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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Casual walking ability required, no strenuous activity involved.
Wildlife
History
East Harwich's cemetery dates back to the 18th century and reflects the rich maritime and Revolutionary history of the area.
Conservation
The Harwich Historical Society actively maintains the cemetery, emphasizing preservation and respectful tourism.
Harwich Historical Society
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.
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 walking shoes
The tour involves walking on uneven cemetery paths, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a flashlight
Enhance your visibility and mood with a small flashlight for dark spots.
Dress warmly in cooler months
Evening temperatures can drop, so bring layers for comfort.
Arrive early for parking
Arriving 15 minutes early ensures you find parking and settle in before start time.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support and stability on uneven cemetery paths.
Small flashlight
Helpful for illuminating dark areas during the tour.
Warm clothing
Keeps you comfortable during evening outdoor activity.
fall|winter
Notebook and pen
Optional for jotting down interesting stories or notes about the history.