Including:  Baskets, Fiber, Glass, Metal, Paper, Pottery, and Wood.

Frank Messina, Chatham Historical Commission, will give a presentation on the History of the Godfrey Windmill and the details of the current historic restoration for the Chatham 300th celebration, preceding it’s Grand Re-Opening and Re-Dedication on May 19th 10 am in Chase Park.  This will be followed by a slide presentation and talk, by Jim Owens, the Miller of the Eastham Windmill, noted artist, author and Windmill expert, will focus on the history of Mills of New England and Cape Cod..( Event will also be televised on Chatham Channel 18 TV)

This event offers two great ways to see Chatham: one shorter 7 mile ride through scenic Chatham and one longer 23 mile ride which includes the rail trail bike path to the rotary in our neighboring seaside town of Harwich.

Registration and additional information is now posted on a Tour De Chatham website.  For additional information, see www.tourdechatham.org or contact, Ron Holmes at: at 508-945-9060 or 508-726-3931.

The Chatham Chorale’s gift in recognition of Chatham’s Tercentennial, is a commissioned work to be premiered in three performances at Chatham High School.

The text of NORTH BEACH JOURNAL: A Chatham Rhapsody, was written by Robert Finch, author of several books, who has lived on and written about Cape Cod for forty years. The essays of Finch’s “A Cape Cod Notebook”, which was awarded the 2006 New England Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Radio Writing, have a loyal WCAI listening audience. William Cutter, a member of the conducting faculty of The Boston Conservatory, composed the music. C utter personally selected several sections of Finch’s subjects which capture mystery and isolation, and which he felt lend themselves well to strong musical themes. Robert Finch will narrate passages prior to each musical movement.

The program will open with Gustav Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite, the first piece he wrote for the orchestra of St. Paul’s Girls’ School, Hammersmith, in dedication of a music wing, where Holst wrote most of his works and where he enjoyed many years in his post as music director.

Also featured will be Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem (Give us Peace) written in 1936 when tensions in Europe were on an acute incline. The composer intended his work as a plea to stave off war and incorporates text by American poet, essayist and journalist, the humanist Walt Whitman. Soprano Joan Kirchner will sing the wonderful desperate plea for peace after which follow the violent, unsettling, though musically colorful passages, followed by a mood turned glorious before the soprano ends the work with a hopeful prayer for peace.

Tickets: $25 preferred/$20 open seating can be purchased on-line at www.chathamchorale.org by telephone 888 556 2707, or at the door on the day of the concerts. Group rates are also available. Students 18 and under will be admitted free with a ticket. Call for details.

Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 3pm and 8pm

Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 3pm

Station Chatham will hold an Open House to commemorate 2012 Safe Boating Week. The Lighthouse will be open for tours, and other displays & exhibits will be available for the general public.

Description: This Wonderful Day is scheduled with all sorts of activities – there’s something for everyone:

First Annual “Tour de Chatham” Bicycle Funride (7 or 23 miles), see separate calendar entry for this event

Blessing of the Fleet for all boats and families at the Fish Pier at 10AM

Blessing of the Animals at noon in Kate Gould Park (please bring pets on leash or in a carrier/cage/kennel/aquarium)

Food and Beverages will be available from the Famous XGrill from Breakaway Grills – noon to 2:00. This is a Monomoy Community Services Fundraiser, please come to support their wonderful programs.

Mini-golf in Kate Gould Park 1:00 – 4:00

Music in Kate Gould Park 2:00 – 4:00. Vimana, Coastal Explosion, Static Field and Tri-Pod, 4 of the high school age bands from Mark’s Music’s Band Program in Orleans – feel free to dance!

Slide lecture at the Eldredge Public Library at 3:00 presented by well known teacher and wildlife specialist Peter Trull: The Symbiotic relationship between the Great Whales and Marine Birds of Massachusetts waters.

Face Painting… Welfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – Massachusetts Audubon will host a table where you can take a closer look at one of Cape Cod’s curious creatures, make a marine craft and learn about the sanctuary’s new satellite day camp in Chatham!

Main Street and Beyond!! – Our merchants welcome you with book-signings, raffles and give-a-ways, refreshments, and springtime sales.

Grand Opening and Re-dedication Ceremony of the Godfrey Mill.  The Mill will be in operation, weather permitting.  Tours of the Mill will be held by members of the Chatham Windmill Group and noted Cape Cod Miller Jim Owens and Mill Restoration Specialist, Andy Shrake.

