Tuesday, August 9, 9:00 am – 10:30 am – Becoming Cape Cod
Heritage Museums & Gardens Members are invited to join us on August 9 at 9 am for an exclusive and insightful lecture and discussion with James C. O’Connell, author of Becoming Cape Cod: Creating a Seaside Resort (University Press of New England, 2002). Jim was the first to write a comprehensive history of the tourism on Cape Cod and his book inspired and informed the Creating Cape Cod exhibit at Heritage. After the lecture, which will include a slideshow of historic postcards, Jim will be joined by Heritage’s Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Jennifer Y. Madden, for questions and discussion relating to the history tourism on Cape Cod. Attendees can then enjoy coffee and light refreshment following the program.
This special, members-only, in-person, program will take place in the Creating Cape Cod exhibit, located inside the Special Exhibitions Gallery at Heritage Museums & Gardens. It includes time for questions and discussion at the conclusion of the lecture, as well as exclusive early access to the new special exhibition, Creating Cape Cod. This program is free for Heritage Members. Advance registration is required as seating is limited.
Jim 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 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.
The decisive moment for the Cape’s development was the coming of the automobile during the 1920s. For the first time, tourists were able to explore the entire region. As a result, a plethora of cottage colonies, restaurants, antique shops, and historical landmarks appeared. After World War II, a boom ensued. Cape Cod’s greatest challenge has been preserving the natural environment, historic buildings, and cultural traditions that have shaped the Cape’s sense of place. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cape’s popularity for second-homeowners and the cost of housing has been growing. While this book is currently out of print, you can find it online at Amazon and AbeBooks.
This program is FREE for current Heritage Members. Please register in advance, as seating is limited. For questions about your membership, or to join contact the Development Department at membership@heritagemuseums.org or at 508-888-3300 x119 or x159. You may also join by clicking https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/join-and-give/membership/
For questions about this program, please email programming@heritagemuseums.org.
