Woods Hole Historical Museum

WHHM Conversation: The Pirate's Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd
2023-05-04 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | MA
By Dr. Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos

Watch the recorded Conversation here.
Dr. Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos is a historian, journalist, and author of The Pirate Next Door: The Untold Story of Eighteenth-Century Pirates’ Wives, Families and Communities. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, the Washington Post, Southern Living, Virginia Business, and other outlets. She lives in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with her husband, David.

She first became interested in pirates while writing an article in 2002 for The New York Times “Museums” Special Section about the Whydah Pirate Museum in Provincetown, Massachusetts. For the last fifteen years she has conducted extensive original research on pirates and their wives in archives in London, Washington, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She developed a more complete and nuanced history of piracy, and discovered that the lives of pirates, while indeed colorful, were often quite different from those of their literary and cinematic counterparts.

Woods Hole Trad Stroll- Morgan Rattler at the Museum
2023-05-13 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | MA
ArtsFalmouth will hold the Woods Hole Trad Stroll 2023 on Saturday, May 13, in Woods Hole Community Hall, shops, businesses, and open spaces of Woods Hole. Morgan Rattler will perform at the Woods Hole Historical Museum at 3pm. All events are free and open to the public.
There will also be an Artisans Market from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Old Fire House.

Opening Party for Members
2023-06-16 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | MA
Members are invited to join us for our Season 2023 kick-off party, at the Museum, Friday, June 16 from 5 to 7 PM. Learn about our exhibits and mingle with other member-friends!

Opening Day 2023!
2023-06-17 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | MA
Join us for our opening day, Saturday, June 17, 11-3pm to view our exhibits, tour the grounds, and visit our gift shop!

Director's Open House
2023-06-28 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | MA
Come meet Executive Director Sally Piccini. Refreshments will be available.

Members' Party to Celebrate Debbie Scanlon
2023-07-16 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
WHHM Members are invited to join the Steering Committee for a party honoring former Executive Director Debbie Scanlon who, after 8 years with the Museum, retired in April. Museum courtyard, 5 to 7pm. Refreshments will be served. RSVP: whhmdirector@gmail.com.

Woods Hole Historical Museum Annual Meeting
2023-08-08 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Woods Hole Church of the Messiah, 22 Church Street, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, United States
The 2023 Annual Meeting of the Woods Hole Historical Museum will be on August 8th at the Woods Hole Church of the Messiah Parish and Community Center. Museum members will vote on the annual budget and the nominees for Steering Committee officers and directors.

FEATURED SPEAKER
Dan Robb
Author of Sloop: Restoring My Family’s Wooden Sailboat

“BOATS OF WOODS HOLE”
Woods Hole native Dan Robb will tell the captivating story of rebuilding his family’s Herreshoff 12 1/2 and discuss other classic boats beloved by local sailors.

Woods Hole Science Stroll
2023-08-12 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | MA
Visit the Museum at our tent at Waterfront Park, enjoy family-friendly activities, learn about the Museum, and go on a fun scavenger hunt! There is something for everyone at the village-wide Woods Hole Science Stroll.

Annual Oyster Talk and Tasting Summer Fundraiser
2023-08-24 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
The Woods Hole Historical Museum will hold its annual Oyster Talk and Tasting on Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 5-7 PM on the museum grounds at 579 Woods Hole Road.

The first part of the evening will be a talk by local oyster growers Pete Chase, Eric Matzen and Mary Murphy of Falmouth Shellfish Cooperative, who will tell about their experience raising oysters in this area. The cooperative sells its oysters through the Coonamessett Farm.
After the talk, which will include a demonstration of oyster shucking, guests will proceed to the tasting tables to sample the oysters. Wine and beer will be available, as well as light snacks and specialty sauces.
The event is a fundraiser for the museum. Tickets are $45 for museum members/$55 for nonmembers.
Purchase tickets online here or order your tickets by calling the museum at 508-548-7270.

New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus
2023-09-16 16:00 - 17:00 UTC | Woods Hole Community Hall
Join us for a performance by the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, under the direction of Tom Goux, on Saturday, September 16th, 4 pm at Woods Hole Community Hall. “One of the most harmonious crews ever to come ashore,” the chorus will perform a variety of chanteys and songs that reflect the rich maritime heritage of New England. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds benefit the museum.
Purchase tickets here!
Email whhmdirector@gmail.com or call 508.548.7270 for more information.

Season Closing Day
2023-10-07 | MA
The Museum closes for the season. After this date, you can visit us and get help from our Archivist anytime by appointment.

