Woods Hole has a small but well stocked museum which showcases life from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s when the area was a popular summer escape for busy city workers. Life was relaxed, living easy and seafood plentiful.
Shingle “cottages” from those days line Buzzards Bay and surrounding foreshores. They were built by wealthy families as summer homes. In 1928, the patriarch of the famous Kennedy clan purchased his summer house at nearby Hyannis Port, so you’ll understand it’s a bit of an upmarket neighbourhood. Tourists understandably still flock to this area, now home to the busy Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (since 1930).
The Woods Hole Museum also has an extensive collection of water craft that were popular during those heady days with both fisherman and residents. Local craftsmen still test their skills, regularly making small craft in the old fashioned way – by hand. We saw a beautiful dinghy up for raffle. Just what we need - another boat!
This local Museum is staffed by affable volunteers who take a keen interest in their home town and can tell stories of their forebears. It’s rather like sharing a family photo album.
Just to add some layers of textile interest, I just loved the ladies summer frocks and beautifully embroidered umbrella. A stunning red work quilt was also on display. (Family of David Cloos).
Travellers are we. Our best advice to make the most of your stay in any new area is to (a.) take a local (bus/guided) tour and (b.) visit a local museum. You really find out what makes the area and its people tick.
