JUNE 26, 2025

"Sea Captains, Slavery and Abolition on the Cape" 

History is often forged in the crucible of opposing forces, and such were the times when the dominance of the maritime industry struck shore against the rising tide of the abolition movement. While we often think these forces clashed far from home, the eye of the storms that shook the Nation passed right overhead here on the Cape.

Dr. Pregot will bring together his three passions:  The legacy of the Cape’s sea captains, the reality of slavery and those who lead the abolition movement…many right here in Cotuit and the nearby villages on the Cape.

JULY 17, 2025

"Fire on the Cape - a Look at its History and the Future"

Wildfires are breaking out more often around the Country, and doing more damage.  What’s the risk here on the Cape?  A look at history tells us that fire has played a major role in shaping the Cape’s forests and our communities.  We may think it’s not a major threat, but looking back at even our recent past may suggest we need to plan and prepare now.  Chief Brown will describe the risks we face, the changing face of emergency response as well as practical steps we all can take.

AUGUST 21, 2025

“Christmas Tree Shops – Everyone Loves a Bargain”

Christmas Tree Shops were not just an icon of New England and The Cape, they were destinations to be sought out…becoming attractions of their own.   Stores boasted a diverse assortment of merchandise from seasonal decorations, home decor, houseware, food, giftware and just about everything else that the public just had to have. These were items you never thought you needed before stepping through the door, but who could resist a bargain?

Anthony Sammarco has written on the unique history of The Christmas Tree Shops, and will speak to their recent descent into bankruptcy.  We’ll hear about the special role they had here, as well as what the future of retail may be here on the Cape.

September 18, 2025

"The Birth of the Coast Guard"

Greg Ketchen is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain living in Osterville, MA.   He is a volunteer at the Coast Guard Heritage Museum located in Barnstable’s Old Customs House and has served as its president since 2015.   Before moving to the Cape thirteen years ago, Greg’s career included providing support to Massachusetts’ commercial ports as a development consultant, heading operations at the New England Aquarium, and filling a wide variety of Coast Guard jobs. He is a frequent lecturer on a variety of topics related to Coast Guard missions and history.

October 15, 2025

“The Revolution on Cape Cod and the Islands: The Issues, the Events, and the People”

Dr. David Martin, Chair of the Cape and Islands Historians Committee, will present a compelling presentation on his recently published book, The American Revolution on Cape Cod and the Islands. This talk will shed light on the often-overlooked stories of the Revolutionary War in our own backyard, covering the critical years from 1761 to 1783.

Through an engaging presentation and lively discussion, Dr. Martin will highlight key events, influential local leaders, and the pivotal roles that Cape Cod and the Islands played in the struggle for American independence. His talk challenges the widespread myth that this region sat out the Revolution, revealing just how deeply involved our communities truly were.