America 250 Symposium: Cape & Islands in the Revolution

Saturday, July 26, 2025, 1-5 pm 

Join the Falmouth Museums on the Green and the Capt Joshua Gray–Jonathan Hatch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for a symposium exploring Cape Cod and the Islands’ vital role during the American Revolution. As we approach the 250th anniversary of independence, this event will shed light on the region’s contributions, from battling British ships to communities facing political division and economic hardship. Discover the everyday experiences that shaped our coastal towns during this turbulent period in history.

Speakers & Topics:

🔹 Ron Petersen – Chair of the Orleans Historical Commission and member of the Orleans Historic District Study Committee, discussing The Tea Party on Cape Cod: The Wreck of the William. The William was one of the tea ships heading to Boston but wrecked off the Truro-Provincetown shoals. Truro residents rescued some of the tea from the wreckage.

🔹 Nancy Shoemaker – Town Historical Commissioner and historian of the Barnstable and West Barnstable Historical Societies, discussing West Barnstable’s Otis Family and the march to the Court of Common Pleas on Sept. 27, 1774. This topic ties a prominent Cape family with popular opinion on the Cape at the beginning of the war.

Event Schedule:

📌 1:00 – 1:30 PM – Welcome & Introductions

📌 1:30 – 2:30 PM – Ron Petersen: The Tea Party on Cape Cod: The Wreck of the William (Q&A to follow)

📌 2:30 – 2:45 PM – Break

📌 2:45 – 3:45 PM – Nancy Shoemaker: West Barnstable’s Otis Family and the march to the Court of Common Pleas on Sept. 27, 1774 (Q&A to follow)

📌 4:00 – 5:00 PM – Wine & Cheese Reception – Enjoy a delightful reception in the elegant Portrait Gallery of the c. 1790 Dr. Francis Wicks House, the historic home of a Revolutionary War veteran. Guests are invited to take self-guided tours of the museum’s exhibits and explore the beautifully maintained heritage gardens, offering a serene and historic backdrop to conclude the day’s discussions.

Reserve Your Spot!

Seating is limited to 65 attendees, so secure your place for this unique opportunity to delve into local Revolutionary War history. Join us for an enriching afternoon of engaging discussions, fascinating insights, and a chance to connect with fellow history enthusiasts at the Falmouth Museums on the Green.

MUSEUMS ON THE GREEN

55 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth MA

Lectures and reception observing the role of Cape Cod and Islands

during the early years of the American Revolution

Seating is limited

TICKETS: $85pp or $125pp supporting Cape Cod historic preservation effort

$125 non-member price & $85 Member Price which includes:

Daughters of the American Revolution Members, Sons of the American Revolution Members, and Falmouth Museums on the Green Members

Purchase TICKETS Here – supporting Cape Cod historic preservation effort

Paying by check: Please include that your check is for this event. Checks can be made out & sent to Falmouth Historical Society PO Box 174 Falmouth, MA 02541

Thank you to our Sponsors!

–Hy-Line Cruises

–Hutker Architects

–Murray & MacDonald Insurance

–Plymouth Investment Advisors

–Truro Vineyards

–Booje Calfee – In memory of the Halletts, “Falmouth was fortunate that Dudley & Julia Hallet were so instrumental in the Museums’ growth and played such a huge role in keeping Falmouth’s past alive.”