friends of Nobska Light. Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. Closed Fri. Closed Sat. Closed Sun. Closed 233 Nobska Road, Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA, USA

  • Cape Cod Museum Trail | Contact Us

    Have a question you would like to ask us? Reach out to us via the contact form below, follow our Facebook & Instagram pages, send us mail, or email. Contact Us Have a question you would like to ask us? Reach out via the contact form below, follow our Facebook & Instagram pages, send us mail, or email. Cape Cod Museum Trail c/o First Citizens' Federal Credit Union 200 Mill Rd. Ste. 100 Fairhaven, MA 02719 Program Managers Melanie Howell & Ryan Normand info@capecodmuseumtrail.com Contact us First name* Last name Email* Write a message Submit

  • Caleb Nickerson Homestead in Chatham | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Caleb Nickerson Homestead in Chatham Website: http://cnh.nickersonassoc.com/ Address: 1107 Orleans Rd, Chatham, Massachusetts 02633 Phone: (508) 945-6086 Email: wmnick1107@gmail.com William Nickerson was the founder of Chatham, then called Monomoit, Monomoy and other various spellings, on Cape Cod. The 1827 Caleb Nickerson House Museum is owned by the Nickerson Family Association, inc., founded in 1897 in Chatham by William Emery Nickerson. The Caleb House was built in the Stage Harbor area of Chatham and was moved in 2003 to the Nickerson Family Association property in Chathamport that also includes the homestead site of the first English settlers of Chatham, William & Anne (Busby) Nickerson. The Caleb Nickerson House Museum is a "working" museum of life on Cape Cod in the early 19th century. Experience Colonial life in an antique full cape, featuring a beehive oven, period woodwork and a Colonial kitchen vegetable and herb garden. Stop by and check the progress on the construction of our post and beam outhouse and see what is growing and ready to pick in Caleb’s kitchen garden. Hours The museum, adjacent to the Nickerson Family Association Genealogy Center, is open on Wednesday mornings during the late spring to early fall and by appointment. Grounds Please enjoy a walking tour of our campus during daylight hours. You can take selfies outside the picturesque Caleb Nickerson Homestead, a circa-1829 antique Cape with three hearths and a working beehive oven. Peep into the reproduction post-and-beam outhouse built by our period carpenter. See what is growing and ready to harvest in the heirloom dooryard and kitchen gardens managed by our master gardener. Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. Closed Fri. Closed Sat. Closed Sun. Closed 1107 Orleans Rd, Chatham, MA, USA

  • Whydah Pirate Museum | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Whydah Pirate Museum Website: https://www.discoverpirates.com/ Address: 674 Route 28, West Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02673 Phone: 508-534-9571 Email: boxoffice@discoverpirates.com Experience Cape Cod’s interactive science museum featuring real pirates and real treasures! A must-see attraction for all ages where you will touch, see and interact with the worlds only authenticated pirate treasure, discovered in 1984 off the coast of Wellfleet. The Whydah was a fully rigged galley ship built by the British to travel between Africa, the Caribbean and Great Britain. During one of its voyages in 1717, it was captured by the famed pirate Samuel “Black Sam” Bellamy. Over the following year, the Whydah and its crew pirated 53 vessels, collecting their riches and treasures. During an infamous storm off the coast of Wellfleet the Whydah ship sunk in 1717; there were only 2 survivors. The Whydah’s legend was passed down among generations throughout the cape as its treasure laid just 500 feet off the shore for over 250 years. After dedicating years to its discover, the Whydah’s real pirate treasure was unearthed by Provincetown resident, Barry Clifford and for the first time ever is on display for Cape residents and tourists to see! Now the only museum in the world that features authenticated pirate ship treasure, the Whydah Pirate Museum provides an interactive and fun learning experience for children and adults. Click here to learn more. Last entry to the museum is at 4:00PM Adult (Ages 16-64) $17.00 Senior (Ages 65+) $15.00 Youth (Ages 5-15) $13.00 Children (4 & Under) FREE There is ample parking at Whydah Pirate Museum. Parking lots are available in front of the museum for no fee. Hours: M on. 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. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM 674 Massachusetts 28, West Yarmouth, MA, USA

