1869 Schoolhouse Museum Building Fund

JOIN US IN PRESERVING

EASTHAM’S HISTORY!

Preserve the past...

Since its founding in 1963, the Eastham Historical Society has been committed to preserving the historical heritage of Eastham. Our success in obtaining historical artifacts along with our limited display and storage space has created an urgent need for a new addition which will also allow the return to the original classroom configuration of the Schoolhouse.

The Eastham Historical Society’s mission is to preserve our historic past, making certain that it is properly maintained for future generations to appreciate.

Through careful planning and consideration of the current historic site, architect Peter McDonald has generously donated his services to design a "wing" to be located off the back of the building similar to the wing that was there in 1909. This addition will be in harmony with the original building and in accordance with the guidelines for alterations as set forth by the Department of the Interior for historic sites.

 This addition will:

·   Restore the original classroom configuration

·   Be climate controlled for the preservation of current and future collections

·   Relieve congestion by providing proper space, displays and lighting for artifacts

·   Be handicapped accessible

·   Provide an area for programs and meetings

·   Expand our operating period

A brief history of the Schoolhouse Museum…

1869 - Schoolhouse began operation as a grammar school. Two identical buildings used for north and south elementary schools

1908 - North elementary school is relocated from behind the present Friendly Fisherman in North Eastham and attached

1909 - South elementary school is relocated from Route 6 near Hay Road and attached, making a three room school

1911 - School children plant Catalpa trees on perimeter of property

1917—Center room added for manual training

1918 - Otto Nickerson becomes principal

1922 -  Outhouse condemned, new building constructed at rear with covered walk connecting to manual training room

1936 - Decommissioned as a school and sold. Buyer removed "wings"

1965 - Schoolhouse purchased by the newly formed Eastham Historical Society

1967 - Schoolhouse begins operation as a museum

2001 - Museum listed on National and Massachusetts Registers of Historic Places

2002 - Plan developed for a new Schoolhouse Museum addition

2003 - Fundraising launched

2006 - November ground breaking, construction begins  

2007 - Schoolhouse Museum addition completed  

2008 - Schoolhouse renovated and building open to visitors once again

Preparing for the future...

·   Preservation of artifacts  

·   Relieve congestion of current displays  

·   Room for expanded programs  

·   Storage and work space  

·   Room to display large items  

·   Create an Endowment Fund

  Goal: To raise $350,000  

Starting construction in 2006, the addition will be operational in 2007, the 40th year of the Society's stewardship of this historic landmark!

To achieve this goal, we need donations from

·   Eastham Historical Society general membership

  ·   Local businesses and organizations

  ·   The community

  ·   Other historically minded citizens

  For more information, call Lucy Cookson, Building Committee Chairman at (508) 255-5206  

About the Historical Society...

· Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization  

· All volunteer staff  

· Operates and maintains four museums  

· Offers informative public presentations  

· Conducts historic and genealogical research  

· Facilitates Elementary School programs  

· Presents 5th and 8th grade History Awards  

· Awards a scholarship to an Eastham Nauset Regional High School graduate  

Contributions or pledges may be mailed to:

EHS Schoolhouse Building Fund

P.O. Box 8, Eastham, MA 02642

Please contact the Society to discuss alternate methods of giving, matching gifts, and naming rights.  

To see plans of of the addition  click here

    BUSINESS SUPPORTERS  

Cod Five Cents Savings Bank
Seamen's Bank
KeySpan Corporation
Nickerson Service Station
Cape Associates
Fairway Restaurant
Snow's Home and Garden of Orleans
East Cape Engineering, Inc.
Chris Thompson, Builder
Peter Mac Donald, Architect
Morello Plumbing
Cape Cod Vacuum Mart
Hearth 'n Kettle
Shepley Wood Products
Home Depot