Current Projects

Links: About Us | History | Governance, Staff and Tax Status

2010 Special Exhibit: Chatham to China
“Chatham to China” explores and explicates the countless voyages made by Chatham and New England sea captains, originating in Boston and destined for the far East. Themes that are central to this exhibit are: mobility, encounter, acculturation, and nascent globalization. The economic piece is featured prominently as well, explaining how the China export trade evolved and how that influenced the culture and economics of New England and the Cape.

In contrast with the rather static and hands-off types of exhibits typically mounted at CHS, this exhibit features ‘work stations’ (e.g. a Cantonese market, interior of a ship, and the bow of the Clipper Ship Wild Rover!) with hands-on, interactive types of activities and programs, in which children and adults of all ages can participate. Costumed role playing, bartering/trading, and of course the epic sea voyage required to reach the East are all be explored and featured in this exhibit.

New Highlights
Don't miss the recently redecorated Durand Room where the collections of the Durand family -- Sandwich threaded glass, Parian Ware, A.E. Crowell miniature bird carvings and an outstanding seashells -- are featured.

Joseph C. Lincoln's plumed pen weathervane that graced his former home on Shore Road, Crosstrees, is a new addition to the gallery bearing his name. Also featured is an exhibit of stills from the soon- to-be-released movie "Chatham" based on his book "Cap'n Eri" and photographed on location here on Cape Cod.

Check out the Nickerson North Beach Camp on the museum grounds. Moved because of the danger of erosion and washover, the camp was saved by bringing it to the mainland for an exhibit of the unique Chatham experience of camping out on the barrier beach. Learn about the current washover and learn more about the "breaks" that have occurred during the past 50 years.