Replica of Pilgrim-Dutch trading post; windmill; 17th-century herb and wildflower gardens; Native American artifacts; picnic area. Salt works, Gray Gables Railroad Station. Admission charge.

Benjamin Nye Homestead
85 Old County Road
East Sandwich, MA
Phone: 508-888-2368

This home was built in 1685, and offers visitors rooms decorated with authentic and replica items from late 17th and early 18th century colonial America. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Brooks Academy Museum
80 Parallel St.
Harwich Center, MA 02645
Phone: 508-432-8089

Open: Tours through the summer months, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1-4 p.m. and at other times by appointment.

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This 1844 building was the site of a school that offered some of the region's first courses in navigation. Maritime and Native American artifacts are featured, as are displays of antique glass, photographs, toys, clothing and more. Collection includes Charles D. Cahoon paintings, Crowell carved birds, the Cape's largest cranberry culture exhibit, historic photographs, manuscripts, and genealogical records.

Cape Cod's Oldest Windmill
Route 6
Eastham, MA

Built in 1793, this windmill powered an 18th century grist mill. Open year-round.

Captain Bangs Hallet House
11 Strawberry Lane (off Route 6A)
Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
Phone: 508-362-3021

Open: June 1 through October 15, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

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The original part of this Greek Revival sea captain's house was built in 1740. A century later, additional portions of the house were built. The kitchen has its original 1740 brick beehive oven and butter churn. A nice collection of china, pewter, maritime artifacts, and clothing from the sea captain era are displayed here. The 50 acre property has nature trails. Open throughout the summer on select afternoons.

Captain Edward Penniman House
Fort Hill Road
Eastham, MA
Phone: 508-255-3421

The Victorian-era home of a whaling captain features original furniture and household items. Open seasonally.

Centerville Historical Society Museum
513 Main Street
Centerville, MA 02632
Phone: 508-775-0331

Open: May 2-December 15, Tuesday-Saturday, noon– 4 p.m.

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There are a variety of exhibits, including furnished period rooms and Sandwich glass and maritime artifacts. Of particular note is the museum's collection of miniature bird carvings by Anthony Elmer Crowell. Also interesting is the museum's exhibit of 300 quilts and costumes, spanning three centuries. Admission is free.

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John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
397 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone: 508-790-3077

Open: Mid-April-Memorial Day, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Memorial Day-Columbus Day, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Columbus Day-October 31, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Nov

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This museum focuses on Kennedy's life and activities during the times he vacationed in Hyannis. There is an admission charge.

John F. Kennedy Memorial
Ocean Street, Route 28
Hyannis, MA

This monument, erected in the popular Kennedy retreat on the Cape, memorializes the fallen President. There is no admission fee.

Johnathan Young Windmill
Town Cove
Orleans, MA
Phone: 508-240-2484

Here you can watch demonstrations of the windmill as it pumps saltwater into shallow vaults to make salt. Open during the summer season. Follow Route 6A to Town Cove.

Josiah Dennis Manse Schoolhouse
Nobscusset Road and Whig Street
Dennis, MA
Phone: 508-385-2232

Built in 1736, this old schoolhouse was originally a home. Inside, visitors will find exhibits and artifacts related to the whaling industry and maritime life on Cape Cod. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Marconi Wireless Site
South Wellfleet, MA

The site of the first transatlantic wireless transmission: In 1912 it was the first station in North America to pick up distress signals from the HMS Titanic. Free admission.

Old Atwood House
347 Stage Harbor Road
Chatham, MA
Phone: 508-945-2493

Built in 1752, the house is owned by the Chatham Historical Society. It has a gambrel roof, wide floor planks and a beehive oven in the kitchen. Of particular note is the 1974 Durang Wing collection of seashells from around the world. An herb garden and the old turret and lens from the Chatham Light are on the grounds.

Old Indian Meeting House
Route 28
Mashpee, MA
Phone: 508-477-0208

Built in 1684, this church was originally a site for worship by converted Native Americans. Open seasonally. Admission is free.

Old Schoolhouse Museum
Route 6
Eastham, MA
Phone: 508-255-0333

While modern day schools look more like office buildings or factories, this is a one-room schoolhouse. In addition the museum has a display of U.S. Life Saving Service records and a collection of whale jawbones. Located across from the Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitor Center, the museum is open weekday afternoons throughout the summer.

