The Captain Bangs Hallet House, built in 1840, is listed on the National Historic Register & is located within the Northside Historic District in Yarmouth Port, MA. Today it is a museum focused on the life of Captain Bangs Hallet who as a merchant sea captain brought home exotic items from the rich ports of Asia to decorate his home. Experienced docents provide museum tours on the hour in the summer. Check opening days & times here: https://www.hsoy.org/captain-bangs-hallet-house-museum.
The museum is the centerpiece of The Historical Society of Old Yarmouth & all it has to offer visitors. Next to the museum grows a magnificent 120+ year old Weeping Beech tree, the largest on Cape Cod. It's a spectacular sight with an enormous spread & limbs literally embracing all those who stand beneath it. The Kelley Chapel, located on the same property, is also listed on the National Historic Register. It is a lovely venue for weddings & Society events. There’s also a blacksmith shop, gatehouse & cobbler shop with the latter being the Society’s administration office. 50 acres of woodlands belonging to the Society contain two miles of beautiful trails open to the public. Our unique Indigenous Peoples programs are designed for all age groups. Presented by a member of the Nipmuc – Wampanoag, programs focus on educating the public as to the Indigenous culture & history of the Woodland Indians who occupied Plymouth Colony. Walking programs are interactive with participants & can cover many topics relevant to today’s social awareness.
In celebration of the Semiquincentennial of our nation, Society is holding a series of commemorations, lectures, demonstrations & outdoor events ranging from telling the stories of Yarmouth's involvement in the American Revolution to showing how trades such as printing & glassmaking were performed in support of the war effort. Research by the Society shows nearly 70% of Yarmouth males over the age of sixteen participated in the Revolution. A new monument commemorating these 445 participants will be dedicated with the celebration to include the State SAR Militia, demonstrations & insights from characters in period dress performing in plays or talking graveside in the Ancient Cemetery about a veteran’s service. Many of these events will take place on June 20, 2026. On this date in 1776, a meeting of Yarmouth citizens declared the town's independence from Great Britain, nearly two weeks before the Continental Congress.
Please click here to sign-up for an event: https://www.hsoy.org/events
