Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art 

Cahoon Museum

June 29 – October 30, 2022

This major exhibition presents the art and history of scrimshaw, a nautical folk art form created by whalers during the international whaling trade of the 19th century. The surprising history of this unique art form is explained and brought to life through the stories of the makers and recipients of these intricately detailed keepsakes. A wide range of decorative and utilitarian objects evoke connections to historic life on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and New Bedford and show the ways that people from diverse backgrounds expressed artistic creativity. New perspectives on the whaler’s life include the astonishing stories of local Wampanoag whalers.


This exhibition includes over 200 important examples from The Deitrich American Foundation, Heritage Museum and Gardens, The Mariners’ Museum and Park, Mystic Seaport Museum, Nantucket Whaling Museum, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and private New England collections.

Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art is organized by the Cahoon Museum of American Art with Guest Curator, Dr. Alan Granby and Dr. Sarah Johnson, Executive Director of the Cahoon Museum of American Art.

Sponsored by:

Bilezikian Family Foundation

Donald C. McGraw Foundation

 R. Dudley Harrington, Jr. Foundation

Jean and John Entwistle

Rosemary and Keith Rapp

Cape Cod Five

Eldred’s Auctioneers

Independence Day 2022


Cotuit 4th of July Parade

“We are delighted to announce that the Fourth of July Parade will be held this year. The Parade will be held on Monday July 4, starting at 11:00 a.m.  It will begin at its usual spot in front of the Post Office.  All antique cars, floats and walking groups must fill out the application form available below to  be able to participate.  Bike riders and walkers should gather at the Post Office parking lot and will be welcome to join in at the end of the Parade.   We hope that everyone who participates will decorate their cars, floats and bikes with a festive Fourth of July theme to enhance the celebration.

Remember that no items may be thrown by Parade participants into the crowd,  except that candy can be gently tossed to onlookers.  And no water may be sprayed or thrown by any entrants.”

Fourth of July Application Documents


Photos courtesy of MaryJo Boden

Attention Transfer Station Users

Transfer Station Closed Monday July 4, 2022

The Town of Barnstable Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division will be closed Monday July 4, 2022 in observance of  Independence Day. Trash and recycling services will resume on a normal schedule Tuesday July 5, 2022. For questions, call 508-420-2258. 

Transfer Station & Recycling Division Information HERE