Cotuit Archives

Our Archives contain documents, maps and photos relating to Cotuit history. These materials go back to original Indian deeds in 1785. Some of the major areas included are:
  • Genealogical reference books and pamphlets relating to old Cotuit family names.
  • Journals of the voyages of Cotuit whaling captains.
  • Files on all historic Cotuit homes, including all homes included in the files of the Barnstable and Massachusetts Historic Commissions and included in the Federal Register of Historic Places.
  • Pictures of people and places around Cotuit, especially related to the waterfront. These include a collection of glass plate negatives.
  • Old maps of Santuit and Cotuit.
  • Collection of post cards of Cotuit dating back to the 1800s.


Research

Our archive software allows a search on archival material and also on all objects in the Dottridge Homestead and Cotuit Museum.

Researchers or people seeking information may contact the society's Archivist, Cindy Nickerson, to make an appointment. Please email her at info@cotuithistoricalsociety.org; or call (508) 428-0461.

HSSC Members are entitled to free one-on-one research services by our Archivist.

Photo and Image Policy

High-resolution images may be available for purchase. An image fee is charged on a per image basis. Publication/exhibition fees may also apply, depending on your intended use of the image.

White Papers

The Historical Society has published a series of Historical Papers related to the history of Santuit and Cotuit. These papers were written over a period of more than 50 years by illustrious members of the village. Topics range from the early purchase of land from Wampanoags to recent businesses -  Other papers discuss local personalities - Nickersons, Chatfields, Colemans, Lowells, Giffords, Dottridges, Ryders and Harlows, and more. Included are stories about Cotuit and Santuit churches, schools, fire district, Freedom Hall, the Kettleers, the Cotuit Skiff, Camp Candoit, Colonial Cotuit, Downtown Cotuit, and cordwood. A listing of historical papers can be found below.

You can also request copies by mail by sending a check in the amount of $5.00, which includes postage and handling (US only) to:
  HSSC
  PO Box 1484
  Cotuit, MA 02635
  Attn: Historical Papers