Programs
Campus Tours at the Museums (May-Oct)
May 24th – October 18th, 2024
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
We also host historical walking tours year round. Click here for the current schedule of historical walking tours.
For special events, see below.
2024 Programs
The Very Unmerry Christmas Tour
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesThis tour is now sold out, thank you! The Very Unmerry Christmas Tour Thursday January 4th, 2024 at 3pm Merry Christmas? I do not think so! Join the Falmouth Historical Society’s Executive Director Rachel Lovett and Research Manager Meg Costello on an informative and comical journey to hear how New Englanders did not actually celebrate […]
Grave Undertakings: A Walk through Falmouth’s Old Burying Ground
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesFrom the most respected minister to the lowliest outcast, everyone in Falmouth ended up in the graveyard eventually. See their markers and hear their stories as our tour guide leads you through this hidden gem of a cemetery. NOTE: Please park in the 300 Committee lot at 157 Locust Street. Use the crosswalk to cross […]
Dining with Jane Austen
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesDINING WITH JANE AUSTEN Thursday, January 25th 1pm The family of Dr. Francis Wicks lived in the beautiful house on Falmouth’s town green (now owned by the Falmouth Historical Society) during the era English author Jane Austen (1775-1817) was writing her beloved novels. There were many similarities in to Austen’s England here in Falmouth from […]
Annual Members’ Meeting
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesSaturday, January 27th at 2pm followed by a coffee hour Looking towards Spring and what's ahead, as well as a review of last year! Election of Board of Directors - New candidates are Robin Ketchum and John Bissonnette. Only current members can vote at the meeting. Followed by refreshments and an opportunity to socialize. Annual […]
Grave Undertakings: A Walk through Falmouth’s Old Burying Ground
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesFrom the most respected minister to the lowliest outcast, everyone in Falmouth ended up in the graveyard eventually. See their markers and hear their stories as our tour guide leads you through this hidden gem of a cemetery. NOTE: Please park in the 300 Committee lot at 157 Locust Street. Use the crosswalk to cross […]
Made at the Museum: A Five Senses Expedition
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesLife Rings: A Special Movie Event
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesLife Rings: A Special Movie Event Tuesday, February 6th at 4pm This is a joint event with the Falmouth Historical Society and Protect our Past. Why Protect Our Past produced the film “Life Rings:” It’s an eco-preservation wake-up call! The “life” giving rings visible in the cross section of a tree disclose its age and reveal […]
Grave Undertakings: A Walk through Falmouth’s Old Burying Ground
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesFrom the most respected minister to the lowliest outcast, everyone in Falmouth ended up in the graveyard eventually. See their markers and hear their stories as our tour guide leads you through this hidden gem of a cemetery. NOTE: Please park in the 300 Committee lot at 157 Locust Street. Use the crosswalk to cross […]
Made at the Museum: A Five Senses Expedition
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWinter Walk: In Search of the Captain’s Best Mate
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWinter Walk: In Search of the Captain’s Best Mate In this walking tour, discover the homes of sea captains and their families, including many featured in our exhibition. Saturday, February 10th at 1 pm How far would you go to be close to a loved one? During the whaling era, eleven Falmouth couples confronted that […]
Winter Walk: From Falmouth with Love
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWinter Walk: From Falmouth with Love Discover love stories connected to Falmouth’s romantic past. This February discover love stories connected to Falmouth’s more amorous past in honor of Saint Valentine’s Day. The tour will explore diverse sets of couples whose love stories continue to inspire us today. Our winter walk, From Falmouth with Love, reveals […]
