Dedicated to preserving and interpreting Cape Cod's maritime past, present, and future.

Centrally located in Hyannis with frontage on the town marina and harbor, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum serves as a focal point for the Cape and Islands' maritime past, present, and future.

Transformations: from Farmer to Seafarer. Cape Cod 1639-1739

Cape Cod Maritime Museum's second major exhibit  will open May 16th, 2008

This exhibit will chronicle and explore life on Cape Cod both from European and Native Peoples' perspectives.  Differences as well as commonalities between peoples will be presented with a special focus on the transition from farming-based communities to a region that revolved around seafaring.

Transformations will investigate several themes such as agrarian life on the Cape, Native Peoples' and Europeans' philosophies concerning land stewardship, early voyages from Europe to America, and drift and shore whaling.  It will show how each of these enticed Cape farmers away from the land toward the sea and served as a catalyst to to the development of the rich maritime tradition that continues today.

Displays will feature artifacts from Mystic Seaport, Pilgrim Hall (Plymouth), Plimoth Plantation, and elsewhere.  In addition, there will be the re-creation of a portion of a 17th Century Merchant vessel that visitors will be able to walk through.  Hands-on educational components will ensure that younger guests enjoy the exhibition just as much as their adult companions.