Mission

The Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum’s mission is to tell the story of Wellfleet. Through our research, collections, and programs, we bring the history of Wellfleet to life for our community and visitors.

Image: 1715 deed dedicating Indian Neck for the exclusive use of Wampanoag people of the area. The Museum’s permanent collection.

Vision

We envision a future where a state-of-the-art vibrant center welcomes visitors who come for diverse programs and events for the whole community.

Image: The Museum facade restored to its original mid-nineteenth century appearance hosting the first annual Banana Bash, Spring 2022.

Values

Our values are the heart of the work we do. They drive our efforts to develop a Society and Museum that represent the history of Wellfleet and honor the community, both past and present.

We value diversity and inclusion. We are a broad-based, diverse community. We value the story of the community as a whole, as well as that of each individual.

We value collaboration as both an efficient way of getting our work done and an effective way to engage the community.

We value excellence and work to set and achieve ambitious goals.

We value our role in preserving the material history of Wellfleet with which we have been entrusted.

As custodians of the mission and resources of the Society and museum, we value our role in providing good governance, and honor our duties of care, loyalty and obedience to our supporters.

Image: Museum visitors, Spring 2022

History

Organized in 1951, WHS&M collects and exhibits the material culture and historical record of the Town of Wellfleet and provides a library and archives to facilitate research, education and outreach to the community. WHS&M's collection includes more than 2,000 objects and 1,200 photographs, along with many paper items such as maps and documents. Included are maritime artifacts and records from Wellfleet's important history as a seafaring community. Occupying a prominent site on Wellfleet's Main Street since 1952, WHS&M is recognized by residents and visitors alike as a significant part of the town's heritage. It is the principal institution dedicated to preserving the cultural, social and economic history of this remarkable area.

Image: The Museum building in the late 19th century, looking east.

The Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum’s mission is to tell the story of Wellfleet. Through our research, collections, and programs, we bring the History of Wellfleet to life for our community and visitors.

Organized in 1951, WHS&M collects and exhibits the material culture and historical record of the Town of Wellfleet and provides a library and archives to facilitate research, education and outreach to the community. WHS&M’s collection includes more than 2,000 objects and 1,200 photographs, along with many paper items such as maps and documents. Included are maritime artifacts and records from Wellfleet’s important history as a seafaring community. Occupying a permanent site on Wellfleet’s Main Street since 1952 WHS&M is recognized by visitors and residents alike as a significant part of the Town’s heritage. It is the principle institution dedicating to preserving the cultural, social and economic history of this remarkable area.

We envision a future where a state-of-the-art vibrant center welcomes visitors welcomes visitors who come for diverse programs for the whole community.

Our values are at the heart of the work we do. They drive our efforts to develop and Society and Museum that represent the history of Wellfleet and honor the community, both past and present.