Made at the Museum: A Five Senses Expedition
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWinter Walk: In Search of the Captain’s Best Mate
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWinter Walk: In Search of the Captain’s Best Mate In this walking tour, discover the homes of sea captains and their families, including many featured in our exhibition. Saturday, February 17th at 1 pm How far would you go to be close to a loved one? During the whaling era, eleven Falmouth couples confronted that […]
Winter Walk: From Falmouth with Love
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWinter Walk: From Falmouth with Love Discover love stories connected to Falmouth’s romantic past. This February discover love stories connected to Falmouth’s more amorous past in honor of Saint Valentine’s Day. The tour will explore diverse sets of couples whose love stories continue to inspire us today. Our winter walk, From Falmouth with Love, reveals […]
Made at the Museum: A Five Senses Expedition
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWinter Walk: Remember My Name – Celebrating the Women of Falmouth
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesIn honor of Women’s History Month, these walking tours delve into the less familiar history of Falmouth as we introduce you to a few of the notable women who made – and continue to make – their mark in Falmouth. Along the way, you will meet educators, abolitionists, suffragettes and storytellers. The tour features their […]
A Woman’s World: We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby! Lecture by Tamsen George
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesA Woman’s World: We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby! Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 4pm In an 18th century American family, men were responsible for its support through their work; farming, fishing, trading or skilled labor. Women also had their assigned place and role in the household determined for the “fair sex” by custom and […]
Spring Walk: From Falmouth with Love
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesThis season discover love stories connected to Falmouth’s more amorous past. The tour will explore diverse sets of couples whose love stories continue to inspire us today. You'll see places associated with several real-life couples in Falmouth history. Some have famous names, others have been forgotten. - Susan Wicks and John Crocker were called upon […]
Historical Postcards: The Stories They Tell; The Art They Inspire
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesHistorical Postcards: The Stories They Tell; The Art They Inspire Wednesday, April 3rd at 1pm Falmouth Historical Society's Cultural Center 55 Palmer Avenue Falmouth, MA 02540 Free and Open to the Public Thanks to the Falmouth Cultural Council The Falmouth Public Library’s trove of postcards includes depictions of the town throughout the decades (since the […]
Free Talk by Author Christie Palmer Lowrance, “Thornton W. Burgess: An Extraordinary Naturalist, Children’s Author, and Cape Codder”
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesAuthor Christie Palmer Lowrance will present a talk on: “Thornton W. Burgess: An Extraordinary Naturalist, Children’s Author, and Cape Codder” Wednesday, April 10th at 2pm “In the realm of wildlife conservation and natural history, there is one name in the United States that must not be forgotten: Thornton W. Burgess,” wrote Dr. Theodore H. Reed, […]
Approaches to Collecting: A Panel Discussion at the Cahoon Museum
Cahoon Museum 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MAJoin Sarah Johnson, Ph.D., executive director of the Cahoon Museum of American Art as she leads a panel discussion about museum collections with Rachel Lovett, executive director of Falmouth Museums on the Green, Jennifer Madden, director of collections and exhibitions at Heritage Museum, and Gardens, and Benton Jones, director of art at […]
Whaling in New England
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWhaling in New England Thursday, May 9th, 4pm Many different forms of whaling have been used in Cape Cod. Drift, shore, herding, and artic whaling have all been practiced at one time or another. Each specific form of whaling has a small history connected to it. In the early 1800s whaling was among the most […]
Open for the 2024 Season!