  • Green Briar Nature Center | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Green Briar Nature Center Website: http://www.thorntonburgess.org/ Address: 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich, Massachusetts 02537 Phone: 508- 888-6870 Email: info@thorntonburgess.org Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Sundays September 19th - December 19th 9:30 am - 2:00 pm GREEN MEADOW FOREST ONLY This nature center and museum is inspired by Thornton Burgess’ Briar Patch. The Sandwich native wrote 170 books and created Peter the Rabbit among so many other characters. At the Green Briar Nature Center, you will find a quiet corner of Cape Cod - a sanctuary of peace and beauty in all seasons. Located on the shores of Smiling Pool and adjacent to the famous Briar Patch of Thornton Burgess’s stories, Green Briar offers interpreted nature trails and a spectacular wild flower garden. Natural history programs for children and adults are offered year-round and include classes, field trips, guided walks, and workshops on the natural sciences. We also have our very popular nature-related birthday parties. Outreach programs to area schools and other institutions are also an important part of Green Briar’s services to the community. Members of the education staff visit schools, nursing homes and clubs offering slide presentations, lectures and classes. Adjacent to Green Briar is the 57-acre Briar Patch Conservation Area, home of Peter Rabbit and many of the other Thornton Burgess animal characters. Walking trails are open to the public. Green Briar is also the home of the Green Briar Jam Kitchen. Ever since Ida Putnam began the Jam Kitchen in 1903, visitors have come to Green Briar to savor the aromas of fresh fruits cooking on the stove or in the heat of the sun. Today the Jam Kitchen is a "living museum" where visitors may view the cooking process first-hand. The kitchen still operates using Ida’s recipes and preparing the jams, jellies, relishes and pickles the "old fashioned way" in the turn-of-the-century kitchen. Green Briar’s sun-cooked preserves are cooked slowly and gently in the oldest commercial solar-cooking operation in the country. They make mouth-watering toppings for ice cream or desserts. Admission by suggested donation of $5/adult and $3/child. Free for members Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. 09:00 AM - 03:30 PM Wed. 09:00 AM - 03:30 PM Thu. 09:00 AM - 03:30 PM Fri. 09:00 AM - 03:30 PM Sat. 09:00 AM - 03:30 PM Sun. Closed 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich, MA, USA

  • Falmouth Art Center | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Falmouth Art Center Website: https://falmouthart.org/ Address: 137 Gifford Street, Falmouth, Massachusetts 02541 Phone: 508-540-3304 Email: info@falmouthart.org The Falmouth Artists Guild is dedicated to the visual arts, providing educational and exhibition opportunities on a year-round basis. We welcome students of all ages and abilities and all those who enjoy and appreciate art. We offer a full roster of classes and workshops. Come see the beautiful artwork in our two galleries which are open to the public. The Falmouth Artists Guild began almost 50 years ago when a small group of Falmouth painters got together and began informal art classes. They soon realized that working in a group improved their love of art and their artistic skills. Today, the Guild is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization with over 500 members and a full roster of classes, workshops, exhibits, and art sales offered on a year-round basis. The Guild also collaborates with other community groups on joint artistic events. The Guild's main purpose is to provide a place to create art and improve artistic skills. Artists of all ages, levels and media are welcome. The Guild also provides another important opportunity-fellowship. Says a longtime member: "The Guild changed my life. It has developed me artistically very much, and I've made countless new friends. I wouldn't give it up for anything." The Falmouth Artists Guild is now housed in the Falmouth Art Center and Gallery at the corner of Gifford Street and Dillingham Avenue on land donated by Chris Wise of Chatham. Construction began in September 2008 and was completed in May 2009, on time and on budget. The architect was Giampetro and Architects, LLP, and the general contractor was V & V Construction Co., Inc. Landscaping was made possible by individuals and businesses donating their time and materials. Funding for the building was primarily from private individuals and foundations, and with a $240,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund. No debt was incurred in completing the building. The Art Center is designed to accommodate future expansion. The building was officially dedicated in June 2009 and will be celebrating its 5th birthday in June, 2014. Since its opening the Art Center has seen amazing growth in the number of classes offered, students participating, artwork submitted for exhibitions, and number of members enrolled. Hours: Mon. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Tue. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Wed. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Thu. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Fri. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Sat. 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Sun. 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM 137 Gifford Street, Falmouth, MA, USA

  • Cape Cod Art Center | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Cape Cod Art Center Website: https://capecodartcenter.org/ Address: : 3480 Route 6A (Main Street), Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630 Phone: (505) 362-2909 Email: curator@CapeCodArtCenter.org Cape Cod Art Center is a non-profit membership group continuously operating since its inception in 1948. It serves its members and community with a variety of fine art programs and events. Our mission is to promote the creation and appreciation of visual art by providing a supportive environment for education and exhibitions. Its custom designed facilities include two galleries for monthly exhibitions and two studios for classes, demonstrations and workshops in a variety of art media. All exhibits are open to the public for viewing, never any admission. There are multiple exhibits during the year. Eight exhibitions feature the works of our Artist Members while four juried exhibitions are open to all artists, domestic and international. This includes the annual “National Exhibition”, the “All New England Exhibition”, and the “Bay State Open Exhibition” as well as an open juried exhibit in February. There are individual exhibits showcasing CCAC Master Artists, CCAC students, Cape wide high school students competing for prizes and scholarships, and the ‘small works show’ is our holiday sale held in November/December. Visit the Gift Store with Original art, prints, cards, jewelry, pottery, books, DVDs and many other fine gifts are for sale in our Gift Shop Gallery. The Gift Shop Gallery is open to the public, Monday-Saturday from 9am-4pm. Hours: Mon. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Tue. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Wed. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Thu. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Fri. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Sat. 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Sun. Closed 3480 Route 6A, Barnstable, MA, USA

