Welcome to the Woods Hole Historical Museum

The Woods Hole Historical Museum (WHHM) has changing exhibits and diverse programs appealing to people with wide interests. Founded as an adjunct to the Woods Hole Library “to establish and preserve a collection of objects and materials of cultural, historical, and artistic value,” the Museum has grown to a campus of several buildings housing exhibit, workshop, and archival space, as well as becoming an active publisher of works of local and historical interest.

Search online across our Archive and Historic Photograph Collections here!

Our Archivist is available to assist with research year-round
508 548-7270 • whhmarchives@gmail.com.

Make an appointment to visit us anytime!

Woods Hole Historical Museum Building
New Woods Hole Cookbook

Coming This Summer!

It’s time to pre-order your copies of the Woods Hole Historical Museum’s new cookbook:  

Woods Hole Cooks Something Up for the 21st Century:
More Recipes From a Cape Cod Village

Celebrating the Museum’s 50th anniversary, this new cookbook features:

  • 300 tantalizing recipes, from appetizers to main courses to desserts, incorporating local, regional and international flavors.
  • Reproductions of treasured photos and unique historical objects from the Museum’s archives, plus beautiful illustrations by local artists.

All proceeds from the cookbook sales support the Museum’s programs and archives, preserving our unique village history. Thank you for your purchase!

Order Here
One Falmouth Event

WHHM Boat Shop

The Woods Hole Historical Museum’s Boat Shop is a place where boat enthusiasts of all ages gather to restore, build, and talk about boats.

Learn More!
Explore the Archives

Archives

To view our extensive collection of documents, maps, photos and more, search online here or contact our Archivist: whhmarchives@gmail.com.

Search Archives

Exhibits

In addition to the exhibits presented in our galleries and in our shops each year, the museum website presents several online exhibits.

Learn more

Gift Shop

Shop anytime day or night on our online store! You’ll find a variety of items ranging from books, clothing, glassware, bags, jewelry & more.

Shop Online

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SARAH BRYANT FAY – a Brief Biographical Sketch

The WHHM Dispatch newsletter is a way to stay connected with our members and friends while providing interesting historical insights about some of our lesser-known but fascinating holdings.

Sign-up!

SAVE THE DATES

THE SMALL BOAT EXHIBIT

SMALL BOAT MUSEUM

On your next visit to the museum be sure to visit the Small Boat Exhibit, formerly the Swift Barn, which was built in 1877 by E.W. Swift for $80.71, labor and materials.

Displays include an 1890s Woods Hole Spritsail boat (SPY); a Herreshoff 12 1/2, a Cape Cod Knockabout, a Mirror dinghy, a 1922 Old Town canoe, a Woods Hole Chamberlain dory and many boat models and maritime artifacts.

Become a Member

The Woods Hole Historical Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and celebration of the area’s unique and colorful past and present. Your support helps the Museum to continue this work and to further our mission.

Become a Member