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWe will be open to the public from May 24th - October 18th We are excited to welcome you all back starting May 24th and to now be offering free general museum admission for the 2024 season thanks to our friends at the Highland Street Foundation! Included in general museum admission is a guided […]
Falmouth Garden Club Plant Sale
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesGuided Historical Walking Tour – Village Green
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesOur first Historical Walking Tour of the 2024 season will be the "Village Green Walking Tour" on Saturday, May 25th at 10:30am, leaving from the Hallett Barn Visitors Center (please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time). Village Green: Famous Residents, Falmouth Firsts, Favorite Spots Learn about several famous Falmouth citizens, see a house full of […]
Guided Historical Walking Tour – Locust Street
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesThe "Locust Street Walking Tour" on Monday, May 27th at 10:30am, leaving from the Hallett Barn Visitors Center (please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time). Locust Street: Home to Many Mariners This walk focuses on the homes, adventures, and families of several whaling captains, along with the original settlement area of Falmouth, local soldiers from […]
Guided Historical Walking Tour – Depot Ave
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesThe "Depot Ave Walking Tour" on Monday, May 27th at 10:30am, leaving from the Hallett Barn Visitors Center (please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time). View our Historical Walking Tour page for more information. https://museumsonthegreen.org/2022-historic-walking-tours/
Village Green Walking Tour – Saturdays
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesHistorical Walking Tours of the 2024 season The "Village Green Walking Tour" on Saturdays, at 10:30am, leaving from the Hallett Barn Visitors Center (please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time). Village Green: Famous Residents, Falmouth Firsts, Favorite Spots Learn about several famous Falmouth citizens, see a house full of Falmouth Firsts, and visit one of […]
Locust Street Walking Tour – Mondays
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesHistorical Walking Tours of the 2024 season The "Locust Street Walking Tour" on Mondays, at 10:30am, leaving from the Hallett Barn Visitors Center (please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time). Locust Street: Home to Many Mariners This walk focuses on the homes, adventures, and families of several whaling captains, along with the original settlement area […]
Depot Ave Walking Tour – Tuesdays
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesHistorical Walking Tours of the 2024 season The "Depot Ave Walking Tour" on Tuesdays, at 10:30am, leaving from the Hallett Barn Visitors Center (please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time). Falmouth’s maritime past is proudly remembered, but there’s more to the history of our town. When the railroad arrived in 1871, Falmouth’s link to the […]
Exhibition Opening of From Cape Cod to Normandy: Falmouth’s Role in WWII’s D-Day Invasion
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesFrom Cape Cod to Normandy: Falmouth's Role in World War II's D-Day Invasion The Falmouth Historical Society, in collaboration with the Cape Cod Military Museum, is honored to present a compelling new exhibition that explores Falmouth's vital role in the historic D-Day invasion during World War II. The show opens Thursday, June 6th, 2024, and […]
Historical Walking Tour – Fridays
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesHistorical Walking Tours of the 2024 season Fridays, at 10:30am, leaving from the Hallett Barn Visitors Center (please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time). Fridays – Rotating between Grave Undertakings, Scandals and Women’s History. View our Historical Walking Tour page for more information. Women's History - 10:30am on July 12, 19, Aug 9, Sept […]
25th Annual Katharine Lee Bates Poetry Fest 2024
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesMuseums on the Green of Falmouth Historical Society Presents 2024 KATHARINE LEE BATES POETRY FEST Write a poem! Win a prize! (Prizes include gift certificates) Your poem must be received by Thursday, May 16, by 3 PM, Either deliver it in person to our offices (side door at Conant House), 65 Palmer Ave. Falmouth, MA […]
Golden Lane Concert – Irish Traditional Music, Songs, & Dance
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesGolden Lane Concert - Irish Traditional Music, Songs, & Dance Monday, June 17th at 5pm "A CELEBRATION of the IRISH in FALMOUTH" Golden Lane is a group of musicians from the Cape and South Coast areas who perform traditional Irish dance tunes and songs. Instruments are uilleann (Irish) pipes, whistle, fiddle, banjo, guitar, bodhrán […]
A Breeze from the Past: Uncovering climate clues from whaling ship logbooks
