THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into history with Lantern Tours at East Harwich Cemetery, where ghost stories and fascinating tales come alive after sundown. Discover local legends and historic figures in a captivating outdoor experience.
Step into history with Lantern Tours at East Harwich Cemetery, where ghost stories and fascinating tales come alive after sundown. Discover local legends and historic figures in a captivating outdoor experience.
Book with Harwich Historical Society
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Harwich Historical Society · East Harwich, Massachusetts
Located in the charming town of East Harwich, Lantern Tours by the Harwich Historical Society offers a unique way to immerse yourself in local history after dark. Set against the backdrop of the historic East Harwich Union Cemetery, these lantern-lit excursions transport visitors back in time, where stories of Revolutionary War soldiers, mariners, and townsfolk come alive through engaging storytelling by costumed guides. The evening adventures reveal the personal histories of individuals buried in the cemetery, with each ghost sharing their own tale, making history as vivid as a living memory.
What makes these tours stand out is their authenticity and attention to detail, offering an immersive experience that marries education with entertainment. The cemetery’s historic gravestones, moss-covered monuments, and towering trees create a hauntingly beautiful scene that enhances the storytelling atmosphere. These guided walks typically take place on select evenings, providing a rare chance to connect with the past in a more visceral way.
Harwich's location in Massachusetts means visitors can easily access the town from nearby Boston or Cape Cod, making it a perfect overnight or day-trip destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Lantern Tours are suitable for all ages, blending outdoor walking with historical education in a safe, engaging setting. It’s a wonderful outing for families, history aficionados, or anyone eager for an authentic, memorable experience in a small New England coastal town.
In addition to the storytelling, the cemetery’s serene surroundings encourage reflection on the stories of those who shaped the region’s history. Whether you’re a local looking to deepen your knowledge or a visitor seeking a unique cultural activity, Lantern Tours offer a compelling journey through time that enriches your understanding of East Harwich’s past.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Casual walking ability required, no strenuous activity involved.
Yes, they are family-friendly and designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Tours typically begin at sunset on scheduled dates; check the website for specific times.
Yes, there is parking available near the cemetery.
Advance registration is recommended as spots can fill quickly.
Pets are not permitted during the guided tours to respect the historic site.
Comfortable shoes, a flashlight, and warm clothing if needed.
East Harwich's cemetery dates back to the 18th century and reflects the rich maritime and Revolutionary history of the area.
The Harwich Historical Society actively maintains the cemetery, emphasizing preservation and respectful tourism.
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.
Book with Harwich Historical Society