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Olde Colonial Courthouse
Route 6A
Barnstable, MA
Phone: 508-362-8927

Built in 1772, this is the second-oldest courthouse in the United States. The Tale of Cape Cod, a local group dedicated to preserving the Cape's history, sponsors a series of lectures/slide shows here during the summer months. Call for further information

Osterville Historical Society Museum
Parker and West Bay Roads
Osterville, MA 02655
Phone: 508-428-5861

Open: Mid-June-mid-September, Thursday-Sunday 1:30-4:30 p.m.; other times by appointment

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Set in the home of a sea captain built in the 18th century, the museum features home-oriented exhibits, a boat shop and outdoor gardens. seasonally. There is an admission fee.
Hours: June-September, Thursday-Sunday, 1:30 -4:30 p.m. Fee charged.

Pairpoint Glass Works
Route 6A
Sagamore, MA
Phone: 508-888-2344

At this glassworks factory artisans still make their wares using the same techniques used two centuries ago. The blowing room is open for demonstrations every Friday.

Pilgrim Monument
High Pole Hill Road
Provincetown, MA 02657
Phone: 508-487-1310

Open: April 15-October 31, daily, 9a.m.-5 p.m.; July-August, daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; weekends in November.

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Completed in 1910 to commemorate Provincetown as the first landing place of the Pilgrims. Visitors can walk to the top of the 252-foot granite monument and visit the Provincetown Museum to learn about Provincetown history. Admission charge.

Provincetown Museum
High Pole Hill
Provincetown, MA
Phone: 508-487-1310

The history of the Cape is detailed here, including a granite tower monument commemorating the Pilgrim's first landing on the Cape in 1620. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

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Railroad Museum
Chatham Railroad Company, Station Depot Road
Chatham, MA

Learn more about the history of trains through the museum's railroad memorabilia, including train models, a diorama of the 1915 Chatham railroad station and old equipment.

Sandwich Glass Museum
129 Main Street
Sandwich, MA 02563
Phone: 508-888-0251

Open: February-March, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; April-December, daily, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed January, Thanksgiving, Christmas.

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Sandwich was home to a glass factory throughout much of the 19th century. This museum features exhibits of glassware made from 1825 to 1888. Admission charge.

Stoney Brook Mill
Stoney Brook Road
Brewster, MA

Visitors to this historical replica can see a working mill from the 18th century. Open year-round. Admission is free.

Sturgis Library
Route 6A
Barnstable, MA
Phone: 508-362-6636

Built in 1644, this is the oldest public library in the United States. In addition to the collection of books, there is an interesting collection of genealogical material, as well as an exhibit on maritime history. Open year-round.

Swift-Daley House
Route 6
Eastham, MA

Built in 1741, this home exhibits antique furniture and tools. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

Taylor Hallet Museum
Yarmouth Port, MA
Phone: 508-362-3362

Yarmouth Port's history is chronicled in the old photographs and memorabilia.

The Old Whaling Church
89 Main Street

Phone: 508-627-4442

The church was built in 1843. With its dramatic front columns and majestic steeple, it's an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture. The church is now a community performing arts center and has many special events scheduled throughout the year. Call the church or consult the local papers for a schedule of events.

Trayser Museum Complex
Route 6A
Barnstable, MA

The red-painted brick building houses maritime and Indian artifacts, ship models, and Sandwich glass. The building's downstairs has been recreated to look like it did in the mid-18th century when the building operated as a Customs House. Also on the grounds is a jail, complete with inmates' graffiti. The jail dates back to 1690.

Wellfleet Historical Society Museum
266 Main Street
Wellfleet, MA 02667
Phone: 508-349-9157

Open: June 21-September 10, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 1-4 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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Memorabilia featuring toys, marine equipment, and needlework. Tours of the area's historic sites are available. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

West Parish Congregational Church
Route 6A
West Barnstable, MA
Phone: 508-362-4445

This structure is the site of the oldest Congregational church parish in the United States. Open seasonally for tours. Admission is free.

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Wing Fort House
69 Spring Hill Road
East Sandwich, MA
Phone: 508-888-3591

This homestead boasts many 18th century structures and one house built in 1641, as well as period decorated rooms. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Winslow Crocker House
250 Old King's Highway
Yarmouth Port, MA
Phone: 508-362-4285

A house with has an interesting history. Built in West Barnstable in 1847, this two-story Georgian was split down the middle and divided by the sons of Winslow Crocker upon his death. In 1936, Mary Thatcher bought the home and moved it to its present location. She donated the house and collection of 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century furniture to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. Take note of the home's 12-over-12 small pane windows and wood paneling.

