December 31st, Saturday, 2:30 pm
First Night Chatham: Movie Swing Time
Admission with First Night Badge
The Atwood House Museum presents the 1930’s classic, Swing Time as a part of Chatham’s First Night Celebrations. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers star as at-odds dance partners in this celebrated musical comedy. The film will start at 2:30. Refreshments will be available for purchase in the gift shop prior to the start of the film.
Shuttle service to the Atwood House Museum will be available from Rockland Trust Bank on Main Street at 2:10 pm with a 4:30 pm pickup time from the museum returning to Rockland Bank. See Event Page for details.
January 8, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
A Photographic Trip Through 20th Century Chatham
Speaker: Spencer Grey, Former President, Chatham Historical Society
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Spencer Grey will present a photographic overview of the life and times of people in Chatham from 1860 to the early years of the present century. About 300 pictures will be culled from the vast collection of photographs and postcards in the archives of the Atwood House Museum.
January 12, Thurday, 10 am
Cape and Islands Historical Association Annual Meeting
Lecture: The Titanic
Speaker: Mark Wilkins, Former Director/Curator, Atwood House Museum
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Mark Wilkins will explore the context of the sinking of the Titanic as well as what combinations of factors allowed Titanic and her two sisters to be built. Was the end use really just to cater to the super rich or was it perhaps to bring large quantities of third class passengers to America? Why? Some of the more interesting aspects of the sinking will also be covered—most notably why this marked the dawn of the modern era.
January 17, Tuesday, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Research Seminar
The History of Your Home
Speaker: Mary Ann Gray, Archivist, Chatham Historical Society
Location: Atwood House Museum Library
Cost:
Participants in this class will learn to utilize a variety of historical materials, available in the historical society archival collection and in other public-record locations, to investigate the history of their home. See more details about this seminar on the Event page.
February 12, Sunday, 1:15 pm
Official Unveiling of Chatham 300 Historical Plaques
Location: Chatham Community Center
Florence Seldin, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Libby Mottur, Chairman, Chatham 300th Steering Committee and John Karr, Chairman, Community Preservation Committee will unveil thirteen new historical site plaques at the Chatham Community Center On Sunday, February 12th at 1:15. The new plaques are scheduled to be installed at eleven major historic sites in Chatham before “The Celebration Begins” Weekend of March 9th - 11th. These plaques will become an important legacy of Chatham’s 300th Anniversary. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the unveiling as this will be the only opportunity to see all the plaques at the same time. The 2 PM Lecture (below) and refreshments will follow.
February 12, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
A Most Contemptible Passion: Marriage and Divorce in 18th Century New England
Speaker: Judy Reed
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Judy Reed will discuss the memoirs of her great-great-great grandmother, Abigail Abbot Bailey (1746-1815), involving her long and frustrating attempt to divorce her abusive and incestuous husband, Asa Bailey, and to protect her 15 children. The memoirs were originally edited and published by her minister, Ethan Smith, shortly after her death in 1815. This very personal document is an important addition to today’s understanding of the history of marriage in New England.
Judy Reed is a graduate of Radcliffe College and has a degree in painting from the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford. An educator for many age levels, she was active in community activities and served as president of the Hartford League of Women Voters Over the years, Judy has presented Abigail Bailey’s story with great acclaim to private groups.
February 13, Monday, 2 pm - 4 pm
Valentine’s Tea
Join us for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year! The Atwood House Museum will be hosting a tea on Monday, February 13th from 2:00-4:00 pm. Join us for a fun afternoon viewing beautiful crafts such as sailor’s valentines, Nantucket baskets, and dollhouse miniatures. Sample tea, cookies, and cider and socialize before watching a fascinating demonstration of chocolate painting! Please wear something red to add to our festive atmosphere! See the Event page for more details.
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: $10; $8 for members.
March 10, Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm
Joseph C. Lincoln Celebration and Open house at the Atwood House Museum
In collaboration with the Chatham 300th celebration,
there's an exciting celebration being planned for Cape Cod author Joseph C. Lincoln!
The best part about our Joseph C. Lincoln celebration is that admission is free all day!
The Atwood House Museum and shop will be open to visitors for self-guided or docent led tours.
