A story that might have been lost to time now emerges in Tales of the Sea, a new historical novel by Cynthia Elder. The two books in the series, The Journey Begins and The Drumbeats of War, are based on hundreds of pages of previously unpublished ship’s logs, letters and journals from a Cape Cod family in the mid-1800s.

Tales of the Sea reveals the inner lives of three generations from the Jenkins and Fish families of West Barnstable and Salem, Massachusetts, during the final chapter of the Great Age of Sail and the tumultuous years leading up to and through the Civil War. Through their own words, Tales of the Sea elevates the voices of men and women who braved years-long sailing voyages aboard great wooden ships. The plot intersects with the stories of soldiers and slaves as the United States split apart at the seams.

“It is a true tale of a 19 th -century couple from Cape Cod. The novel paints an accurate picture of life in a seafaring town, from describing the lightkeeper’s day at Sandy Neck Light, to caring for family ‘in sickness and in health,’ to experiencing the high seas (or dead winds) that could end a sailing trip with disaster. There are wonderful moments of happiness and passion, to the delight of the reader.” - Nancy Shoemaker

Part of our History on Tap series—join us for an evening of local history, conversation, and craft brews.

Admission: $10 per person / $5 for members

Must be 21+ to sample beer; IDs will be checked at the door.

Enjoy craft beer from our sponsor, Cape Cod Beer, along with cheese, crackers, water, and non-alcoholic beer options.

We highly recommend reserving your tickets on our website in advance. Popular events often sell out quickly. Don’t miss out—plan and secure your spot!