The Harwich Historical Society was founded in 1953 at a meeting of 31 citizens interested in the history of Harwich, and was incorporated in 1955. The founders wanted to offer the town an association through which the preservation of its rich heritage through the collection of historical artifacts, exhibits and public educational programs, could be accomplished.

The Society began with 160 charter members. Meetings were held every other month in the Recreation Hall in Harwich Center. A room was leased from the Brooks Free Library, and exhibits of the Society's growing collection were mounted each summer. The Society presented educational programs at its meetings.

One of the projects during this period was the placement of markers at sites of historic interest in Harwich, and the creation of a map for visitors to locate them. One of the main goals set forth at that time was the "preservation of the legacy of our pilgrim forefathers." Over time, that goal has been expanded to be inclusive of the diverse elements of our community in recognition of the growth and change that has occurred here.

The statement of purpose of the Harwich Historical Society is set forth in Article II of its by-laws. Article II reads…"The objectives of the Society shall be the collection, ownership and preservation of articles of historical interest to our town of Harwich and the region; and the providing of a suitable place for a museum. The Society will offer to the public a better understanding and appreciation of our heritage through exhibitions and educational programs; the maintenance of an historical and genealogical archive, relevant manuscript repository and research library and the marking of local places of historical interest."

As the number of donations to the collection increased, the need for a permanent home for the Society became more urgent. This goal was not realized until 1963. That year Brooks Academy closed as a school, and the Greek Revival building on Parallel Street was converted by the town to annexed office space. The Society was given use of the classrooms on the second floor of the building. The Society now had permanent space for storage and museum exhibit space.

In 1988 the town offices were moved to a new addition built on the Town Hall. Town officials voted to give the Harwich Historical Society use of the Brooks Academy building to operate a museum. Today, the Society uses the building to house its collections and mount a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits. It also produces a varied schedule of educational programs relating to the history of the area and maintains an historical and genealogical archives, manuscript repository and library.

The Harwich Historical Society currently has a membership of about 400. It has a professional museum director, and hundreds of visitors annually. The society promotes its activities by participating in Heritage Cape Cod, Maritime Heritage Week, and through other collaborative efforts. It belongs to the Cape Cod and Harwich Chambers of Commerce, the Cape and Islands Historical Association, and the New England Museum Association.

Harwich Historical Society owns an extensive collection of textiles, artifacts, photographs and manuscript materials, many of which are on permanent exhibit. The museum is open year-round for administrative tasks. The director and staff of volunteers work throughout the year conducting all the business of the museum including planning, exhibit design and construction, and curatorial duties. The executive board meets monthly. There are six Society meetings, an annual meeting, and special programs and events throughout the year. The museum is open for touring from late June through September, Wednesday through Friday, 1-4 p.m., and then through October on Thursdays and Fridays, 1-4 p.m.