Discover Harwich’s rich history on a guided walk led by local expert Paul Doane. Dive into stories of influential families and landmarks that define this Cape Cod town.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, with gentle walking involved
Wildlife
History
Harwich was established in 1694 and has played a vital role in Cape Cod’s maritime history.
Conservation
The town actively promotes preservation of historic sites and responsible tourism.
Harwich Historical Society
Discover Harwich’s rich history on a guided walk led by local expert Paul Doane. Dive into stories of influential families and landmarks that define this Cape Cod town.
Harwich Historical Society preserves and interprets the local history of Harwich, Massachusetts, through public programs, walking tours, workshops, and museum exhibits. The society operates from historic properties including Brooks Academy Museum and Crowell Barn, offering seasonal experiences that connect residents and visitors with maritime heritage, community stories, and traditional crafts. Programs include guided walking tours — such as Pine Grove Cemetery Walking Tour, Captains’ Row Walking Tour, and Harwich Center Walking Tour — lantern tours at East Harwich Union Cemetery, and a ten-week Fall Decoy Carving Workshop hosted in the historic Anthony Elmer Crowell studio and led by Master Woodcarver Paul Phillips. The society also organizes volunteer opportunities, inviting community members to staff self-guided tours and support museum operations during the summer season. Public events often showcase period photographs, local biographies of sea captains, merchants, and influential families such as the Chase family, and interpretive storytelling that highlights architectural styles from the 1740s through the 1940s. Scheduled dates for specific tours are published seasonally; examples include Pine Grove Cemetery tours on July 12 and August 16, and Captains’ Row tours on July 6 and August 9. Lantern Tours and Harwich Center walks are offered on select dates and may include amplified earpieces for enhanced listening.
Brooks Academy Museum and Crowell Barn host exhibits and interpretive displays year-round during scheduled public hours and special events seasonally.
Located In
Harwich, MA
Historic Cape Cod community
Decoy Workshop
10-week course
Hands-on instruction with a master carver
Walking Tours
3 distinct routes
Pine Grove, Captains’ Row, Harwich Center
Volunteer Season
Summer 2025
Sign up to staff museum tours
Reserve a spot on a walking tour, register for the decoy carving workshop, or sign up to volunteer for Summer 2025.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking through historic streets, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a camera or phone
Capture the scenic streets and historic buildings along the route.
Arrive early
Meet the guide promptly to ensure a full and relaxed experience.
Listen with earbuds
Use the provided earpieces for clear narration and story immersion.
Comfortable walking shoes
Help keep your feet comfortable during the two-hour stroll.
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable moments along the historic route.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the walk.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun while exploring outdoor streets.
spring;summer;fall