Upcoming:
- The newest edition of our e-newsletter The Powder House is set to be released in December. To be added to our subscription list, email info@harwichhistoricalsociety.org
- 12/2: Come visit the Harwich Historical Society gift shop @Harwich Community Center for the Garden Club of Harwich Holiday Boutique 9am-11am
- Registration for our Spring Decoy Carving and Painting Workshops will be opening in January
Brooks Academy Museum is temporarily closed.
We look forward to reopening after construction has been completed! Mid to late 2024 is our anticipated reopening!
Don't want to miss out on important updates and programs? Become a valued Member and get our quarterly Newsletter, "The Powderhouse," to hear all about our Harwich Historical Happenings!
Like us on Facebook to see our most recent updates; check out our Events to see the fun workshops and tours we offer while the museum remains closed.
For research inquiries, please email research@harwichhistoricalsociety.org
Brooks Academy
Sidney Brooks built Harwich's first high school in 1844. Subjects taught were the typical high school curriculum and included surveying and navigation.
Crowell Barn Museum
Explore the story of the Harwich bird carver A. E. Crowell and see examples of his work in the reconstructed Crowell Barn on the grounds of 80 Parallel St in Harwich.
Cranberry Culture
Cape Cod’s largest exhibit dedicated to interpreting and presenting the history of Cranberry Culture on Cape Cod is here at the Brooks Academy Museum.
John H. Paine Collection
A collection of historical documents, it preserves much local history. Collected by Josiah Paine, who was born in Harwich in 1836, and had interest in history and genealogy.
Are you ready to get into some great history?
We have the collections, and the experts to help you find it!
Learn
Dick Moore, past president of The Magic Lantern Society, demonstrates the special effects of a late 19th-century Magic Lantern. Our museum features an exhibit of photos from the 1930s, originally shown on a "magic lantern," and now digitized through a grant from Community Preservation.
Have fun
Three Harwich youngsters show off the sandpiper models they painted at Paul Phillips's workshop at the Elmer Crowell Barn. Check out our Events using the link at the top of this page to see upcoming workshops!
Help out
Volunteer Albert Raneo talks to Monomoy High School students about Cape Verdean culture and history in our Cape Verdean Outreach program. Albert was the HHS 2016 Claire Kenny Volunteer of the Year for his work with HHS.