Exploring Cape Cod Through a Historical Lens

Discovering Cape Cod through a historical perspective offers a rich and immersive journey into the region’s past, where centuries-old stories are brought to life in its diverse museums and landmarks.. From the early days of Native American settlements and the arrival of the Pilgrims, to the rise of maritime industries and the flourishing of arts and culture, Cape Cod's history is as diverse as its landscapes. This article will point you toward some of Cape Cod’s most notable museums where you can dive deep into the traditions that continue to define the Cape's unique character today.

Remember to check hours and admission information for all museums listed. Prices or operating hours may change or vary depending on when in the season you are visiting.

Wood’s Hole Science Aquarium

166 Water St, Woods Hole, MA 02543

The village of Woods Hole is a hub of knowledge relating to marine life and fisheries. Since 1875, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium has offered a unique glimpse into the underwater world of the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. There is a very strong tie between the area and ocean studies and discoveries. With its engaging exhibits, touch tanks, and behind-the-scenes tours, the aquarium provides an educational and interactive experience for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine biology and conservation. It is open year-round and there is no admission charge, but donations are encouraged.

Zion Heritage Museum

276 North St, Hyannis, MA 02601

The Zion Heritage Museum in Hyannis is a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history and culture of Cape Cod's African American and Cape Verdean population. Located in the heart of Hyannis, the museum offers an insightful look into the contributions, struggles, and achievements of African Americans on Cape Cod through exhibits, photographs, and artifacts. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking to learn more about the diverse heritage of Cape Cod, the Zion Heritage Museum offers a unique and enriching experience. The museum is closed for the month of January, and open by appointment November through April, but open to the public for the remainder of the year. General adult admission is $5 per person.

John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum

397 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601

Did you know that the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, had strong familial ties to Cape Cod? The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum features a rich collection of photographs, films, and exhibits that chronicle JFK's time spent in the region, from his childhood summers to his presidency. A visit to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is a must for anyone interested in the life of this iconic leader and the history of the area he loved. General adult tickets cost $14, and the museum limits hours at the end of November. Consider visiting Veterans Memorial Park (480 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601), just a 5-minute drive from the museum, where you can view war and JFK memorials or walk along the park on the harbor.

Cape Cod Maritime Museum

135 South St, Hyannis, MA 02601

Get a glimpse of the rich maritime history of Cape Cod at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum. The museum features a variety of exhibits that explore the region's seafaring heritage, including traditional boatbuilding, maritime art, and historic shipwrecks. Visitors can discover beautifully crafted boats, learn about the lives of local fishermen and sailors, and even watch skilled artisans at work in the on-site boat shop. Check out their website for any events or lectures that may be happening during your visit. If you’re a local, look into booking a rowing experience or joining the Young Mariner’s Program. General tickets to the museum cost $10 and the museum is open year-round.

Edward Gorey House

8 Strawberry Ln, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675

The Edward Gorey House is a delightfully eccentric museum dedicated to the life and work of the famed author and illustrator, Edward Gorey. Housed in the charming 19th-century home where Gorey lived in the later years of his life, the museum showcases his unique artistic vision through a collection of original illustrations, personal artifacts, and quirky memorabilia. Visitors can explore the creative world of Gorey, engage in a scavenger hunt, and purchase a unique souvenir at the gift shop. The Edward Gorey House is a must-visit for fans of his work and anyone intrigued by the unusual and imaginative. The museum’s hours vary from April through December, and general admission costs $10.

Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum

Herring Run Site, 830 Stony Brook Rd, Brewster, MA 02631

The Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum in Brewster is not only historical, but stunningly scenic. The charming 19th-century grist mill is the only remaining one of its kind on Cape Cod. Visitors can witness a functioning water wheel and loom, as well as purchase fresh cornmeal. Upstairs in the main building, more artifacts and information is on display about life on Cape Cod in the 1800s. The Mill and Museum are only open on Saturdays in July and August and admission is free for all guests. You may still explore the beautiful grounds outside beyond those hours. If you’re visiting in the springtime, try to catch the herring run from the Cape Cod Bay to freshwater for the season - it’s quite a sight! The Stony Brook Grist Mill is a peaceful and educational stop for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum

1 High Pole Hill Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657

How well do you remember your American history? Do you recall that the pilgrims sailing on the Mayflower first landed in what is now Provincetown way back in 1620? The Provincetown Museum features exhibits ranging from then to now, detailing the lifestyle of the Native American Wampanoag tribe, the growth and history of American theater in the region, and the many years of LGBTQ+ celebration in Provincetown. Visitors can climb to the top of the 252-foot tall Pilgrim Monument for breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Cod and beyond. Those interested in connecting with the early history of our nation will love exploring the offerings of the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. In the summer, the museum is open from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm seven days a week, and limits operating hours beginning in September. Admission for adults costs $20.