Description: Annual blessing of Chatham’s commercial fishing fleet.

Service will be led by Rector Brian W. McGurk, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, partnering with Women of Fishing Families.

The service will begin with the fishing families, led by a bagpiper, processing from the upper parking lot down to the docks.

All boats and families are welcome to be blessed and celebrated!

Description: A series of events and activities presented by USCG Station Chatham & USCG Auxiliary

• USCG Station Chatham Open House
• Lighthouse Tours
• Tours of 42′ Near Shore Lifeboats at The Chatham Town Docks (by the Fish Pier)
• Representatives and equipment from various local rescue agencies
• Operation Paddle Smart (Kayak/Canoe safety) demonstration
• Representatives from the Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Title: Voices: Lecture Series – The Acculturation of Cape Cod: Changes in the People, Culture and Landscape – Todd Kelley
Location: Chatham Community Center
Link out: Click here
Description: Kelley’s talk begins with a quick overview of the glacial formation of Cape Cod and the lives of the First People at the height of their culture and at the time of European contact. He moves on to the twentieth century and investigates the effects of 3 centuries of deforestation along with the different attempts at a tourism economy up to 1980. Kelley ends with present day dramatic changes in the landscape and the social and cultural demographics on Cape Cod.

Start Time: 14:00
Date: 2012-05-20

Description: Come and enjoy the fabulous display of artwork by these talented middle school students.

Part 1 of the “Chatham: The Middle Years” five part lecture series about Chatham in the 19th and 20th centuries.  The Eldredge Public Library is offering historical lectures throughout the year in honor of Chatham’s 300th celebration.  These programs are free and available to the public.

“Ribbons of Steel” Larry Larned, Director of the Chatham Railroad Museum, will give a picture presentation describing the Chatham Railroad, which steamed its way into town in 1887, and its social and economic impacts on Chatham.  He will also touch upon the architecture of the Chatham Railroad Museum building and its place as a national asset.

The railroad ground breaking ceremony in 1887 was conducted by the Honorable Marcellus Eldredge, President of the Chatham Railroad Company. – Alden P. Abbott – Chatham Railroad Museum. Be sure to visit the Chatham Railroad Museum, located on Depot Road, open June – September.

Title: 4th Saturday Contra Dance

Family Dance – 7pm;  Community Dance – 8pm

Contra Dancing is traditional New England social dancing, first cousin to Square and round dancing.

The way we do it here:

•  You don’t need a partner, experience or fancy clothes

•  All dances are taught by an experienced caller

•  Live musicians play traditional fiddle tunes with an irresistible beat

Freewill donation:  suggested level $10.

For info call 508-945-4827

Free for members; $10.00 for others. Seating is limited; to reserve your spot, please call: 508-945-2432 or email info@ccchfa.org.

When you think of lobster, you think of high summer, but did you know that they are returning to our waters right now? Lobsters move off-shore and go into something akin to hibernation during the winter. In the spring, they march back to their summer stomping grounds right off our shores. Let Lobsterman Mark Leach tell you all he knows about lobsters, their habitat, lifespan, life patterns, population levels and differences, and then move beyond steaming and learn a new way to cook them with Chef John Pontius of Finely JP’s, Wellfleet, Mass.

Chatham’s Fish Pier opened on this day in 1946.

Local militiamen repel British at the Battle of Chatham Harbor on June 2, 1782.

Pre-register,  Fee $395

Presentations for the whole family on the evolution of health care and
wellness through the years in Chatham. Interactive activities for children.
Healthy food tastings. Chair massage and acupuncture demos.

Opening reception and awards:  Sunday, June 3, 4-5:30 pm

Find your way here….
Experience our remarkable Past – Chatham is 300!

Chatham takes the opportunity to reflect on its remarkable past and celebrate its historic legacy with particular emphasis on recognizing and honoring our founding families. The town’s various museums and history-focused organizations will collaborate to lead the town in a weekend long journey back in time to experience life as it was at different critical episodes in our 300 year past. Special emphasis will be made to re- enact events and daily life using period clothing, equipment, tools, foods and artifacts from local collections to encourage and enable town’s residents to experience our past.

