Online Exhibits and Collections

Harwich Boys of Summer
New this year is an exhibit on America’s favorite pastime. Harwich’s connection to baseball dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when the sport was introduced to the town. Follow the successes of Harwich High School and town teams from the early days through the recent championship victories of the high school and Harwich Mariners.

Welcome to the Online Exhibits and Collections section. The Society owns thousands of artifacts, including clothing and textiles, works of art and tools. Additionally there are manuscripts, documentary artifacts, periodicals, photographs, a research library, and other resources available to the public. The Society displays its collection through permanent and changing exhibits; click on images to see current exhibits and collection information.

Maritime Highways
Before the advent of trucks, schooners and other vessels provided transportation for goods up and down the east coast. Many a Harwich mariner was involved in the business of carrying coal, ice, lumber and more to ports from Maine to Virginia. Focused around the story of Capt. Sidney Ellis, a mariner for 50 years, this exhibit chronicles Harwich’s role in this important industry, with photos, art, and artifacts.

Photo Collection
A fishing party, c. late 19th century, enjoys an excursion to Bang’s Pond near Pleasant Lake. The photo archive includes over three thousand photographs, chronicling Harwich people, places, industries, and events. This collection can be researched year-round by appointment. Please call or email the Society for information.

Cranberry Culture
The Harwich Historical Society at Brooks Academy Museum features Cape Cod’s largest exhibit dedicated to growing the first commercial crop of cranberries in the nation, and still today produces the finest cranberries on earth in its bogs. The history of cranberry farming is documented here with photos, artifacts and hands-on activities. Included is a diorama of a cranberry bog showing the history of harvesting techniques and built by students at the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School.

Train Exhibit
Also on the second floor is an exhibit illustrating how the railroad influenced life in Harwich. From fish to cranberries, and mail to tourism, train travel brought huge changes to Harwich and the Cape. “All Aboard the Harwich Railroad” includes a working HO scale model layout depicting the railroad’s journey through Harwich and the surrounding area, built by the Nauset Model Railroad Club.