Spritsail Half-Hull Carving Course (course full)
2023-10-19 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Woods Hole Public Library, 581 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
Course full.
Participants will learn the basics necessary to carve a half-hull model at the end of the course, students will take home a finished and mounted half-hall model of a Woods Hole Spritsail boat.

WHHM Conversation: Reconstructing America’s First Ship
2023-12-12 19:00 UTC | MA
Watch the recorded Conversation here.
The Woods Hole Historical Museum will host a virtual conversation on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. with Jim Parmentier of Maine’s First Ship, discussing the group’s reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia of Sagadahoc — the first ocean-going ship built in the New World by English colonists.
Settlers in Maine built the original 51-foot Virginia to support the Popham Colony at the mouth of the Kennebec River. The replica, launched last June, meets all U.S. Coast Guard requirements to serve as a floating classroom.
Parmentier will describe the design and construction of the ship, as well as relating the history of the Popham Colony and the archaeological research that has revealed new information about the site. A current board member of Maine’s First Ship, he is a former East Falmouth resident and sailing instructor at the Woods Hole Yacht Club.
Photo by Paul VanDerWerf Original image

Test
2024-04-30 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA

Woods Hole Trad Stroll – Dawna Hammers at the Museum
2024-05-04 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
ArtsFalmouth will be holding the Woods Hole Trad Stroll this year on Saturday, May 4. Please note the earlier date! Live performances start at noon, and there will also be an Artisans Market at the Old Fire House.
Singer/songwriter Dawna Hammers will be performing on the Museum campus from 3-4 pm.
A Falmouth favorite, Dawna gets everyone to sings, drum and dance along with her entertaining and inspiring original and cover songs. Please join us!
Donations Welcome

Woods Hole May Festival
2024-05-25 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
A new event for the Museum! We’ll be providing a demonstration of our new Spritsail model kits, available for sale (and sail) to kids of all ages. Join us for this much-beloved village event at the Woods Hole Ball Park, featuring games, refreshments and the traditional dance around the May Pole.
(Rain date May 26)
Donations Welcome

Talk on Nobska Lighthouse History at Newly Renovated Keeper’s House!
2024-05-31 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Nobska Light House, 233 Nobska Road, Falmouth, MA, 02543, United States
The talk is free, but seating is limited. Registration is required.
The Museum and Friends of Nobska Light are partnering to present a talk on the fascinating story of Nobska Lighthouse with Ben Carnevale, author of Nobska — the first book-length history of this iconic lighthouse. The event will take place at Nobska Light’s newly renovated Keeper’s House
You’ll learn about the first lighthouse on Nobska Point, built in 1829, the construction of the 40-foot cast iron tower in 1876, and the workings of the magnificent 1888 fourth-order Fresnel lens, still in place today. Mr. Carnevale will also illuminate the stories of lighthouse keepers who risked their own lives to maintain safe passage for ships and sailors.
P.S. As a bonus, Friends of Nobska Light will be offering tower tours to registrants following the talk. Admission is $10.
Donations Welcome

Raingutter Regatta
2024-07-06 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543

Museum Exhibition Opening Party
2024-07-12 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
“Delicious Food and Good Company: 50 Years Celebrating Woods Hole’s Love of Food”
Location: Museum/Library Courtyard
A celebration for museum members and cookbook contributors, this event will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the museum’s archives and feature delicious samples of appetizers and desserts from the museum’s new cookbook.

New Bedford Sea Chantey Chorus
2024-07-13 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Community Hall
“One of the most harmonious crews ever to come ashore,” the chorus will perform a variety of chanteys and songs that reflect the rich maritime heritage of New England.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online using the Buy Now button below, or calling 508-548-7270.
All proceeds benefit the museum.
Location: Woods Hole Community Hall
Purchase Tickets

Lecture: “A Village of Discovery: The History and Diversity of Science in Woods Hole”
2024-08-01 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Falmouth Museums on the Green, 55 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, 02540, United States
Lecture by: John Stegeman, Senior Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Director, Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health
How did a small village become an internationally known center for biology, biomedical research, ocean sciences, and planetary workings and climate research? In this talk, a collaboration of the Falmouth Historical Society and Woods Hole Historical Museum, WHOI senior scientist John Stegeman will outline the history and connections among the scientific institutions in Wood Hole, and the nature and global impact of their research.
$20 Non-Member/$10 Members, or donation-based ticket. Light refreshments served.
Register Here

Annual Meeting & Celebration of the Fishmonger Café
2024-08-08 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Church of the Messiah, 22 Church Street, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, United States
This year’s annual meeting will feature a community-wide celebration of the iconic of the iconic Fishmonger Café and honoring Frances Buehler, who established the restaurant 50 years ago.
All are invited to join in the celebration and share their remembrances. Please bring along your Monger memorabilia for our “show and tell.”
Image: “Waitin’ for the Bridge,” by Deborah Handy