During the weekend coordinated events will include: a special commemorative presentation from town leaders and State and Federal government officials specifically recognizing Chatham’s 300 years as an incorporated town; a time capsule will be assembled and buried in town, a distinguished speaker(s), receptions to experiential exhibits and presentations at various historic locations throughout the town (eg. Railroad Museum, Atwood House Museum, Caleb Nickerson House, and the Chatham Marconi Maritime Museum among others).

Friday, June 8 – A focus on 17th & 18th century in Chatham History

9:00 – 10:30AM: Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, Tribal Chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) will issue welcoming remarks at the dedication of the Wampanoag plaque. If last minute scheduling conflicts should occur for her, a Tribal Council member will be present in her stead. In addition, Woody Vanderhoop, lead singer of the Black Brook Singers will be performing.  Mass distribution of the Chatham Monomoyick Trail brochure will begin on this date and commemorative T-shirts with one of the longest shelf-lives of any collectible shirt will be available for purchase.

10:00 – 2:00 PM: Godfrey Windmill Open House, Tours of the restored Mill, Weather Permitting, the Mill will be operating and grinding corn into corn meal. Chase Park.

10:30 – 4:30 PM:  Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Open House Interpretive Exhibit: History of the role of Monomoy in Life Saving Service Where: Eldredge Public Library (downstairs, Community Room)

10:30 – 12:30 PM: Caleb Nickerson House Open House – Demonstrations of life in 18th Century Chatham Where: Caleb Nickerson House, Chathamport

12:30PM – 2:30PM: Talk and walk by Todd Kelley – History of the Monomoyick Homeland. Where: Meet at the Caleb Nickerson House for the introduction talk about the Monomoyick Homeland and the settlement by William Nickerson then carpool to the D. Isabel Smith Monomoy River Conservation Area off Bay Road in East Harwich to finish the program with a walk along the wooded trail that overlooks Muddy Creek. Be prepared with good shoes for a 3/4 mile round trip walk through the woods. There are benches to sit on at the overlook where we will conclude the program.

6:00 PM: Founders Clambake – Chatham Bars Inn

Saturday, June 9 – A focus on 19th century in Chatham History

9:00 – 1:00 PM: Railroad Museum Open House Exhibits and interpretive presentations including: History of the Railroad & Telecommunications in Chatham, and a Vintage Car Show

10:30 – 4:30 PM: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Open House Interpretive exhibit: History of the Refuge: Geology and Natural History Where: Eldredge Public Library (downstairs, Community Room)

1:00 – 3:30 PM: U. S. Coast Guard Station Chatham Lighthouse Tours at the Station/Lighthouse

1:00 – 3:30 PM: Tours of 42′ Near Shore Lifeboats at The Chatham Town Docks (by the Fish Pier)

1:00 – 3:30 PM History of Lifesaving and equipment display/interpretations at the Chatham Community Center

1:00 – 4:00 PM:  Atwood House Museum – Open House – NEW: Summer of Centuries Exhibit Interpretive tours of all exhibits including Chatham to China – Celebrating Chatham’s in the Age of Sail

Sunday, June 10 – A focus on 20th century in Chatham history

10:00 – 4:00 PM: Atwood House Museum – Living History 20th Century: Rediscover the exceptional era of the Second World War as you witness powerful reenactments, costumed interpreters, authentic gear and artifacts

11:00 AM – 1:00 AM: Great Gatsby Day at the Chatham Bars Inn.  For a full list of activities see events listed below.

1:00 – 4:00 PM: Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, “Where the History and Science of Wireless Communications Come Alive”. New Titanic film and exhibit on the role of a Chatham Marconi operator played in the rescue of survivors. Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Titanic sinking.

3:00PM & 5:00PM: Chatham Chorale Chamber Singers and the Chatham Music Club Concert conducted by Joe Marchio at the Methodist Church

7:00 – 11:00 PM:  Great Gatsby Ball – Celebrating the Roaring 1920′s at Chatham Bars Inn

Monday, June 11 – Founders Day Order of Events

9:00    Festivities commence – Town Crier sends message to the Town of Chatham

9:15    Towns people gather near Community Center for procession through main Street

9:30      Procession commences at the Community Center behind Colonial Fife and Drum Corp Band, Chatham Founding families and William Nickerson down main street.

10:00   Town’s people gather in Kate Gould Park.

