What does it take to face a raging Nor’easter in a 36-foot wooden boat to save 32 lives? On February 18, 1952, four brave Coast Guardsmen from Chatham set out to rescue the crew of the SS Pendleton, a tanker that had broken in half and was drifting off Monomoy Island. Battling towering waves, freezing winds, and treacherous shoals, the crew achieved what is still hailed as The Coast Guard’s Greatest Small Boat Rescue. Their heroism inspired the best-selling book and Disney film The Finest Hours. Join local historian Reid Oslin as he recounts this unforgettable story of courage, skill, and survival off the coast of Cape Cod.

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, and we cannot always accommodate walk-ins. Don’t miss out—plan and secure your spot!

Please Note: History on Tap features a different speaker every two weeks. Be sure to double-check the date before booking your ticket to ensure you’re registering for the lecture you want. If you have any issues, call Samantha Stickney at 508-815-4149 to book directly.