Woods Hole Science Stroll
2024-08-10 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Waterfront Park, 112-138 Water St, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, United States
Come visit the museum’s booth at this family-friendly annual event and learn about the historic impact of hurricanes on Woods Hole by viewing our display of dramatic archival photographs. We’ll also be featuring our Woods Hole Spritsail Boat model kit, as well as knot-tying and other nautical-themed activities. For more information: woodsholesciencestroll.org

Annual Oyster Talk & Tasting
2024-08-22 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
Join us for this annual summer fundraiser! The first part of the evening will be a talk by local oyster growers Pete Chase, Eric Matzen and Mary Murphy of Falmouth Shellfish Cooperative. The cooperative sells its oysters through Coonamessett Farm.
After the talk, which will include a demonstration of oyster shucking, guests will proceed to the tasting tables to sample the oysters. Wine and beer will be available, as well as light snacks and specialty sauces.
Location: Museum/Library Courtyard
Tickets: $45 for museum members/$55 for nonmembers
Purchase tickets online here or order your tickets by calling the museum at 508-548-7270.

WHHM Conversation: Capturing Stronger Photos for Tomorrow’s History
2025-02-12 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Public Library, 581 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
Whether shooting with a smartphone or a camera, attendees will receive tips from award-winning photographer Dorene Sykes on how to capture photographs more artistically. Attendees will enjoy viewing contemporary and historic images from the museum’s archives that illustrate concepts.
Included will be composition guidelines, finding the best light for landscapes and people, and varying perspective and distance for more powerful images. Key phone and camera settings will also be suggested, as well as where to learn more — locally and online.
The talk is free and open to the public and will be held in the lower level meeting room of the Woods Hole Public Library, adjacent to the Museum at 581 Woods Hole Road. There is metered on-street parking as well as small lots at the Museum and Library. For more information, email whhmdirector@gmail.com.
Speaker Bio: Dorene Sykes has been part of the Woods Hole community since settling in nearby 20 years ago. Taking her lifelong love of photography to the next step, she transitioned from a career in marketing management to photography by first freelancing as a photographer for the Falmouth Enterprise. She then launched and ran a portraiture business for a decade while also teaching photography at Cape Conservatory. During this time, Dorene earned recognition as a Certified Professional Photographer by the Professional Photographers of America and as a Master Photographer by the Cape Cod Art Center. Today, she continues to create photographic art, cover events for performing arts groups, and judge camera club competitions statewide.
Photo Caption: “The Children’s Table” by Gerard Swope, 1938

Maritime Yard Sale
2025-04-26 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
Have too much nautical stuff? Planning to clean out your garage? The museum is holding a Maritime Yard Sale to benefit our Community Boat Shop on Saturday, April 26.
We are accepting donations and 50/50 consignments for high-value items on Saturdays from 10-2 beginning March 15th. Please email whhmboatshop@gmail.com for more information.

Woods Hole Trad Stroll: All Worn Out Jug Band
2025-05-03 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
Hosted by the Museum.
Join us for live music on the Museum grounds at the annual Woods Hole Trad Stroll, sponsored by ArtsFalmouth. The All Worn Out Jug Band will perform an eclectic set that include jug band classics interwoven with American roots music from traditional folk to Cajun, country and gospel.
As with many accomplished jug bands, you can expect to hear a washtub or doghouse bass, washboard, kazoos, whistles and, of course, a jug — a full complement of strings including guitar, mandolin, ukulele, fiddle, banjo and Dobro, and an occasional concertina.
Museum Front Courtyard, 589 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole. Free admission.

Members Opening Party
2025-06-13 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
Welcome the summer season with food and drink in the Museum courtyard! Members will have a preview of our summer 2025 exhibits featuring works by women artists of Woods Hole and the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Japanese emperor’s visit to Woods Hole.
Location: Museum/Library Courtyard

Opening Day at the Museum
2025-06-14 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
View our new summer exhibits and browse Woods Hole–themed items in the Museum Gift Shop. Our docents will be on hand to provide the inside scoop on village history and answer your questions.

Walsh Rose Walking Tour
2025-07-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Woods Hole Historical Museum Courtyard, 579 Woods Hole Rd, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, United States
Woods Hole’s beautiful Walsh Roses are bursting into bloom throughout the village. We invite you to join expert Gretchen Ward Warren for a walking tour to view these internationally renowned roses in full flower and to learn about how they were hybridized and cultivated right here in Woods Hole in the early 1900s!
Starting location is the Woods Hole Historical Museum Courtyard and the tour will continue on foot around the village.