10:00 – 12:00  - Founders Day Formal Program

Master of Ceremonies – Richard Sullivan

Singing of the National Anthem – Lisa Sullivan Jason

Short Testimonial Speeches

- Chair Chatham Board of Selectman

- Governor of Massachusetts US Senator Brown

- US Senator Kerry Representative Keating State

- Representative Peake State Senator Wolf

11:30   Keynote address by Nathaniel Philbrick

12:00   Ceremonies Close with remarks by William Nickerson and town photograph (in Beards)

12:10   Towns Church Bells ring 300 times

12:15 – 1:30 Lunch for the Visiting Speakers at Wayside Inn

1:30- 2:30PM:  USPS Release and press event of the Commemorative Chatham 300 Founders Day Letter head and stamp cancellation sponsored by the USPS

Where: Community Center

3:00 – 4:30 Time Capsule Event

Where: Chatham High School Gymnasium

- Master of Ceremonies – Jack Hynes

- Special Music by the Chatham Music Club – The 300th Voices conducted by Ruth McKendree Treen

- Award of the “Boston Post” Cane to Chatham’s oldest resident

- Opening of the 1962 – Time Capsule with Chatham High School Graduates of 1962.

- Preparing of the 2012 time capsule – Rick Smith with Current Chatham students

- Capsule escorted by Chatham Police to Town Hall for installation.

6:00 Cape Cod Baseball League Exhibition Game with Chatham Anglers vs U.S. Military All-Stars

Where:  Veterans Field,

Chatham Barbecue at the Red Nun to Follow.

AND… To close this wonderful weekend –  *****FIREWORKS AFTER DARK ***** !!!!!!

Lead Sponsoring Organizations:
Chatham Historical Society & Nickerson Family Association Chatham

Additional Participating Organizations:
Chatham Marconi Maritime Museum
Railroad Museum
Chatham Windmill Group
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Coast Guard
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Chatham Schools
Mayo House – Chatham Conservation Foundation

Description: At 9:00AM Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, Tribal Chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) will issue welcoming remarks at the dedication of the Wampanoag plaque. If last minute scheduling conflicts should occur for her, a Tribal Council member will be present in her stead. In addition, Woody Vanderhoop, lead singer of the Black Brook Singers will be performing.

We will start the mass distribution of our brochure, the Chatham Monomoyick Trail on this date and our commemorative T-shirts with one of the longest shelf-lives of any collectible shirt will be available for purchase.

Description: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge presents a Staffed Interpretive Exhibit: History of the Refuge: Geology and Natural History

Description: A talk and walk by Todd Kelley. Meet at the Caleb Nickerson House at 1107 Orleans Road.

Free Reception

Local photographer and sculptor, Joan Horrocks, captures the Old Village in Chatham in a new light with photographs of fog and shadows cast through the moon onto the traditional New England architecture of our coastal community.  Originally from Montreal, and more recently splitting her time between Pennsylvania and Cape Cod, Joan now lives in Chatham full time where she finds inspiration in the narrow back streets of the Village often when the town is most vacant.

$62++ per person, $42++ per person without lobster

A casual New England style clambake around the pit! A fun event for the whole familycomplete with musical entertainment, beach games for children, and end the night under thestars with a bonfire.

Extending telephone service to Chatham in 1883 was a major accomplishment spearheaded by H. Fisher Eldredge brother of Marcellus Eldredge who founded the Chatham Railroad Company and donated the Eldredge Library.  It was an exciting experience to enter Bearse’s Store downtown and use the pay for use telephone.  As years went by everyday people had telephones installed in their homes.  In fact the Chatham Depot had two separate telephone circuits one commercial and the other owned by the railroad that on occasion was used when commercial service was down.

On Jun 9, 2012 Founders Day weekend the Chatham Railroad Museum will feature a wonderful exhibit of antique telephones and porcelain signs that cover a hundred years of Chatham’s communication history from 1890-1990.  An exhibit area has been created at the RR Museum to feature all the period telephones used in Chatham including the two box magneto, the 317 magneto, the candle stick, the Henry Dryfus 302, the 500 dial set, the Princess, the Trim Line and those used by the railroad.  In a way the railroad depot was a center of communications for the Town of Chatham…two telephone systems and the telegraph!  In addition on the museum will feature a compact collection (about 10-15 cars) of autumobiles to augment the Museum’s transportation and communication heritage.

Description: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge presents Staffed Interpretive Exhibits: History of the Refuge: Life Saving and Liveliness (19th Century); History of the Refuge: Monomoy Refuge establishment and role in America’s Wildlife Conservation Story (20th Century-Present).

