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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.

Susan Howe Music & Speaker Series

We are very pleased and excited to announce the establishment of the Truro Historical Society’s Susan Howe Music & Speaker Series established in her honor due to the generosity of the Truro community, her family and her many friends and colleagues. In establishing this series, Susan’s commitment to Truro’s history and culture will live on and provide inspiration to all.

We will strive to develop and bring a program of inspiring authors, artists, historians, and musicians to the museum each season to share their knowledge and talent with the community and visitors to Truro.

Stay tuned for updates on this new inspiring series and thank you again for your support. If you would like to donate in Susan’s memory, please click on the link:  Donate to the Susan Howe Memorial Fund

Josephine and Edward Hopper in Truro – Video by Outer Cape TV

We are very pleased to announce that Lower Cape TV has released a short video about Josephine and Edward Hopper in Truro where Helen McNeil-Ashton, Vice President of Collections at the Truro Historical Society, describes the Hoppers’ relationship within themselves and with Truro. Here’s the link: Josephine and Edward Hopper in Truro

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Cobb Archive

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

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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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