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 GalleryLost But For Their Efforts: The Life-Saving Work of the Cape and Islands
The waters around Cape Cod and the Islands have been deadly to mariners throughout our recorded history. With an estimated number of shipwrecks over 2500, numerous Lighthouses, Life-Saving Stations, shipwreck victim huts, and Lightships dotted our coastline, patrolled our beaches, or stood sentinel against the many dangers mariners faced going past.
This exhibition features rare historical artifacts and one of a kind historical documents!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 room
Cook 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
Hidden Gems: Visible Storage
Have you ever been curious about what doesn’t make it on exhibit? Come see some rarely seen items from our fascinating archive of maritime and Cape Cod artifacts. Each has their own unique history and connection to the Cape and Islands.
Features beautifully crafted examples of tall ships, marine artwork, as well as historical tools and documents.
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.
LobbyAshworth Boat gallery
We couldn’t be a maritime museum without a few more boats! The Ashworth Boat Gallery features examples of iconic designs and notable boats from famous boatbuilders.