11am – 2pm: Brunch at the Beach House Grill ($45++ per person)

Start your day at the waters edge enjoying an assortment of classic breakfast selections,chef’s specialties and a seemingly endless assortment of distinctive desserts.

1pm – 4pm: Croquet, Bocce and Horseshoes on the South Lawn

Classic activities enjoyed by all ages!

1pm – 4pm: Antique Car Rides

Take a seat in our vintage 1929 Ford Model A Woody for a brief tour of Chatham.

1pm – 4pm: Antique Photos

Capture the essence of the weekend celebration. Our photographer will provide the costumeand props to transform and take you back to the gilded age.

2pm – 4pm: Dance Instruction at the Boat House

Join professional dance company Ballroom Bliss for an afternoon of dance! Learn thepopular dances of the 1920’s: The Charleston, Lindy Hop, Foxtrot and more.

4pm – 6pm: Afternoon Specialty Cocktails on the Veranda or visit the “Smokers Corner” off of the Gazebo Patio.

Cigars available from the Tinder Box.

5pm – 1am: Sacred Cod Speakeasy

Take a step back into time at our Sacred Cod Speakeasy. Prohibition may be in full swing, however, if you have the secret password, an a la carte menu will be available featuring specialty drinks and a bar menu.

6pm – 10pm: Great Gatsby Roaring 20’s Party ($125++ per person)

Come dressed in your best outfit from the 1920’s and get ready for a roaring good time!

6pm Cocktail Reception – hors d’ouvres, beer, wine and specialty cocktails

7pm – Three course dinner, followed by dancing to the 20 piece Compaq Big Band

10:30pm – 12:30am: Jazz Duo in the Sacred Cod Speakeasy

There will be a limited number of rooms available Sunday night with a “Founders Rate” of $171.20.

For reservations and information about these events, call Chatham Bars Inn at 800-527-4884 or 508-945-0096.

Book today to be sure to get tickets and special rate rooms!

Two Concerts conducted by Joe Marchio at 3PM & 5PM

Rediscover the exceptional era of the Second World War as you witness powerful reenactments, costumed interpreters, authentic gear and artifacts. This event is part of Chatham’s 300th anniversary Founders Weekend celebrations.

Description: 9:00 Festivities commence – Town Crier sends message to the Town of Chatham

9:15 Towns people gather near Community Center for procession through main Street

9:30 Procession commences at the Community Center behind Colonial Fife and Drum Corp Band, Chatham Founding families and William Nickerson down main street.

10:00 Town’s people gather in Kate Gould Park.

10:00 – 12:00 – Founders Day Formal Program

Master of Ceremonies – Richard Sullivan

Singing of the National Anthem – Lisa Sullivan Jason

Short Testimonial Speeches

- Chair Chatham Board of Selectman

- Governor of Massachusetts US Senator Brown

- US Senator Kerry Representative Keating State

- Representative Peake State Senator Wolf

11:30 Keynote address by Nathaniel Philbrick

12:00 Ceremonies Close with remarks by William Nickerson and town photograph (in Beards)

12:10 Towns Church Bells ring 300 times

12:15 – 1:30 Lunch for the Visiting Speakers at Wayside Inn

1:30- 2:30PM: USPS Release and press event of the Commemorative Chatham 300 Founders Day Letter head and stamp cancellation sponsored by the USPS, at the Community Center.

3:00 – 4:30 Time Capsule Event at the Chatham High School Gymnasium

- Master of Ceremonies – Jack Hynes

- Special Music by the Chatham Music Club – The 300th Voices conducted by Ruth McKendree Treen

- Award of the “Boston Post” Cane to Chatham’s oldest resident

- Opening of the 1962 – Time Capsule with Chatham High School Graduates of 1962.

- Preparing of the 2012 time capsule – Rick Smith with Current Chatham students

- Capsule escorted by Chatham Police to Town Hall for installation.

6:00 Cape Cod Baseball League Exhibition Game with Chatham Anglers vs U.S. Military All-Stars at Veteran’s Field

Chatham Barbecue at the Red Nun to Follow the game.

AND… To close this wonderful weekend – *****FIREWORKS AFTER DARK ***** !!!!!!

Pre-register, Fee $395

A round table discussion with the authors of our newest publication “Three Centuries in a Cape Cod Village.” Q+A will be encouraged. Lecture guests will have the opportunity to buy books in our gift shop and get them personalized after the discussion.  You can preorder your copy by calling 508-945-2493 or at our online store at: http://www.chathamhistoricalsociety.org/Store/Chatham300Book.htm.

