Step into Harwich’s maritime past with a scenic walking tour of Captains’ Row. Discover historic homes, tales of sea captains, and the town’s rich heritage in this engaging, storytelling experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Average fitness level; suitable for most visitors
Wildlife
History
Harwich’s maritime legacy dates back to the 17th century, with a pivotal role in North Atlantic trade and shipbuilding.
Conservation
The town prioritizes historic preservation and sustainable tourism, ensuring that its maritime heritage remains vibrant for future generations.
Harwich Historical Society
Step into Harwich’s maritime past with a scenic walking tour of Captains’ Row. Discover historic homes, tales of sea captains, and the town’s rich heritage in this engaging, storytelling experience.
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 footwear
Since this is a walking tour, sturdy shoes will make your experience more enjoyable.
Bring your camera
Photograph historic homes and scenic views along the route.
Check the weather forecast
Dress appropriately for the weather, whether rain or shine.
Arrive early to get your spot
Tours can fill up fast, so arriving a little early ensures a good seat.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear needed for walking the historic route.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun exposure during the outdoor tour.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your walk.
Notepad or camera
Capture memories or take notes of interesting stories.