Discover the stories of sea captains and local legends on a captivating walking tour of Pine Grove Cemetery in West Harwich. Perfect for history enthusiasts, this outdoor experience offers a unique peek into Cape Cod’s maritime heritage.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including mobility-impaired visitors with assistance
Wildlife
History
Pine Grove Cemetery, established in the early 19th century, reflects Harwich’s maritime history and local legends of seafarers. Many stones commemorate shipwreck victims and pioneering families.
Conservation
The cemetery is actively maintained, with efforts focused on preservation and respectful stewardship of its historic markers and natural surroundings.
Harwich Historical Society
Discover the stories of sea captains and local legends on a captivating walking tour of Pine Grove Cemetery in West Harwich. Perfect for history enthusiasts, this outdoor experience offers a unique peek into Cape Cod’s maritime heritage.
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.
Bring comfortable walking shoes
Wear sturdy footwear since the tour involves walking on uneven and historic terrain.
Arrive early for the tour
Get there a few minutes before start time to ensure a smooth, unhurried experience.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture the historic gravestones and scenic views along the tour.
Dress for the weather
Check the forecast and wear weather-appropriate clothing, as most of the tour is outdoors.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy shoes are recommended for navigating the historic terrain comfortably.
Hat and sunglasses
Protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor walking.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the tour, especially on warm days.
Notepad and pen
Jot down interesting facts or personal notes during the guide’s narration.