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesPhoto Credit: Susan Sholi (WHOI); Jayne Doucette (WHOI) A Breeze from the Past: Uncovering climate clues from whaling ship logbooks Caroline C. Ummenhofer1 and Timothy D. Walker1,2 1Department of Physical Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA; 2Department of History, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA, USA Bringing together oceanographer Dr. […]
Old Burying Ground: Grave Undertakings – Cemetery Walking Tour – Fridays
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesHistorical Walking Tours of the 2024 season The Cemetery Walking Tour will be held on Fridays at 5:30pm, note the meeting location below - June 7th, 21st, July 26th, Aug 16th, & Aug 30th, Oct 4th. Old Burying Ground: Grave Undertakings* 5:30pm From the most respected minister to the lowliest outcast, everyone in Falmouth ended […]
Historian Talk: Military Aircraft Wrecks, Cape Cod
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesA New England Air Express passenger craft which crashed in the Bahamas, October, 1948. Historian Talk: Military Aircraft Wrecks, Cape Cod Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, at 4pm OVERVIEW Did you realize that in New England there are so many aircraft wrecks, both military and civilian, that on average there is one every 35 miles […]
Women’s History Guided Historical Walking Tour – Fridays
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesHistorical Walking Tours of the 2024 season The Women's History walking tour will be held on Fridays, June 28th, July 19th, August 9th, & Sept 6th at 10:30am, leaving from the Hallett Barn Visitors Center (please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time). Free! This walking tours delves into the less familiar history of Falmouth as […]
24th Annual Heritage Award Celebration
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesJune 29th, 2024 THE HERITAGE AWARD You're cordially invited to join us for a delightful British-themed soirée as we celebrate Michael McNaught and his remarkable contributions to our community at the 2024 Falmouth Historical Society’s Heritage Award Celebration on June 29th. Don your afternoon tea best and prepare for an evening filled with fun activities […]
Women’s History Historical Walking Tour – Fridays rotating
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWomen’s History – 10:30am on July 12, 19, Aug 9, Sept 6, 20 This walking tours delves into the less familiar history of Falmouth as we introduce you to a few of the notable women who made – and continue to make – their mark in Falmouth. Along the way, you will meet educators, abolitionists, […]
D-Day and Its Ties to Cape Cod
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesD-Day and Its Ties to Cape Cod by Joe Yunkna, Cape Cod Military Museum - July 31 at 2pm Learn about the capes' amazing connections to the most important day of the 20th century. Will will discuss the technical innovations developed here and employed in Normandy. There were many military units that trained on the Cape's […]
A Village of Discovery: The History and Diversity of Science in Woods Hole
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesA Village of Discovery: The History and Diversity of Science in Woods Hole Thursday, August 1st, at 4pm This lecture is done in collaboration with the Falmouth Historical Society and the Woods Hole Historical Museum. For many in Falmouth, Woods Hole is, well, somewhat mysterious. It often is a surprise to learn that there are […]
All that Jazz – Author Talk
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesALL THAT JAZZ: New York Times bestselling author Larry Tye will be in-conversation with Attorney Joy Rosenthal, executor of Count Basie's estate, on Tye's new book -- The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie Transformed America -- with a special focus on the once rip-roaring jazz scene on Cape Cod. The Jazzmen zeros in on […]
Crafted by Community – Family Friendly Celebration of Local Talent
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesJoin us for a family friendly celebration of local talent! Mark your calendars for August 10th and help support our museum as well as local artists and artisans. This event is a unique opportunity to experience the true spirit of our community and support the Fix the Wicks Campaign. - Discover unique, handcrafted treasures created […]
A History of the Falmouth Road Race
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesCome hear bestselling author Paul Clerici on Wed., August 14, at 11 a.m., at the Falmouth Historical Society Museums in the Green, Cultural Center, 55 Palmer St., Falmouth, as he discusses his “A History of the Falmouth Road Race,” the first and only book entirely about the great Cape Cod race. In a new multimedia […]
Harmonies by Candlelight – Musick’s Recreation
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesAll proceeds go to "Fix Wicks" * Dinner & a Show * Wicks House like you've Never Seen it Before! Musick's Recreation Historic homes like the Wicks House help us imagine what homelife for some people in early Massachusetts might have looked like, but what might it have sounded like? Find out at a performance of historical […]