Pre-register, Fee $650

Opening for the season on June 19, 2012.
Season Schedule includes:
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
The Crucible
Harvey
Cabaret
Henry IV, part 2
Wait Until Dark
George Washington Slept Here

A fundraiser sponsored by the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library

A unique chance to tour four fabulous Chatham Homes with breathtaking water views, on Shore Road, Bridge Street, Battlefield, and Mooncusser, never on tour before!  Meet four prominent authors, Sara Young Pennypacker, Joan Harrison, Debra Lawless and Dawn Tripp in these homes.

Walk through several special Chatham Gardens on Deer Meadow, Fox Hill Road and Strong Island Road where local artists, Barbara Gibson, Tilda Bystrom and Martha Burian will be painting.

Tickets are $35 per person.

Tickets may be purchased at the Eldredge Public Library, 564 Main St Chatham 508-945-5170 and:

Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore 432 Main Street Chatham,

Gallery Antonia 578 Main St Chatham,

Yellow Umbrella Bookstore 501 Main St Chatham,

Chatham Clothing Bar 534 Main St Chatham.

The Houses

House #1: Mooncussers Circle – Built in 2005, this home offers stunning views of the Oyster River, Hardings Beach and Stage Harbor Lighthouse.

THE AUTHOR: Joan Harrison is a longtime member of the American Hydrangea Society, founding president of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society and the author of two books about hydrangeas, The Colorful World of Hydrangeas and Hydrangeas: Cape Cod and the Islands.

House #2: Battlefield Road – Designed by Polhemus Savery DaSilva, this year-round home features an English Arts and Crafts double gable, broad front porch and view through the house to the ocean.

THE AUTHOR: Sara Pennypacker, born in Massachusetts, is an author of children’s literature and a recipient of the Golden Kite Award. She has written 13 children’s books, including Clementine and Stuart series.

House #3: Bridge Street – Windward was built in 1911 by Everett Yeaw as a summer home for his family and is still owned by his descendants. Built of cyprus and originally painted with creosote, it was nicknamed

THE AUTHOR: Debra Lawless recreates Chatham of yesteryear in Chatham in the Jazz Age and Chatham in the Age of Aquarius. She is co-author of the Three Centuries in a Cape Cod Village: The Story of Chatham.

House #4: Shore Road – Designed by William Sears Reed, this home sits on three acres overlooking Chatham Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. This 1929 jewel was renovated in 2011 and updated with new interior design for modern living.

THE AUTHOR: Dawn Tripp is the author ofMoon Time, The Season of Open Water andGame of Secrets and winner of the MA Book Award for fiction. Her essays have appeared on NPR and online at Psychology Today. She graduated from Harvard College and lives in Wesport,MA with her husband and sons.

The Gardens

Garden #1: Deer Meadow Lane – Anchored by a pool and tennis court, this 30-year old property is being brought back to its original beauty by a new owner with a passion for gardening with a WOW factor!

THE ARTIST: Barbara Gibson began painting seriously when she retired in 2006. Her watercolors have been exhibited at the Culture Center of Cape Cod in Yarmouth and have won awards at Chatham Creative Arts Center member shows.

Garden #2: Fox Hill Road – The front yard design is based on the work of landscape architects Oehm and van Sweden who pioneered the use of native perennials, grasses and shrubs planted in large swaths to create natural landscapes.

THE ARTIST: Tilda McGee Bystrom turned to her hobby of drawing and sketching in 2005 after retiring from a teaching career. She shows her paintings with the Guild of Chatham Painters and at Local Color Art Gallery in West Chatham.

Garden #3: Strong Hill Road – An English garden comes to Cape Cod. Made with clipped knots and cables, this stunning evolving garden overlooks Pleasant Bay. Created by Stuart Sterns, the garden was featured in the 2012 Chatham Magazine.

THE ARTIST: Martha Burian was classically trained at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and continues classes and workshops at the Creative Arts Center. Her subject matter is the beautiful local scenery of Cape Cod. She shows with the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Title: Orpheum Theater Garden Party
Location: tbd
Description: Fundraiser
Date: 2012-06-23

A morning camp for children of all ages. Our colonial camp teaches children about how people lived during colonial times. Fun activities include craft projects, science experiments, tours of the old Atwood House, as well as observation and discussion of antique objects within our museum collections. This is a light paced, educational and fun experience for kids to take part in after school is out. Snacks are provided.