Provincetown Art Association and Museum

460 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657

Another highly impactful place to visit in Provincetown is the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM). This is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates the town’s rich artistic heritage, cycling exhibits to feature a variety of artists and styles throughout the year. Founded in 1914, PAAM functions as both a museum and a dynamic community of artists, showcasing works of the past and present. Be sure to explore their website to see if any special events or classes are being held when you visit. With its commitment to preserving and promoting the unique creative spirit of Provincetown, PAAM is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts. PAAM is open Wednesday through Monday May through October, and hours are limited from November through April. General admission tickets are $15.

The Whaling Museum

13 Broad St, Nantucket, MA 02554

If you’re planning on visiting Nantucket, don’t miss this staple. The Whaling Museum offers a captivating exploration of the island's whaling heritage. Explore the various art, treasures, and artifacts bound to make the experience memorable, including a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton and a rooftop deck with beautiful views of the harbor. Interactive exhibits and engaging displays bring to life the profound impact this industry has had on global trade and culture. Summer hours allow visitors daily through mid-October, where operating hours are then reduced. General admission tickets cost $25 per person.

We hope you’ll choose to engage in historical and cultural establishments that enrich the Cape Cod experience; it truly differentiates itself from the rest of the east coast.

Coming soon to a stage near you

Cape Cod enjoys a wealth of theatre, both community and professional. With everything from musicals to drama and cutting-edge new plays, there is something for everyone.

Here’s a brief rundown of current and upcoming productions. Theaters are ordered by region, starting with the Upper Cape and moving east to the Outer Cape. This will give you an idea about who does what; see our Calendar section for specific dates and times. Reservations are recommended for most theaters, so be sure to call ahead. Enjoy the show!

THE COLLEGE LIGHT OPERA COMPANY

Highfield Theatre, 58 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, 508-548-0400

Highfield Theatre was once the stable for Highfield Hall, the beautifully restored 1878 mansion that shares the hilltop property surrounded by the Beebe Woods conservation land. The Falmouth Theatre Guild specializes in Broadway musicals produced fall through spring; in summer, Highfield Theatre is home to the renowned College Light Opera Co. This month’s line-up begins with Lerner & Loewe’s hilarious musical, Brigadoon (June 18-22). Then, catch the comic opera Iolanthe from June 25-29.

COTUIT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

4404 Rte. 28, Cotuit, 508-428-0669

This dual venue houses an art gallery and a theater, which stages dynamic plays. The Playground runs from June 6 to 23. This full-length, one-woman play by Jim Dangleish explores themes of class and life in New York City. Catch Twisted Broadway on June 7 & 8. Favorite local performers prove gender doesn’t matter… but love does. Enjoy the great songs of musical theatre with a twist: the men sing songs intended for women and vice versa.

CAPE PLAYHOUSE

820 Rte 6A, Dennis, 877-385-3911

The historic Cape Playhouse, which has been producing professional summertime theatre for more than 90 years, runs June through August, with a great line-up of comedies, musicals, and more. The summer season begins with the musical Tick, Tick… Boom (June 5-15). Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, first created this semi-autobiographical explosive, and joyful rock-musical about creativity, the fear of mortality, and the power of music to change the world. Next, catch Million Dollar Quartet. This Tony Award-nominated musical captures the exact moment when four major talents came together to become a rock ’n’ roll band.

CAPE COD THEATRE COMPANY

Division Street, West Harwich, 508-432-2002

CCTC is the home of the Harwich Jr. Theatre, which has great offerings for the younger set, including classes in musical theater, acting, and more. It’s also a major venue for adults. This month, families will love Princess and the Pea (through June 9). This new adaptation by local playwright Kristen Stewart features original music by Fionn Pina Parker. At the end of the month, catch The Drowsy Chaperone (June 26-July 21).

CAPE REPERTORY THEATRE

3299 Route 6A, Brewster, 508-896-1888

Cape Rep began with its well-loved outdoor theater and honed its reputation with its indoor theater; in the summertime, it manages to operate both to great effect. Trish LaRose’ Come On-A My House is back by popular demand from June 20 to July 14. Backed by a stellar six-piece band, Trish invites you on a candid, eclectic journey about life as a New Yorker, becoming a mother, and discovering her inherent connection to Puerto Rico goes deeper than she could have imagined. 

ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

120 Main St, Orleans, 508-255-1963

The Academy of Performing Arts Playhouse, on the road to Nauset Beach, stages a wide variety of productions all year. There's not a bad seat in the house at this intimate theater, where the stage extends to an area encircled by the audience. The beloved musical, The Sound of Music, graces the APA stage through June 16. Next, catch Rock of Ages from June 27 to July 21.

WELLFLEET HARBOR ACTORS THEATER

2357 Route 6, and Town Harbor, Wellfleet, 508-349-9428

Known for cutting-edge shows, WHAT performs in a state-of-the-art theater facility, the Julie Harris Stage on Route 6, next to the post office. Smart by Mary Elizabeth Hamilton runs from June 8 to 23. This play explores how and why we bring technology into our homes and the unexpected changes that can bring.

HARBOR STAGE COMPANY

15 Kendrick Ave, Wellfleet, 508-514-1763

Cape theatre aficionados who remember where Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater began are gratified that the old harbor theater has been revived by an ensemble of actors who met while performing in WHAT productions. Betrayal runs from June 13 to July 6. Emma and Robert are married. Robert and Jerry are best friends. Jerry and Emma are. . . in trouble. The classic love triangle gets turned on its head in Pinter's searing drama.

PROVINCETOWN THEATER

238 Bradford St, Provincetown, 508-487-7487

The Provincetown Theater has made a name for itself by promoting and maintaining the performing arts on the Outer Cape. Their modern facilities are open and active throughout the year, hosting community-based and professional theater, a children's theater program, and theater arts classes. This month, catch the 4-Star Solo Show Festival. Enjoy unique one-person performances every Thursday through Saturday from June 6 to 29 in this beloved festival.

Cape Cod’s Art Museums

Summer has emerged on Cape Cod and the stunning beaches and quaint villages are buzzing with that famous summer rhythm. Beyond the Cape’s sun-drenched shores lies a hidden gem for art enthusiasts – its diverse array of art museums. From notable galleries showcasing local talent to prestigious institutions housing world-renowned masterpieces, Cape Cod offers a unique and enriching experience for all who appreciate the beauty and creativity of the artistic world. With its scenic landscapes serving as inspiration and its vibrant cultural scene fostering creativity, Cape Cod emerges as a haven for both artists and art lovers alike, making it a wonderful destination for indulging in the wonders of visual expression. Read on for a highlight of some exhibits scheduled this summer. Also, be sure to check each institution's website for a full schedule of events and classes.

Cape Cod Museum of Art

60 Hope Lane, Dennis 508-385-4477

Cape Cod Museum of Art celebrates the work of artists with a Cape Cod connection, past to present. The museum includes seven indoor exhibition spaces and is surrounded by a sculpture garden set on beautiful grounds. This summer, over 30 large sculptures are installed on the 22-acre Cape Cod Center for the Arts campus in the Cape Cod Open Sculpture Invitational (CCOSI). Inside the Museum, Showman With A Paintbrush: The Life and Art of Arthur V. Diehlis on view through July 23. Diehl was a historically significant figure in the Provincetown art scene. The exhibition features his masterful, atmospheric, and often historically accurate paintings that capture the importance of Provincetown as a major fishing port between the mid-1800s and the 1920s, on. Curated by Diehl’s granddaughter, Eugenia Diehl Pell, this exhibition will coincide with the release of Diehl’s definitive biography. This month, you’ll also find Departures: an International Juried Exhibition. A full schedule of art classes for youth and adults is offered year-round. Their Sunday Summer Concert showcases local musicians performing in a wide range of genres in the sculpture garden. Also, be sure to check out the Museum Shop which features lovely gifts handmade by local artists and artisans. www.CCMoA.org

Heritage Museums and Gardens

67 Grove Street, Sandwich 508-888-3300

Heritage Museums and Gardens sits on 100 sprawling acres, complete with walking trails, outdoor discovery opportunities, gardens, classic automobiles, and more. This year, learn about the New England Impressionist movement with the exhibit: Impressionist New England: Four Seasons of Color and Light. New England has long captured Impressionist painters’ attention, both as a setting and a subject. This exhibit explores work from artist colonies around the region. Cotuit artist Alfred Glover is showcased in the exhibit; Alfred Glover in the Garden. Enjoy colorful depictions of animals, trees, and other wildlife around Heritage’s grounds and gardens.

View a traditional Wampanoag Wetu structure on the lawn of Heritage’s 17th Century House. This full-scale reproduction of a Wetu alongside a Wampanoag-style vegetable garden was constructed by members of the Wampanoag Tribe, following centuries-old construction methods. The placement of the Wetu beside the 17th-century house provides a powerful juxtaposition between the English colonists and Native Wampanoag people.

