SPECIALS
As a region seemingly lost in time, Cape Cod holds onto much of its historic charm and importance through the concerted efforts of the Harwich Historical Society. Collecting thousands of artifacts ranging from tools and artwork to photographs and manuscripts, Harwich Historical Society displays these pieces and other monuments to Cape Cod’s lengthy history in its accompanying Brooks Academy Museum—a historic school built by Harwich native Sidney Brooks in 1844 that continued to run until 1940, closing for twelve years before re-opening from 1953 until 1963.
Additional Details on the Harwich Historical Society and Brooks Academy Museum
At the Harwich Historical Society’s museum, visitors can learn all about Cape Cod’s role in the industries of cranberry agriculture, fishing, tourism, mail, and railroad travel, as well as how these fields in turn affected Cape Cod. See what daily life was like as the area began to undergo vast changes, from digitalized versions of picture slides taken in the 1930s to old-fashioned cranberry harvesting and fishing excursions. The museum has both rotating and permanent exhibits in its collection.
Famous local figures such as the above-mentioned Sidney Brooks, as well as renowned woodcarvers Elmer and Cleon Crowell, are explored in-depth in parts of the museum. The Crowell Barn Museum includes the Crowells’ workshop, and the Paine Collection illuminates much of Harwich’s history in colonial times.
While the Harwich Historical Society maintains office hours year-round on Wednesday through Friday, the museum has seasonal hours from mid-June until mid-October during the hours between 1:00pm and 6:00pm on Thursdays and from 1:00pm until 4:00pm on Saturdays. The research library and photo archive are open by appointment throughout the year, while the museum’s farmer’s market operates on Thursday afternoons from early June through early October, from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. During this time, the museum exhibits are also open.
Admission to programs ran by the museum ranges from $2.00 for students and children to $5.00 for non-member adults. It is $4.00 for members, with memberships being available for purchase.
Your Cape Cod Adventure Awaits with New England Vacation Rentals
Contact our team of reservation specialists to learn more about the Harwich Historical Society and other neat attractions and one-of-a-kind activities that Cape Cod has to offer during your vacation when you book your stay in one of the magnificent vacation rental properties from New England Vacation Rental’s vast selection of vacation homes today!