Woods Hole Historical Museum
Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Phone: 508-548-7270

Open: Mid-June-mid-October, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A guided walking tour

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Set in the historic Bradley House, this museum features a model of the village of Woods Hole as it was in 1895. Admission is free.

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Eastham Windmill
Route 6
Eastham, MA

The oldest windmill on the Cape. Recently renovated, the it sits in the park on Route 6 at Samoset Road.

Falmouth Historical Society Museums and Colonial Garden
55 Palmer Avenue, adjacent to the Village Green
Falmouth, MA 02540
Phone: 508-548-4857

Open: June 27-October 7, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Two 18th-century houses showcase period furnishings, china, toys, vintage clothing (including a laundry room filled with Victorian underwear), fine art and heritage quilts. Special exhibits capture the excitement of Falmouth’s 19th-century whaling industry, the science of pre-Civil War medicine, and the life of Katharine Lee Bates, Falmouth-born author of America the Beautiful.

First Church of Christ
Route 130
Sandwich, MA
Phone: 508-888-0434

The oldest parish on the Cape, this church is open seasonally to visitors. There is an admission fee.

First Congregational Church
Wellfleet, MA
Phone: 508-349-6877

Famous for its steeple clock, which, according to legend, is "the only clock in the world that strikes ship's time." The interior of this 1850 Greek Revival building is stunning, with pale blue walls, a brass chandelier hanging from a gilt ceiling rosette, and curved pews forming an amphitheater. Sunday evening concerts are held here throughout the summer.

French Cable Station Museum
Cove Road and Route 28
Orleans, MA 02653
Phone: 508-240-1735

Open: June, Friday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; July-early September, Monday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m.

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One of the most significant developments of the 19th century was the transatlantic cable connecting North America to Europe by telephone. This museum houses the original equipment used to lay that cable. Admission fee.

Grist Mill
Chase Park, Shattuck Place
Chatham, MA

Built in 1797, this historic mill gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the historic of agriculture and agricultural processing on the Cape. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove Street
Sandwich, MA 02563
Phone: 508-888-3300

A walk through history surrounded by gardens

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The tract of land now known as Heritage Museums & Gardens played an important part in the history of the town of Sandwich. In 1677, Lydia Wing Hamilton Abbott was the first resident to live on the land. At present much of the Wing family farm remains part of the grounds of Heritage and Abbott's Orchard is now the parade field of the American History Museum. The internationally-known Charles Owen Dexter was the next own of the land.
Beginning in 1921, Mr. Dexter and his wife spent summers at the farm and for the next 15 years he worked in his garden hybridizing plants. He started with vegetables and expanded his interests to rhododendrons. It was for the latter that he became renowned. The Dexter estate changed hands four times between 1945 and its acquisition by Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Lilly III who founded Heritage Museums & Gardens (formerly known as Heritage Plantation). The Lilly family, originally from Indianapolis, IN, spent their summer vacations in Falmouth. Where better, thought Josiah, to found a museum dedicated to his father then on Cape Cod, where he had such happy memories. Mr. Lilly first thought that he would create an automobile museum and Heritage Museums & Gardens started to evolve.... Open April 1 to October 31 from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Highland House Museum – Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse
27 Highland Road
Truro, MA 02666
Phone: 508-487-3397

Open: The Museum: June 1 -September 30, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday, 1- 4:30 p.m. The Lighthouse: May-mid-October, daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

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Located near Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse, the Highland House Museum is an example of a turn-of-the-century summer hotel. The museum illustrates everyday life of the past, from the time of the Pamet Native Americans to the early days of this century. The museum contains 17th-century firearms, shipwreck mementos, early fishing and whaling gear, household tools, farming implements, furniture, Sandwich glass, a pirate’s chest and more. The Cape Cod Lighthouse includes an Interpretive Center offering a 10-minute video and an observation deck on one of the highest cliffs on the Cape. Aadmission charge.

Hoxie House
Water Street
Sandwich, MA
Phone: 508-888-1173

The oldest restored home on Cape Cod, built in 1675. Open seasonally for tours. There is an admission charge.