This year’s automobile exhibit, From Carriage to Classic: How Automobiles Transformed America, presents the story of the automobile’s evolution. Explore vehicles from the late 1800s to the 1960s to understand how the automobile evolves. In Charging Ahead: Early Electric Cars in America, Heritage offers examples of early electro vehicles and their charges, such as a 1908 Bailey Electric.

Provincetown Art Assoc. & Museum

460 Commercial Street, Provincetown 508-487-1750

PAAM is a nationally recognized, year-round cultural institution and a major influence in the art culture of Cape Cod. This important museum features the work of artists connected to Provincetown. Rosalind Pace is best recognized for her vivid and stirring poems. Rosalind Pace: Poiesis, Five Decades of Collage, on display until June 23, showcases her passion for visual art. View her collection of collages crafted over 5 decades. Julia Salinger: The Insistence of Memory is on display until July 7. In this multimedia exhibition, Salinger explores the question: “Why do we choose to retain certain moments and filter the rest, while other lost fragments emerge years later.” An Outer Cape Village: Photographs of Marnie Crawford Samuelson profiles fishermen, artists, and makers who live and work on the Outer Cape. The work of Marnie Crawford Samuelson will be on display until July 21. Find these and many more excellent exhibits this month at PAAM.

Cultural Center of Cape Cod

307 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth 508-394-7100

The Cultural Center of Cape Cod is one of the most engaging and accessible cultural organizations in the region, offering instruction, exhibition, and entertainment in a range of visual, literary, and performing arts. Enjoy interesting, innovative, and experimental art embedded in a world-class, historic, and community-driven space. Check their website for a list of current and upcoming exhibitions.

Highfield Hall

56 Highfield Dr, Falmouth, MA 508-495-1878

Highfield Hall is a vibrant cultural center surrounded by restored gardens, walking trails, and conservation land. The beautiful restored 1878 estate of the Beebe family has transformed into a center of cultural and community life in Falmouth. Art exhibits, cultural classes, outdoor installations, and children’s programs are just a handful of what Highfield Hall offers. Visit their website for a list of current and upcoming exhibitions.

Wellfleet Preservation Hall

335 Main St, Wellfleet, MA 508-349-1800

Wellfleet Preservation Hall is a wonderful cultural center that uses the transformational power of the arts to bring people together and impact positive change. It is a community center that celebrates people from all backgrounds and walks of life. This May, the Preservation Hall will be showing the work of members from the New England Wax (N.E.W.) organization in an exhibition titled Transparency from May 21 through June 27. Transparency, featuring works from 27 artists, seeks to investigate the concept of transparency in all its forms. Utilizing light, texture, form, and color, works in this exhibition play with the literal qualities of transparency, with pieces that are both ethereal or illusory and grounded in the physical world.

9 FREE Ways to Experience Art and Culture on the Cape

By Guidebook Staff

Cape Cod has a long tradition of attracting artists from around the world. The natural beauty found year-round on the Cape is an endless source of artistic inspiration. Generations of artists have found worthy subjects in the breathtaking landscapes around every corner. This is a great boon for lovers of art who arrive on Cape Cod to find a unique spread of museums, galleries, and cultural activities. You don’t need a large budget to get the most out of the Cape’s art scene. We teamed up with the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod to round up some of the best FREE ways to experience arts and culture on Cape Cod this summer.

Town Band Concerts, Cape-Wide 

Most towns on the Cape offer a free band concert every week until Labor Day. These community events are a wonderful way to experience live music performed by local and regional artists. Bring along comfy chairs, a blanket, and a picnic. There’s nothing like the experience of enjoying a warm summer evening of live music.

Concerts of note include Chatham’s Friday Night Bandstand Concert at the Kate Gould Park, live music at the Nauset Beach Bandstand on Monday nights, Aselton Park’s Tuesday night concert series in Hyannis, and the Harwich Town Band concerts on Tuesday nights at Brooks Park. Also, check out the TD Bank Free Summer Concert Series with free performances all over the Cape this summer.

Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail, Yarmouth 

The Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail is back for the 11th year! This fun, family-friendly attraction features 32 creative sand sculptures spread around the town of Yarmouth. Find the sculptures through September at various businesses and town offices in Yarmouth.

Download the trail map and visit all 32 sculptures. You can also participate in the Sand Sculpture Trail Photo Contest for a chance to win gift certificates to local businesses. Click here to see how to enter! 

Taylor-Bray Farm, Yarmouth

This historic farm and homestead is a hidden gem in Yarmouth. Even many locals have never heard of this cool spot. Taylor-Bray Farm has been operating since the days of the Plymouth Colony. It is now run entirely by volunteers who maintain the property to exceptional standards.

