The Harwich Historical Society is a private, nonprofit organization that seeks to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of the town through exhibitions, education programs, active collecting, and research.
Highlights:
     Founded in 1953, the Society is housed in a historic former schoolhouse now a significant town landmark, Brooks Academy. The elegant Greek-Revival building is located in Harwich Center and is owned by the Town of Harwich.
     Museum exhibits are open for tours from mid-June through mid-October and at other times by appointment. Of note is the cranberry culture exhibit featuring the Cape's most extensive display of artifacts and photographs chronicling the local industry. A research library and photo archive is open by appointment year-round.
     The Society also sponsors over a dozen public programs annually, including lectures on historic topics, specialty tours, and education programs for students. Partnerships with numerous community organizations promote the area’s heritage through events like Cape Cod Maritime Days and the new weekly Farmers' Markets held on the museum grounds Thursday afternoons from mid-June through mid-October.