The Falmouth Museums on the Green tell the story of Falmouth, Massachusetts. When you visit with your Cape Cod rental car, you will overlook the Village Green where members of the Colonial militia practiced in the 1700s and where sea captains built their homes. There are two 18th century homes that display furniture and fine art, textiles, and other items from the time period. The exhibits focus on the 19th century whaling industry that was located here and pre-Civil War medicine. There is also a special exhibit about the life of Katherine Lee Bates, the author of “America the Beautiful”, who was born in Falmouth. The are also a number of gardens of the museum grounds, including a Colonial-style flower garden, an herb garden, and a park.

Follow the dream

Katherine Lee Bates was an educator and encouraged others to be better writers. When you visit with your Cape Cod rental car, you can learn about her ideals and how she encouraged Americans to strive for their ideals. There is a textile exhibit on display as well. In the 19th century, women would make quilts to keep their families warm, mourn their deceased loved ones, and to practice sewing skills. When you visit with your Cape Cod rental car, you can see some quilts from the era.

A whale of a tale

Whaling was an important part of the economy in the 19th century. During this time, Falmouth had 65 whaling captains and built six whaling ships. When you visit with your Cape Cod rental car, you will find an exhibit dedicated to the products made from whales, the tools used in whaling, and souvenirs gathered by sailors. There is also an exhibit from the federal doctor’s office from 1790 where the small pox vaccine was introduced to the area in the early 1800s. There are also other tools and treatments for common diseases of the time, including leeches, cupping, and poultices.

Plan your visit

The Falmouth Museums on the Green are located at 55-65 Palmer Avenue, across from the Falmouth Village Green with your Cape Cod rental car. The museum is open June through October Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Explore the town

When you visit Falmouth with your Cape Cod rental car, you will find that it is well known as the terminal for the Steamship Authority ferries to Martha’s Vineyard. The area was first settled in 1660 and incorporated in 1686. Early economic activities there included farming, salt works, whaling, shipping, and raising sheep. The area was involved in the War of 1812 against Great Britain when the southern coast was bombarded by several British ships and the Massachusetts militia entrenched themselves on the beach. In the 1870s, the trains started coming to the area and it fast became a popular summer spot.