We have a variety of things for guests to enjoy: a temporary exhibit of fascinating Lincoln artifacts (including original manuscripts and the ’prolific pencil’), a showing of silent movies adapted from Lincoln’s novels, and an antique Lincoln book sale!
March 11, Sunday, 1 - 3 pm. Special starting time: 1 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
Film screening and lecture: “We Still Live Here”
Speaker: Linda Coombs, past director of the Wampanoag Indigenous Program at Plimoth Plantation.
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
A sharing of the film “We Still Live Here”, about the revitalization of the Wampanoag language followed by a brief talk and discussion led by Linda Coombs, past director of the Wampanoag Indigenous Program at Plimoth Plantation. Coombs is a member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe on Martha’s Vineyard. This lecture is co-sponsored by the Chatham Historical Society and the Chatham Wampanoag Committee.
March 14, Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Research Seminar
The History of Your Home
Speaker: Mary Ann Gray, Archivist, Chatham Historical Society
Location: Atwood House Museum Library
Cost:
Participants in this class will learn to utilize a variety of historical materials, available in the historical society archival collection and in other public-record locations, to investigate the history of their home. See more details about this seminar on the Event page.
April 15, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
Wild Chatham, Celebrating more than 3000 years; A Photographic Journey
Speaker: John King, Atwood House Museum Director
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Chatham is blessed by its unique location on the elbow of Cape Cod surrounded by water and encompassing pristine barrier beaches both from the Cape Cod National Seashore and Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge areas. This special part of New England has been a yearly destination and stop over for migrating birds and marine mammals for millennia. Most visitors to Chatham are only vaguely aware of this diversity of wildlife that visits Chatham on these yearly migrations. The presentation will review some of the natural history of the region highlighted by a collection of photographic images that illustrate the wild landscapes and wild creatures found in some of Chatham’s little traveled places today.
April 17, Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Research Class
Preserving Your Family Papers
Speaker: Mary Ann Gray, Archivist, Chatham Historical Society
Location: Atwood House Museum Library
Cost: $35 for members; $40 for non-members
This class is designed as an introduction to the steps required in developing a family history. The major portion of time will involve methods of sorting, arranging, and preservation of the paper/manuscript portion of the items collected to develop a family history.
Participants will be given basic preservation material to be used in starting this progress. It is suggested that each person bring to the class some of the family papers that they have collected, so that they may begin their arrangement and documentation with those papers.
April 25, Wednesday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Antiques Appraisal Clinic with Eldred’s Auction Gallery
Guest: Bob Eldred, owner of Eldred’s Auction Gallery in Dennis
Location: Atwood House Museum Library
Bring in your antique treasures to see how much they’re worth! Bob Eldred, owner of Eldred’s Auction gallery of Dennis will be offering discounted appraisal services for Chatham residents. Discounted pricing is as follows: one object for $5.00 or three objects for $10.00. Maximum of three objects per person. Please make an appointment by emailing info@chathamhistorical.org or by calling 508-945-2493.
May 6, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Speaker: Dana Eldridge
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Dana Eldridge will give a lecture on of his favorite Monomoy Memories. Eldridge is a 13th generation Cape Codder on both sides of the family. He is a retired school teacher and now works part time as an interpretive ranger at the Cape Cod National Sea Shore. The lecture will be drawn from his regular Cape Codder column from past years and will be sprinkled liberally with Dana’s delightful sense of humor.
May 9, 11, and 12; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Workshop: Nantucket Baskets for Beginners
Instructor: Kyle James
Location: Atwood House Museum
Participants make a classic 6 inch round basket. The first two days, participants will learn to weave, and the third day will be spent rimming and lashing their baskets. Instructor Kyle James utilizes all top quality supplies including cherry wood and ivory. This workshop is reserved for Chatham Historical Society members. Due to the high interest in the course, space is limited. Please email info@chathamhistorical.org or call 508-945-2493 to reserve your spot. Cost: $375 (includes the cost of materials).
Additional details on the Event Page for this workshop.
May 20, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
Topic: The Acculturation of Cape Cod: Changes in the People, Culture, and Land
Speaker: Todd Kelley
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Kelley’s talk begins with a quick overview of the glacial formation of Cape Cod and the lives of the First People at the height of their culture and at the time of European contact. He moves on to the twentieth century and investigates the effects of three centuries of deforestation along with the different attempts at a tourism economy up to 1980. Kelley ends with present day dramatic changes in the landscape and the social and cultural demographics on Cape Cod.
