• Exhibitions
    • Wampanoag Nation: People of the First Light
    • TREASURES OF THE TIDES; an exhibition of the work of Neal Personeus
    • Joan Pereira: Former Artist in Residence
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‘Mid-century –The Outer Cape Comes of Age’

OPEN HOUSE & RECEPTION – FRIDAY, JULY 13TH 4-6 PM – FREE ADMISSION, REFRESHMENTS

The midcentury 1955-1965 was a vibrant, lively era, when visitors arrived by train, car and boat to enjoy the beaches and vacation life on the Outer Cape.  The Highland House Hotel known as “The Queen of the Highlands” was a summer gathering place for tourists and locals alike. “The Groaning Board”, pictured here,was a popular fixture at the Highland House during the 50s and 60s.

“Mid-Century: The Outer Cape Comes of Age” explores the 1950s and ‘60s on the Outer Cape, a period of major growth and modernity. Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown saw major bursts of business, construction, and tourism during this period. Motels, restaurants, and souvenir shops sprang up as the population surged and tourism spiked. New businesses, such as Jobi Pottery in Truro, opened and thrived.

Route 6 was extended to Provincetown in 1955, making it easier to get to the Outer Cape. Six years later, JFK established the National Seashore, preserving 40 miles of seashore and more than 43,000 acres of dunes, beaches, forests, and meadows. The untamed beauty of the area attracted artists, writers, and architects. Some of the most innovative architects developed a new kind of cottage: the mid-century modern home—simple, open, and integrated with its environment.

At the same time that the Outer Cape was growing, the Cold War dominated the national landscape. The North Truro Air Force Station opened in response to the tensions between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union. While the 762ndRadar Squadron monitored potential threats, a community of 500 people made this their home for many years.

The exhibit looks at the convergence of all of these factors through a variety of images and objects that capture the story of the Outer Cape’s coming of age. The exhibit opens on July 2nd 2018 and runs through September 30th.

Visit the Highland House Museum

Highland House Museum
6 Highland Light Road North Truro, MA 02652
Mondays through Saturdays, 10 AM to 4:30 PM
June 1 through September 30
508.487.3397

A Taste of Summer – Annual Party

Refreshments by Cosmos Catering, Truro Vineyards and Yardarm Liquors, music by the Bert Jackson Quartet, and a silent auction where you can buy a seat at the table of some of Truro’s finest home chefs, restaurants and markets. Reserve your ticket(s) HERE

Outer Cape Chorale Chamber Singers Perform at the Museum

Live music is back!

Outer Cape Chorale Chamber Singers
at the Highland House Museum
June 29, 2022
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Art Show Outside the Museum – July 2nd

Please join us for our
Fourth of July Art Show and Fair
Works by LOCAL ARTISTS
Plus:  MAPS and PRINTS
from the Truro Historical Society collection 

Sunday, July 3
10 AM – 2 PM 

Highland House Museum
6 Highland Light Road, North Truro
Near the Lighthouse and Golf Links

Featured Artists: Jeff Blum * MJ Canavan * Gary Harris * Juliane Mondano
* Lynn Munsinger * Susan Pierce * Bob Ross * Jan Shapiro * John Small * Linda Turoczi
 

Dan Haslam: July Walking Tour of Highland Historic District

Dan Haslam Walking Tour of Highland Historic District
July 7, 2022 at 10 AM
Starting on the front porch of Highland House Museum, one-hour guided walks on flat land – starting at 10:00 a.m. Cold drinks and a snack provided.
Donation: $10.00 per person

Visit the Cobb Archive


The Cobb Archive houses maps, charts, books, photographs, family memorabilia, and other historical documents. This 1912 building was designed in the Arts and Craft style and  originally served as the town’s first public library. Located in Truro Center, the Cobb Archive is accessible to the public for research.
Open by appointment, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 AM-12 PM
13 Truro Center Road
508-349-0200
To schedule an appointment, send an email to [email protected].

Truro Historical Society Contact Information

Truro Historical Society (THS)
PO Box 486
Truro, MA 02666-0486
[email protected]

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Cobb Archive

13 Truro Center Road Truro, MA 508.349.0200
9:30 – 12:00 Tuesday and Thursday

Highland House Museum

6 Highland Light Road North Truro, MA 02652 508.487.3397
Monday through Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

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