The Cape Cod Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Cape Cod. We always need to remember our cultural roots and for us on Cape Cod, those are linked to the ocean in many ways. Most of us “natives” have relatives who were or are fisherman, scallopers, whalers, boat builders, or those who worked in the subindustries that supported marine related businesses.

One of the most interesting displays at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum is the Sparrow-Hawk. It is the ONLY remaining example of a 17th-century ship that crossed the Atlantic to bring people here. Yes, you can see the original timbers. What will really amaze you is how small it is. I would have thought twice before I got in that to cross the Atlantic. It is only 40 feet long and about 36 tons. The famous Mayflower was about 180 tons. Now don’t go expecting to see the entire boat with full sails. It is the remains. But still, it’s pretty impressive.

There’s also the catboat Sarah based on the famous 1886 Crosby catboat. The catboat was originally used by fishermen and over the years the use has changed to recreational boating and racing. It will be used to teach students firsthand about scalloping, fishing, and how hard those jobs truly are!
There are classes and events that are usually free or given at very low cost.  Admission for adults is only $5, Students and Seniors are $4, children under 6 are free.

Leo and I are seriously considering going to the Wreck Scene Investigation Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 19.  Where we’ll learn to examine and excavate the ‘remains’ of a shipwreck. Map, record and identify the objects found, then use this information to find out more about the ship and her crew.” That’s the description given on the museum’s website. And the cost is free!