Exhibits On Display
What’s on?
Questions about a past, future, or theoretical exhibit? Reach out to Archives@capecodmaritimemuseum.org with any questions!
Nothing Half So Much Worth Doing: The Story of Sailing on the Cape and Islands
Step into the world of Sailing! From Cape Cod’s most notable boats, to its history of wooden boatbuilding, fiberglass innovation, and world-renown regattas, this exhibit will give any novice a solid introduction.
This exhibition features a custom touchscreen interactive where visitors can build their very own sailboat and test it out!
Main Gallery
Form and Function: Lighthouses of Cape Cod and the islands
The waters around Cape Cod and the Islands have been deadly to mariners throughout our recorded history, and thus have had close to 30 lighthouses, as well as the greatest number of light-ships anywhere in the world. But past their iconic exteriors was a world of innovation, precise machinery, and careful, dilligent work.
This exhibition features rare historical artifacts and one of a kind historical documents!
Fine Arts Gallery
Restoration of a 1944 Surfboat
Our volunteers completed an award winning restoration over the course of seven years, and Surfboat #24467 sits proudly as a display of their diligence and thoughtful, careful work. It is on its third life here with us, and this restoration is only the beginning.
Winner: Best in Show, Owner Restored Manually Powered. 2025 WoodenBoat Show Concours d’Elegance
Ashworth Boat Gallery, Surfboat roomThinking Up and Dredging Down: The Story of the Cape Cod Canal
The Cape Cod Canal has a long and winding history full of surveys, failed attempts, glacial boulders, dredges, bridges, tolls, and trains. Come and see how one man's hope of saving lives, and the US Army Corp of Engineers hard work helped turn an ancient passage through the isthmus of Cape Cod into the Canal we know of today!
This exhibit features a one-of-a-kind model and diorama of one of the two leviathan mechanical dredges used to dredge the first canal!
Long Gallery
Menace of Cape Cod: Hazard to Navigation
The waters off Cape Cod have been a danger to mariners for centuries. Come and find out what sorts of ships and cargoes have travelled past, the most dangerous areas, and about the ways we’ve tried to mitigate those same dangers—either by rescuing sailors from wrecks, or through charts and tide tables.
Featuring three custom models and historical artifacts from Cape Cod’s Lifesaving history.
Long GalleryCook Boat Shop
Our working wood boat shop hosts a variety of wood boat workshops throughout the year.
Visitors can see small boats being built and restored, as well as learn about the various wood working and boat building techniques.
Our boatwright is onsite Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10am - 3pm.
Lower Level of building
Tall Ships Cape Cod
Cape Cod was known globally as the home of Ship Captains. It was often generational, with many members of the same families heading out to make their fortunes on the high seas. In addition, many a tall ship raced past Cape Cod (if it didn’t wreck) headed to or from Boston.
Features three beautifully crafted examples of tall ships, and artifacts each one might have had aboard.
Fine Arts GalleryLocal Lost Landmarks
Not every historical landmark stands the test of time. The Hyannisport Railroad Wharf and Bishop and Clerks were local, critical maritime landmarks. With changing technology and changing times, they fell into disuse and were eventually destroyed.
Lobby
Elizabeth and William Graham Scrimshaw Collection
The Graham family had a special tradition. Each year for Birthdays, anniversaries, and the like, they gave Scrimshaw as gifts. Their beautiful collection has stayed together, and it’s variety and depth show us exactly how wide the art form’s breadth is.
Exhibition also includes a beautiful 1906 Etching of a whaleship being refitted in New Bedford Hardbor, by Lemuel Eldred.
LobbyMenace of Cape Cod: Hazard to Navigation
Long GalleryAshworth Boat gallery
We couldn’t be a maritime museum without a few more boats! The Ashworth Boat Gallery features examples of some of famous designs, and some notable designs from famous boatbuilders.