A vacant lot next to Jack’s Drum Shop in Hyannis was once home to the Cape’s first movie theater, the Idle Hour Theatre, which opened around 1912. Photo: Idle Hour Theatre shortly after opening.

Step back to the 1920s, a decade of dramatic social, economic, and political change on Cape Cod. Authors Sharon Anderson and Dorothy Skelley bring the era to life with a collection of historic photographs and stories, highlighting milestones like the 1928 opening of the Cape Cod Airport, the surge of tourism fueling the local economy, the rise of Cape Cod tea rooms, the 1927 debut of the Cape Playhouse, and the secretive speakeasies that dotted the region. Explore how these dynamic changes shaped the Cape’s culture, economy, and lifestyle, and discover why this was truly a turning point in Cape Cod history.

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.