Step into the past with a guided walk through Pine Grove Cemetery. Discover local legends, maritime stories, and historic graves that reveal Harwich’s rich heritage—perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, including children and seniors
Wildlife
History
Pine Grove Cemetery dates back to the 19th century and has been a vital part of Harwich’s storytelling heritage since its establishment.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to preserve the historic gravesite and maintain the landscape while encouraging respectful outdoor visitation.
Harwich Historical Society
Step into the past with a guided walk through Pine Grove Cemetery. Discover local legends, maritime stories, and historic graves that reveal Harwich’s rich heritage—perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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 shoes
The tour covers varied terrain on uneven historic pathways, so wear sturdy footwear.
Visit during early morning or late afternoon
Cooler temperatures and softer light make for more comfortable and picturesque walks.
Carry water and a camera
Stay hydrated and capture the historic gravestones and scenic views during your walk.
Check the weather forecast
Outdoor tours can be affected by weather—dress accordingly and watch for rain or heat warnings.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support for exploring uneven cemetery paths.
Hat and sunscreen
Protects against sun exposure during outdoor walking.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your outdoor tour.
Camera or smartphone
Capture historic gravestones and scenic views.