May 21 and 23; Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Workshop: Sailor’s Valentines
Instructor: Sandy Moran
Location: Atwood House Museum
A beginners workshop with owner of Sailor’s Valentine Studio, Sandy Moran. This two-part course will allow students to design and assemble their own sailor’s valentine using the finest supplies. When done, the student’s work will have an estimated value of $2,000. This workshop is reserved for Chatham Historical Society members. Due to the high interest in this course, space is limited. Please email info@chathamhistorical.org or call 508-945-2493 to reserve your spot. Cost- $800 (includes the cost of materials).
Additional details on the Event Page for this workshop.
June 8, Opening Day
Open for the season: Tuesday through Saturday (see 2012 schedule)
On-going Special Exhibits:
The Raptor’s Eye: The Natural World of Robert Verity Clem
Chatham to China
June 10th, Saturday, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Summer of Centuries Living History Weekend: WWII
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission:
Rediscover the exceptional era of the Second World War as you witness powerful reenactments, costumed interpreters, authentic gear and artifacts. This event is part of Chatham’s 300th anniversary Founders Weekend celebrations. See the Summer of Centuries page for an overview of everything going on at The Atwood House Museum in celebration of Chatham’s Tercentennial.
June 16th, Friday, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm
New Exhibit Special Member Preview
Location: Atwood House Museum
The Atwood House Museum will showcase its new exhibit, Visions of Chatham Past: An Exhibit of Personal Stories, as well as the reopening of the Robert V. Clem exhibit during a special members only event. Wine and hors d’eouvres will be served and ongoing tours of the museum will be available. Please RSVP at info@chathamhistoricalsociety.org or by calling 508-945-2493.
June 26th - 29th, Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Colonial Camp
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
A morning camp for children of all ages. Our colonial camp teaches children about how people lived during colonial times. Fun activities include craft projects, science experiments, tours of the old Atwood House, as well as observation and discussion of antique objects within our museum collections. This is a light paced, educational and fun experience for kids to take part in after school is out. Snacks are provided and participation in the Chatham 4th of July parade is an added optional bonus!
July 2 to August 20, Mondays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Monday Morning Children’s Programs: “Learning the Wampanoag Way”
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11.
July 8, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
War of 1812
Speaker: Jim Coogan.
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Local historian, Jim Coogan, will explore a facet of Cape Cod’s history rarely taught in schools today; its severe impact on the war of 1812. This presentation will celebrate the war of 1812’s 200th anniversary utilizing slides and images.
July 9 to August 20, Mondays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Monday Morning Children’s Programs: “Learning the Wampanoag Way”
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11.
July 14th & 15th, Saturday & Sunday
Summer of Centuries Living History Weekend: The Civil War
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the of the Civil War at The Atwood House Museum, with re-enactors portraying the 9th Battery Massachusetts Volunteers, demonstrations and exhibits, period music concerts and food, lectures, and more. See the Summer of Centuries page for an overview of everything going on at The Atwood House Museum in celebration of Chatham’s Tercentennial.
July 16 to August 20, Mondays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Monday Morning Children’s Programs: “Learning the Wampanoag Way”
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11.
July 23 to August 20, Mondays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Monday Morning Children’s Programs: “Learning the Wampanoag Way”
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11.
July 28, Saturday
An Evening to Remember
Location: Atwood House Museum
An annual cocktail party and fundraiser with friends of the Atwood House Museum serving featuring a silent auction and presentation of the ’Bringing History to Life Award’. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $50 each and may be reserved by calling 508-945-2493 or emailing info@chathamhistorical.org.
July 30 to August 20, Mondays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Monday Morning Children’s Programs: “Learning the Wampanoag Way”
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11.
August 6 to August 20, Mondays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Monday Morning Children’s Programs: “Learning the Wampanoag Way”
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11.