  • Wing Fort House | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Wing Fort House Website: https://www.wingfamily.org/ Address: 63 Spring Hill Rd, Sandwich, Massachusetts 02537 Phone: 508-833-1540 Email: curator@wingfamily.org Originally built in 1641, Wing Fort House is the oldest house in New England owned and occupied continuously by one family. Wing descendants made it their home for over three centuries. Now restored, it is furnished almost entirely with Wing family antiques, each room honoring different periods of its long history. Across the street from the Wing Fort House is the Wing Memorial History Center. The History Center houses collections, exhibits and other information related to the descendants of Stephen, Daniel and John Wing, who came from England in 1632. Our most recent exhibit, "Whaling Wings" explores the whaling industry in New England and the Wing ancestors who were involved in it. Hours of Operation : Open Tuesday through Saturday from mid-June to mid-September from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Last tour at 3:00 pm. Admission: Fort House: $7.00 History Center: $5.00 *To visit both Fort House and History Center: $10.00 Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. Closed Fri. Closed Sat. Closed Sun. Closed 63 Spring Hill Road, Sandwich, East Sandwich, MA, USA

  • Atlantic White Shark Conservancy- Chatham | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Atlantic White Shark Conservancy-Chatham Website: https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org Address: 235 Orleans Road, Chatham, Massachusetts 02650 Phone: (508) 348-5901 Email: info@atlanticwhiteshark.org The AWSC Shark Center offers an in-depth look at one of the ocean's most magnificent and misunderstood species: the Great White Shark! Through interactive exhibits, videos, and displays, our family-oriented center offers an insiders view into to the groundbreaking research and one of Cape Cod's most captivating summer residents. Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) supports scientific research, educates the community, and improves public safety. Make sure to check their website for the most up-t0-date information regarding hours they are open, scheduling a visit (must do to visit), their COVID guidelines and their gift store. Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Fri. 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Sat. 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Sun. 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM 235 Orleans Road, North Chatham, 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

  • Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Website: https://waquoitbayreserve.org/ Address: 131 Waquoit Highway, Falmouth, Massachusetts 02536 Phone: 508-457-0495 Email: waquoit.bay@state.ma.us The Waquoit Bay Reserve comprises approximately 2800 acres of land and water. In addition to the Headquarters facility, South Cape Beach, and Washburn Island, which were all acquired at the outset, other lands have been added to the Reserve as they have become available. These acquisitions were chosen because they represented significant habitat value. See Land Acquisition . For more information on visiting these parcels, click here . To print or view this map larger please click here. The mission of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is to promote science-based decision-making that leads to healthy coastal ecosystems. Learn more. Hours : The Reserve Headquarters/Offices is open Monday-Friday from 9:00-5:00. The Visitor Center is open 7 days week from 10:00AM – 4:00PM in July and August. For directions, click here. Hours: Mon. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Tue. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Wed. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Thu. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Fri. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Sat. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Sun. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM 131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth, MA, USA

  • Historical Society of Santuit & Cotuit | Cape Cod Museum Trail

    Museum Directory Historical Society of Santuit & Cotuit Website: https://www.cotuithistoricalsociety.org/ Address: 1148 Main Street, Cotuit, Massachusetts 02635 Phone: 508-428-0461 Email: Info@CotuitHistoricalSociety.org Santuit/Cotuit ice was harvested from Eagle, Lewis and No Bottom Ponds and sold to townspeople to preserve their food. During the months of January and February it was a common sight to see ice blocks 10-12 inches thick harvested and stored in large and small ice houses. Our grounds hold the Dottridge Homestead, the Cotuit Museum and attached Fire Museum, The Cotuit Archives. the Rothwell Ice House. Cotuit Museum Shop and Historical Kitchen Gardens. The buildings are open weekends from Memorial Day through Christmas. The archives are available for research, and the Homestead and museums are available for private tours by appointment. Back in the 1950s, Mrs. Nita Crawford inherited the Samuel Dottridge Homestead and used it as the laundry for her historic hotel, The Pines. After there was no longer a need for the house, she embarked on an ambitious project to reconstruct the Samuel Dottridge Homestead on the corner of Main Street and Shell Lane to its original condition and make it the headquarters for HSSC. She asked her neighbors, friends, and local residents to search their attics, cellars, barns, and storerooms for anything that was used between 1800-1850. Dinner and dessert parties with formal invitations were among the many ways Mrs. Crawford raised enough funds to fully reconstruct the Homestead to an authentic dwelling of that time period. On June 13, 1964, 10 years after the Historical Society of Santuit & Cotuit was established, the doors to the Homestead were open to the public for the first time. Sixty years later, the Homestead has remained the headquarters of HSSC, growing to include a museum featuring Cotuit and Cape Cod history, the Cotuit Fire Museum, and a reproduction of a 19th century ice house. Hours: Mon. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Closed Thu. Closed Fri. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Sat. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Sun. 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM 1148 Main Street, Cotuit, MA, USA

bottom of page