The Railroad Comes to Falmouth
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesThe Railroad Comes to Falmouth Monday, Sept 9th, 2024, 4pm (rescheduled from July 18th) After the Civil War, the railroad extension to Falmouth and Woods Hole was completed in 1872, and had a great impact on Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard. Large estates were built as tourists were attracted to the beaches and climate of the […]
The Hurricane of 1938: Memories of the Storm of the Century
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesThe Hurricane of 1938: Memories of the Storm of the Century Thursday, September 12, 2024, 4pm In September 1938, New England was hit by a devastating hurricane. There was no warning. No one was prepared. Cities were flooded with up to 20 feet of water, entire seaside communities were washed away, and hundreds of lives were […]
Falmouth Fall Fest
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesJoin us for Falmouth Fall Festival on Saturday, September 28, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Falmouth Museums on the Green, 55 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA! Enjoy a day of family fun and educational adventures as you step back in time. Explore our scenic gardens, historic buildings, and engage with friendly guides who […]
ArtsFalmouth Jazz Stroll 2024
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesArtsFalmouth will host Jazz Stroll 2024 on Saturday, October 5, from 3 to 8 PM at various locations along Main Street, Palmer Ave, and Queen’s Buyway. The Jazz Stroll is rain or shine. If it’s hot, meander over to the cool jazz performances. If it’s cold, the hot jazz will warm you up!! All events […]
From Armenia to Falmouth: The Incredible Story of Moses Gulesian & How He Helped Save the USS Constitution
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesUSS Constitution, as it looked in 1905 with barracks constructed over the top deck. Detroit Publishing Co. photo. Library of Congress. From Armenia to Falmouth: The Incredible Story of Moses Gulesian & How He Helped Save the USS Constitution Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 4 pm In December 1905, Boston businessman and Falmouth resident Moses Gulesian […]
Sinners, Saints, and Silent Souls: A Special Halloween Burying Ground Walking Tour
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesSinners, Saints, and Silent Souls: A Special Halloween Burying Ground Walking Tour - all dates are SOLD OUT Friday, October 18 at 3 pm Friday, October 25 at 3 pm Saturday, October 26 at 3 pm As Halloween approaches, spirits come out of the shadows, eager to have their stories told. Now is the perfect […]
A Curated Afternoon at Historic 474 Davisville Road (Members Only)
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesA Curated Afternoon at Historic 474 Davisville Road (Members Only) Sunday, October 20th, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Join the Falmouth Historical Society for an exclusive, members-only event at the stunning 474 Davisville Road, a historic home currently on the market in the heart of Davisville Village. This French Second Empire Victorian property, dating back to […]
Wicked at Wicks: A Children’s Halloween Celebration at the Falmouth Museums on the Green
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesWicked at Wicks: A Children’s Halloween Celebration at the Falmouth Museums on the Green Friday, October 25th, 2024, 4-5:30pm - costume parade at 4:45pm - SOLD OUT Come down to the Falmouth Museums on the Green for a fun family Halloween event. The event will include trick-or-treating at several historic properties on our campus including […]
Becoming Cape Cod: Creating a Seaside Resort
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesBecoming Cape Cod: Creating a Seaside Resort Jim O’Connell’s talk on “Becoming Cape Cod: The Creation of a Seaside Resort” is based on his book about the history of Cape Cod’s development as a vacation mecca. The presentation, which is illustrated with his collection of rare historic postcards, traces Cape Cod’s resort history from its […]
Falmouth Garden Club Holiday Market & Wreath Sale
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesDon't miss the FGC Wreath Sale & Holiday Market at Museums on the Green in the Hallet Barn. Dec 07, 2024, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM The Museum's Gift Shop […]
Member’s & Volunteer’s Appreciation Night Holiday Party
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesJoin us for a fun night in celebration of you - our members and volunteers! We will have a catered dinner from West Falmouth Market and drinks. Be sure to […]
The Very Unmerry Christmas Tour
Museums on the Green 55-65 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA, United StatesThe Very Unmerry Christmas Tour Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 3pm - SOLD OUT Merry Christmas? I do not think so! Join the Falmouth Historical Society’s Executive Director Rachel Lovett […]
