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The Roots of Tourism
Take a look at evolving modes of transportation in our town. Find out how the arrival of the Woods Hole railroad, including the legendary “Flying Dude,” and steamers from New York and New Bedford changed Falmouth forever.
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A woman of her time and for all times.
Born in Falmouth in 1859, Katharine Lee Bates spent the first 12 years of her life in Falmouth before moving with her family to Wellesley Hills. She graduated from Wellesley College and went on to become head of its English Literature Department. Learn more about Katharine’s legacy, her courage to take risks and her fight against the injustices of the world.
The town and its people played a significant role well beyond her childhood. She wrote 32 volumes of stories, poems and essays. Katharine’s America the Beautiful has been called “America’s heartbeat set to music” because she captures the ideals we Americans strive for, whether we are in the economic crises of 1893 and 2009 or in times of prosperity and peace.
Her early thoughts on Falmouth can be found in the “Red Diary”, a pocket diary that her mother gave to her.
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Falmouth Men and the Civil War
The roots of the American Civil War (1861-1865) are varied and complex. One of the principal elements concerned the issue of slavery. In 1861, Southern states seceded from the Union to form the Confederate States of America and the war began in earnest. Men from every state of the country valiantly supported the cause of their country, state and town, fighting epic battles hundreds of miles from home. Altogether, more than 600,000 soldiers died in the war; many in battle, more from disease, and others died while being held as prisoners of war. It was horrible and heroic at the same time and domestic suffering was immense. Falmouth, a small fishing and farming town, saw over 100 of its men fight for the Union Army in the war. By the end of the war, slavery was abolished, the Union was preserved and President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. The Falmouth Museums on the Green explores a small part of this story and the experiences of some of the town’s soldiers who fought in the Civil War, in an exhibition open from May- October 2011.
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Whaling Exhibits
During the 19th Century, Falmouth produced 65 whaling captains and built six whaling ships. Many more Falmouth residents served aboard whalers leaving Southeastern Massachusetts, often leaving their families for three to five year voyages. The exhibits showcase the products made from whales, whaling tools, and souvenirs gathered by sailors.
Completion of the Commodore Morris, the last whaling ship built in Falmouth and the last of the fleet to list Falmouth as its home port. O. C. Swift built the 350 ton, 108’ long ship at Bar Neck Wharf in Woods Hole in 1841
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Federal Doctor’s Office
A prominent citizen of Falmouth, Dr. Wicks built a Middle Georgian mansion in 1790 near the Village Green. Today it’s the home of the Falmouth Historical Society Museums on the Green.
Doctor Wicks and his apprentice Dr Hugh Donaldson made noteworthy contributions toward erasing smallpox from Massachusetts. They instituted the practice of variolation (inoculations with the virus of smallpox) at inoculation hospitals they established at Falmouth Heights and Woods Hole.
In this exhibit, you will see the tools and treatments for early 1800 ailments. Leeches, cupping and poultices are on view. You will be glad that you are alive today!
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