Transformations: from Farmer to Seafarer
Cape Cod 1639-1739

Cape Cod Maritime Museum's second major exhibit

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

Transformations investigates 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 shows 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 feature artifacts from Mystic Seaport, Pilgrim Hall (Plymouth), Plimoth Plantation, and elsewhere.  In addition, there is a 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.

The Sparrow-Hawk is the only surviving remains of a 17th century trans-Atlantic vessel and is currently on loan to the Cape Cod Maritime Museum from the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth. These original timbers exemplify the small, sturdy ships vital to the colonization of America. Their size is evidence of the courage of those who undertook the journey to the New World. The Sparrow-Hawk, of about 36 tons and 40 feet in length, was typical of 17th century vessels. The Mayflower, of 180 tons, was one of the largest. The Fortune, which came to Plymouth in 1621, was about 50 tons.  The black and white engraving to the right illustrates a ship similar to the Sparrow-Hawk.

After being wrecked in 1626, the Sparrow-Hawk was buried in sand and mud in a part of Orleans later known as "Old Ship Harbor." The timbers were visible from time to time until 1862, when they were uncovered in a great storm. The ancient hull was removed and reassembled. After exhibition in many cities, it was presented to the Pilgrim Society in 1889.