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Chatham History Month 2025

June 2025 marks a special occasion in Chatham, Massachusetts, as the town comes together to celebrate Chatham History Month. This month-long event, organized by Historic Chatham, offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Chatham's past. From engaging lectures and guided tours to hands-on activities and exhibitions, there's something for everyone to enjoy while learning about the town's heritage.

About Historic Chatham

Historic Chatham is a collaborative initiative that brings together the town's museums, historical societies, and cultural organizations. Its mission is to promote and preserve Chatham's history by providing resources, organizing events, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the town's unique heritage. Through partnerships and community engagement, Historic Chatham serves as a gateway to exploring the many facets of the town's past.

Highlights of Chatham History Month 2025

Throughout June, a variety of events and activities are planned to celebrate Chatham's history. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

Genealogy Book Sale

  • Dates: June 1–30

  • Location: Eldredge Public Library, 564 Main Street

  • Details: Browse a collection of second-hand genealogy books available for purchase throughout the month. This sale, organized by the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library, is perfect for those interested in tracing their family roots.

Chatham Lighthouse Tours

  • Dates: June 4, 11, 18, and 25

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: Chatham Lighthouse, 37 Main Street

  • Details: Join the Coast Guard Auxiliary for guided tours of the historic Chatham Lighthouse. Learn about its significance in maritime navigation and the role it has played in the town's history.

Life in Chatham During WWII

  • Date: June 5

  • Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Location: Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, 831 Orleans Road

  • Details: Discover how Chatham contributed to the World War II effort. Author Dick Kraycir will discuss the town's experiences, including blackouts, scrap collection, and the use of special radios by fishermen to report U-boat sightings.

Museum Ship's Weekend

  • Date: June 8

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: Marconi/RCA Wireless Museum, 847 Orleans Road

  • Details: Experience live Morse code demonstrations as amateur radio operators communicate with museum ships worldwide. Visitors can observe and learn about this fascinating aspect of maritime communication.

Chatham Railroad Museum Opening Day

  • Date: June 10

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: 153 Depot Street

  • Details: Celebrate the seasonal opening of the Chatham Railroad Museum. Explore exhibits that showcase the town's railroad history and its impact on local development.

Tuesday Talks: Roald Lokken

  • Date: June 10

  • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Atwood Museum Mural Barn, 347 Stage Harbor Road

  • Details: Historian Roald Lokken will share stories of three Benjamin Godfreys from the 18th and 19th centuries, discussing topics like local history, war, emigration, commerce, and genealogy. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended.

Town Incorporation Celebration

  • Date: June 11

  • Time: 10:00 AM

  • Location: Eldredge Public Library, 564 Main Street

  • Details: Join the community in commemorating the anniversary of Chatham's incorporation in 1712. A proclamation will mark this significant milestone in the town's history.

Tracing Your Historic House History

  • Date: June 12

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

  • Location: Eldredge Public Library, 564 Main Street

  • Details: Genealogist Nancy Barr will guide attendees through the process of researching the history of their homes, offering tools and tips for uncovering fascinating details about historic properties.

Atwood Weekend & Colonial Planting

  • Dates: June 13–14

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: Atwood Museum, 347 Stage Harbor Road

  • Details: Families are invited to explore colonial gardening practices. Children can plant their own mini gardens to take home, while parents enjoy the museum's exhibits.

Josiah Mayo House Open House

  • Dates: June 13–14

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: 540 Main Street

  • Details: Tour the historic Josiah Mayo House, built in 1820, and learn about life on Main Street during the 19th century. The house now serves as the headquarters for the Chatham Conservation Foundation.

Chatham History Walking Tour

  • Date: June 21

  • Time: 10:00 AM

  • Location: Meet at Chatham Community Center, 702 Main Street

  • Details: Join Tim Wood, editor of the Cape Cod Chronicle, for a 90-minute walking tour through downtown Chatham. Learn about the town's history, architecture, and notable residents. A special discounted price of $15 per person is offered in honor of History Month.

Nickerson Family Association Program Day

  • Date: June 21

  • Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: Caleb Nickerson Homestead, 1107 Orleans Road

  • Details: Enjoy guided tours, colonial gardening demonstrations, barn restoration insights, and fiber arts presentations. Learn about the Nickerson family's contributions to Chatham's history.

Godfrey Windmill Grinding Corn

  • Date: June 21

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: Chase Park, off Shattuck Place

  • Details: Witness the 1797 Godfrey Windmill in action as it grinds corn, just as it did over a century ago. Colonel Benjamin Godfrey will be present to provide tours and share the mill's history.

Annual Chatham House Tour

  • Date: June 22

  • Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: Various locations in West Chatham

  • Details: Explore some of West Chatham's beautiful homes during this annual tour. Proceeds support the Chatham Historical Society and the Atwood Museum. Reservations are required.

The South Chatham Library Story

  • Date: June 24

  • Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Location: Eldredge Public Library, 564 Main Street

  • Details: Discover the 150-year history of the South Chatham Library and its significance to the community. Learn about the library's evolution and the notable figures associated with it.

Music on the Veranda: "Fine & Mellow" Jazz

  • Date: June 25

  • Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Location: Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, 847 Orleans Road

  • Details: Enjoy a 90-minute jazz performance on the veranda of Marconi's “Hotel Nautilus.” Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks for this free, family-friendly concert.

Marcellus Eldredge Presentation

  • Date: June 26

  • Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Location: Eldredge Public Library, 564 Main Street

  • Details: Join EPL Director Amy Andreasson

Model Train Exhibit at the Chatham Railroad Museum

  • Dates: June 27–28

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: Chatham Railroad Museum, 153 Depot Street

  • Details: In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Chatham Railroad Museum will host a special O Gauge model train exhibit. Multiple trains will run continuously throughout the day, making this a fun and engaging event for all ages. Visitors can also explore the museum’s historic caboose and learn more about the role of railroads in Chatham’s development. It’s an excellent outing for families, train enthusiasts, and anyone interested in local transportation history.

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