August 12, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
From Norwich to Chatham, the Nickerson Family Story from the 1600s to Today
Speaker: Mark, Ron & Brian Nickerson
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
The Nickersons will take the audience back to 17th century Norwich England , the home of William & Anne (Busby) Nickerson before they journeyed to the New World in 1637 and, ultimately, became the first English settlers of Chatham . The lecture covers William & Anne's early years in Yarmouth and the story about their purchase of land and relocating to Monomoyick in the 1660s. Information from the Nickerson Family Association will be used to describe Chatham’s early years. Wrapping the presentation up will be the history of the Nickerson Family Association from its start in the 1890s and then up to today, with its ownership of the homestead site of William & Anne and the relocation of our two buildings to the property, both over water.
August 13 to August 20, Mondays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Monday Morning Children’s Programs: “Learning the Wampanoag Way”
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11.
August 18th & 19th, Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 am-4:00pm
Summer of Centuries Living History Weekend: The Colonial Period
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Visitors are part of the action in this journey back to the 1700’s. The period’s daily activities come to life as live animals are tended, smells of hearth cooking fill the air and artisans work busily at their crafts. See the Summer of Centuries page for an overview of everything going on at The Atwood House Museum in celebration of Chatham’s Tercentennial.
August 20, Mondays, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Monday Morning Children’s Programs: “Learning the Wampanoag Way”
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11.
September 15th & 16th, Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 am-4:00pm
Summer of Centuries Living History Weekend: The 17th Century
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
Learn about our Native American ancestry and the village we then called “Monomoyick.” Presentations from the Wampanoag community as well as costumed European settler reenactments. See the Summer of Centuries page for an overview of everything going on at The Atwood House Museum in celebration of Chatham’s Tercentennial.
September 22 & 23, Saturday & Sunday; Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00pm, and Sunday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
14th Annual Antiques Show and Sale
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission: TBA
A major fund-raising event for the Chatham Historical Society, to maintain and grow the Atwood House Museum as a unique center for discovery and research, for all ages. Free admission to the Atwood House Museum with purchase of ticket into Antiques show.
October 6, Saturday, 5:00 pm - 7:00pm
Opening Night Reception for the Chatham in Art exhibit
Location: Chatham Creative Arts Center
Join us and the Cape Museum of Art at the Chatham Creative Arts Center to celebrate the opening of our joint exhibit ’Chatham in Art’. The show celebrates the talents of Chatham artists and the rustic beauty of our town.
October 14, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
Haunted Cape Cod
Speaker: Mark Jasper, author of Haunted Cape Cod and the Islands
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Based on his popular book, “Haunted Cape Cod and the Islands”, this lecture will be a blend of true ghost stories, history and folklore. A focus on haunted inns, restaurants and residential homes in the Cape Cod area.
October 27th, Saturday, 12:00- 4:00 pm
Haunted Happenings
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission: TBA
A spooktacularly fun family event! Join us for piles of pumpkins, gads of ghosts, and barrels of bats! Ghost stories, games, crafts, face painting, treats and tricks are all activities going on at the Atwood House Museum. Costumes are encouraged.
November 11, Sunday, 2 pm
Voices: Our Village in Perspective Lecture Series
19th Century Medicine: When the Captain is the Doctor
Speaker: Mary Ann Gray, Archivist at The Chatham Historical Society's Atwood House Museum
Location: Chatham Community Center
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
The high seas were (and still are) a rough place! In the 19th century, the captain of a ship had a great many responsibilities, including substituting for a medical professional when there wasn’t one aboard. Join Mary Ann Gray to hear fascinating facts of the duties of a ship’s captain from the 1700’s to 1800’s.
November 23, Friday, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thanksgiving Event
Location: Atwood House Museum
Our gift shop is no exception for Black Friday sales! The day after Thanksgiving, the Atwood House gift shop will be open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm for guests to shop for beautiful and charming items. Our gift shop is the perfect place to buy unique gifts for holiday presents! We offer a wide array of items from books, jewelry, toys, to home décor. To make our sale even more festive, refreshments and holiday music will be offered.
December 7th & 8th, Saturday & Sunday
Annual Hearthwarming
Location: Atwood House Museum
Admission Free - Donations Welcome
Join us in celebrating the holidays ‘Atwood House-style.’ Hot mulled cider and baked goods, caroling, Christmas tree lighting, crafts, pictures with Mrs. Claus, and gift shop sales highlight some of the activities planned for festivities. The Hearthwarming is an open-house event, so admission to the museum is free!