Check out the large vegetable garden, then visit the animals! You’ll find a few very friendly goats, a large chicken coop, a couple of donkeys, and Chloe: the gorgeous Scottish Highland Cow. Visitors in the spring may get the chance to see baby lambs.

Be sure to walk out on the boardwalk that stretches into Black Flats Marsh. Like all marshes on the Cape, this spot looks drastically different with every season but is always stunningly beautiful.

The Samual Taylor Farmhouse on site was built in 1782. The house has been recently renovated and furnished with period pieces and a rotating display of farm artifacts in the summer. Be sure to mark your calendar for their Sheep Festival in June and the Fall Festival in October. 

Art in the Park, Chatham 

This summer, Chatham’s Art in the Park features large whale cutouts decorated by artists around the Cape. This fun public art event is on display at the Kate Gould Park until August 19. This year’s whales are absolutely stunning and incredibly versatile. Highlights include stained glass designs, gorgeous coastal landscape paintings, and ornately crafted shells. This event serves as a fundraiser for the Chatham Merchants Association, and you can even bid on your favorite whale.

While you’re in Chatham, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the Oars in the Stores. These large decorated oars are embellished by local artists. Visit the Visitor Info booth on Main Street to find the Oars in the Stores scavenger hunt booklet. The decorated oars are featured in businesses around Chatham and you can win a prize by tracking them down! 

Artists Cottages and Shanties, Hyannis, Orleans, Provincetown, and Harwich 

Meet and support local artists at the art cottages in Hyannis, Orleans, Provincetown, and Harwich. Start with the Bismore Park Artist Shanties on the harbor in Hyannis. This program, run by the town of Hyannis, provides affordable rental space and visibility for local artists. Artists change weekly throughout the season. The park features picnic tables and plenty of grass to spread a blanket and hang out for a while. It is so fun to chat with the local artists. Since they rotate weekly, it’s great to stop by a few times this summer.

The Art Cottages in downtown Orleans are also of note. Created with the intention of enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors, the Orleans Art Cottages celebrate the talent of local artists and creators. This small colony of cottages is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. There are also art cottages in Harwich and Provincetown.

Photo via @capecodnps

Tour the Three Sisters Lighthouses, Eastham  

These three small lighthouses once sat on the edge of the Atlantic at Nauset Light Station. Relocated and restored, you can visit them in their original orientation in the pine forests of Cable Road in Eastham. Before they were acquired by the National Park Service, they sold at auction for $3.50! One also spent a period of time as a dance studio. These little lighthouses have had quite a life. Explore their history & importance every Monday at 11 am (through August 29). Parking is limited. 

Craft Fairs and Festivals, Cape-Wide 

Cape Cod is home to many craft fairs and festivals during the summer. Spend a morning or afternoon exploring the work of local crafters, creators, artists, musicians, and artisan food makers. Craft fairs are a great way to support artists and creators. It’s so fun to find unique pieces and sample delicious handcrafted delicacies.

Check out the Sandwich Arts and Crafts Festival this weekend (July 30-31), the Chatham Summer Crafts Festival (August 6-7), CraftFest Cotuit (August 20-21), and the Kill Tide Arts and Craft Festival at the Brewster Drummer Boy Park (August 27-28). 

Image via @chathamorpheum on Instagram

Family Friendly Movie at the Orpheum Theater, Chatham 

Every day this summer, the Orpheum Theatre offers a free family-friendly movie at 9:30 am. Pick up your free ticket at the box office. Doors open at 9. Check their Facebook page for details on the line-up. Enjoy coffee and muffins while revisiting old family-friendly favorites as well as newer tales. Don’t miss the gorgeous mural as you enter the theater. 

Image via @spohrgardens on Intagram

Spohr Gardens, Falmouth

Enjoy a relaxing walk through a 6-acre woodland garden in Falmouth. This hidden gem features trails that wind along Oyster Pond and Nantucket Sound. The gardens are open daily from 8 am to 8 pm and are free to the public. Spohr Gardens has a butterfly garden created to raise and release butterflies, as well as attract many species of moths and butterflies. There are also greenhouses where volunteers raise butterflies from eggs to pupae.

Don’t miss Butterfly Celebration Day on August 6 from 10 am to 2 pm. This free, family-friendly event features a release of butterflies as well as activities for children. 

This post is sponsored by The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod does wonderful work supporting, promoting, and strengthening arts and culture on the Cape year-round. Check out Arts Cape Cod to find everything you need to know about experiencing art on the Cape. Be sure to check out their vibrant events calendar and arts and culture itineraries covering all sections of the Cape. 

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