The Osterville Historical Society and Museum was formed in 1931. Today the Museum is the caretaker of a growing complex that includes three buildings on a two-acre campus. The circa 1824 Captain Parker House exhibits our permanent collection of 18 & 19^th cen. furniture and works of art; the Cammett House, circa 1750, is a unique "one-room deep" dwelling displaying early construction methods and is the second oldest house in Osterville. The third building is a series of Boat Shops replete with 19^th century tools and six full size wooden sailboats built in Osterville. We are open to the public three days weekly from June to October, and have approximately 2500 visitors annually of which over 600 are children. In addition, we assist with archival, photographic, or genealogy requests throughout the year. Our visitors range from local members of the Cape Cod community to visitors traveling from as far as Washington State and abroad. Approximately 500 Cape Cod households support the Museum through membership dues and Annual Appeal donations or contributions.

Mission

To acquire and preserve objects of historical relevance to Osterville, to present them in a dynamic environment, and to offer enrichment and educational opportunities for people for all ages that will develop and encourage an interest in the history of the village.

Staff & Volunteers

The museum employs one full time director; additionally there is a part-time curator who works approximately 10 hours a week. The Museum has a core group of 30 volunteers (exclusive of Board members) and a volunteer Children's Education Coordinator.

Project Description

Over the past several years, the Museum has attempted to reach out to the younger members of our community. As a result, the number of young adults who come to visit our Museum increases yearly, due to the attraction of our children's programs. These entail a weekly Story Hour program for 1^st through 5^th grade campers through the Recreational Department of Barnstable as well as two Story Hour programs on Museum grounds ages 4-10. The Museum offers every young visitor a scavenger hunt throughout the campus as well as several interactive stations which create more relevant learning experiences. All young adult programs run during the two months of July and August when the Museum is open. The Museum's goal is to strengthen its children's programs and educate the next generation of adults about the history of the village.