Becoming Cape Cod: Creating a Seaside Resort

The Falmouth Museums on the Green, owned and operated by the Falmouth Historical Society, is a two-acre campus that has been serving the residents and visitors of Falmouth since 1900. One of the most popular sites in Falmouth for visitors, it contains the 1790 Dr. Francis Wicks House—a magnificent Federalist-period residence with guided tours demonstrating what life was like for an affluent physician in the late 18th and early 19th centuries; the recently-restored 1730 Conant House—used for exhibits, research and genealogy studies; the Hallett Barn Visitors’ Center—rebuilt in 2002 on the site of an original barn and used a welcoming point for those coming to Falmouth as well as the “Whaling Wives Gift Shop”; the Colonial Gardens—showing off plantings, such as a boxwood tree, that go back to the days prior to the American Revolution; Memorial Park—a tranquil place of refuge that is open to all visitors looking for relaxation; and the recently-opened (2012) Cultural Center—a superb, 3600 square foot structure used for public and private programs and events, public restrooms, kitchen facilities, and as a repository for archival collections to preserve Falmouth’s past. It also has a series of rotating historical exhibits throughout the campus.

Falmouth Museums on the Green

The presentation traces Cape Cod’s resort history from its discovery by Henry David Thoreau before the Civil War to the present day.

Falmouth Historical Society

Becoming Cape Cod: Creating a Seaside ResortJim 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 discovery by Henry David Thoreau before the Civil War to the present day. The talk covers three eras: 1870-1920, on the early years of the resort; 1920-1950, on the impact of the automobile on creating a tourist region with common marketing, a plethora of attractions, and a strong heritage appeal; 1950-present, on measures taken to preserve the Cape in the face of over-development.$20 Non-Members/$10 Members, or donation based ticket. Light refreshments served. BioJim O’Connell, Ph.D.Jim O’Connell has a B.A. from Bates College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Urban History from the University of Chicago. He teaches in the City Planning-Urban Affairs Program at Boston University. Jim has worked in planning positions at the National Park Service, the Cape Cod Commission, and the City of Springfield, MA. His books include Becoming Cape Cod: Creating a Seaside Resort, Dining Out in Boston: A Culinary History, and The Hub’s Metropolis: Boston’s Suburban Development, From Railroad Suburbs to Smart Growth. He is currently writing a book about how Boston has become a global city. He formerly lived in Yarmouthport and currently lives in Newton with his wife Ann Marie.

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Becoming Cape Cod: Creating a Seaside Resort

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Becoming Cape Cod: Creating a Seaside Resort

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Discover more events from Falmouth Museums on the Green, from Travel & Outdoor to other experiences you might love.

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