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Our Museums
Our Museums
The Eastham Historical Society has a number of Museums open at various times throughout the year. Explore the genealogy of families in the area in our Archives Room. Explore the new wing of the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum. Explore a classic 18th century home at the 1741 Swift-Daley House. Our check out Tool Time on Thursdays at the Ranlett Tool Museum. Join us and explore history!
See below for individual opening times.
The Archives of the Society
The Eastham Historical Society manages archives detailing Eastham history, church history and local family history including generalogy. We are a member of the Digital Commonwealth, with which two collections from our Archives are shared.
Open year-round on Tuesdays, 1PM-4PM and by appointment
1869 Schoolhouse Museum
Built in 1869, the Schoolhouse served Eastham students in all eight grades. The schoolroom is now a children’s “hands on” museum. Two additional wings highlight Eastham's history and community connections, and provide an area for genealogy and historic research.
Opening May 16 - Saturdays 11AM-2PM
July - August Wed - Saturday - 11 AM - 2PM
Sept - Nov. Saturday - 11 AM - 2PM
1741 Swift-Daley House
Built in 1741 by Joshua Knowles, its bowed roof is typical of early houses built by ship’s carpenters. The wide board floors, deep fireplace in the keeping room and narrow stairway are other features of 18th century houses.
May 16 - June - Saturdays 10AM-1PM
July - Aug Wed. - Sat. 10AM - 1PM
Sept. - Nov. Sat. 10AM - 1PM
Ranlett Tool Museum
The Chester Ranlett Tool Museum - located behind the 1741 Swift-Daley House. On display are hundreds of tools, many of them unusual and unique to this area. A forge on the premises operates at the whim of the blacksmith
Tuesdays - May - November
4PM-6PM
Saturdays - May - June 10AM - 1PM
July - August Wed. - Sat. 10AM - 1PM
Sept. - Nov. Sat. 10AM - 1PM
Dill Beach Camp
The A. Thomas Dill Beach Camp is on the same site as the 1741 Swift-Daley House. The Camp survived the 1978 storm that ravaged the spit south of the Coast Guard Station. Built in 1936, it is furnished as it was when used as a hunting and fishing camp.
May 16 - June Sat. 10AM1PM
July- Aug. Wed. - Sat. 10AM-1PM
Sept. - Nov. Sat. 10 AM-1PM
The Olde Gift Shop
Set behind the 1741 Swift-Daley House, the Olde Gift Shop is filled with fascinating treasures from antiques to hand-crafted items from local artisans. New Treasures arrive all the time.
May - June - Saturdays 10AM-1PM
July - Aug. Wed. - Sat. 10AM-1PM
Sept. - Nov. Sat. 10AM-1PM
Tues. May 16 - Nov. 4PM - 6PM
Explore the new wing at the Schoolhouse Museum - and consider donating!
We've recently completed construction on the new wing of the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum – one of a series of restorations and renovations being done to to bring Eastham History alive. We are now focused on creating more interactive and accessible experiences for our visitors.