Preregistration is required in order to ensure adequate craft supplies for all participants.

For more information visit: http://www.chathamhistoricalsociety.org/ColonialCamp/index.htm

Free for members; $10.00 for others. Seating is limited; to reserve your spot, please call: 508-945-2432 or email info@ccchfa.org.

Sweet New England sea scallops are the crown jewel on seafood menus around the country, yet it is a fishery that went from bust to boom. Scalloper Tye Vecchione will discuss how the fishery got where it is today and talk about the Chatham small boat fleet that makes day trips just offshore to bring fresh scallops to market daily. He will be joined by mother-daughter cookbook author team Elaine and Karin Tammi, whose Scallops: A New England Coastal Cookbook features delectable recipes that are sure to be a hit with your family and guests. Buy a cookbook, and the authors will sign it.

Pre-register, Fee $395

Description: Featuring works by the members of the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Part 2 of the “Chatham: The Middle Years” five part lecture series about Chatham in the 19th and 20th centuries.  The Eldredge Public Library is offering historical lectures throughout the year in honor of Chatham’s 300th celebration.  These programs are free and available to the public.

“The Monomoy Branting Club: Chatham’s First Tourist Industry” presented by local author John Hutchinson, who is currently working on a book about the Branting Club.  The Monomoy Branting Club, established in 1862, was the first organized group to utilize the available natural resources in Chatham to hunt wild fowl.

Historic Chatham Bars Inn has grand opening on June 30, 1914. – Robert Carlisle – Weathering A Century Change

Description: Friends of Trees guided tour in Old Village led by expert from Arnold Arboreteum

Description: Two month special exhibit of maps and early images of Chatham from Maps of Antiquity featured in the main lobby of Rockland Trust Bank.

Celebrating Chatham’s 300th Anniversary

Monomoy Theatre curtain went up for the 1st time in 1938 and tickets cost 55 cents to $1.93. – Robert Carlisle – Weathering a Century of Change by Robert Carlisle.

In 1663, William “The Immigrant” Nickerson writes and proclaims today’s Chatham open to all inhabitants. – Ernest Knapton – Chatham Since the American Revolution

The Independence Day celebration will keep Chatham 300 in focus by celebrating Chatham’s rich maritime traditions and spirit and our unique position as the first stop of the east wind. A bigger than ever parade with more marching bands, more floats, and a special Grand Marshall will begin the days festivities.

Parade Theme: Chatham Through The Years, a Living History Parade.

All participants will be placed in the Century their organization or group started. The Parade will start with the 17th Century and end with the 21st Century. Entries will be organized sequentially, by date, within Century.

The parade will start with a 17th century sign, with Champlain and Gov. Bradford of the Plymouth Colony. Examples of early 20th Century entries will be the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center (1914) and the Chatham Bars Inn (1914). The last entry, the 21st Century, will be the Chatham Community Center, along with all Chatham children born since 2000.

The parade will show Chatham from A to Z, its history and its future. Viewers will see all of Chatham’s history pass before their eyes!

For the On-Line Application Form for Town of Chatham 2012 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE please click here or pick up your application form at Chathamn Town Hall.

Requirements for Entry:  Return signed application page by June 15^th, either by:

- Email to publicceremonies@gmail.com

- In person at Chatham Town Hall in box labeled “Parade Applications” at the front desk.

- By mail to – Town of Chatham (Attn: Public Ceremonies Committee), 549 Main St., Chatham, MA 02633

Officers of the Chatham Railroad Company discontinue service on Chatham spur in 1930.- Robert Carlisle – Weathering a Century of Change

Description: Featuring works by the members of the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Entry day:  Thursday, July 5, 9 am-12 noon.

Pick-up:  July 7, 12-2 pm

Captain Elijah Crosby receives silver cup for saving the life of Mrs. Jon Loring from drowning in 1885.

Local historian, Jim Coogan, will provide a fascinating look at the War of 1812 and its impact on our community. The lecture is being offered to commemorate the Bicentennial Anniversary of this historic war.

Cape Cod Opera in its finest glory will be presenting a selection of popular American music.  The energetic and talented quartet of singers will deliver a fun and memorable evening of songs to enjoyed by all ages.  For additional information about Cape Cod Opera, visit www.capecodopera.org.

July 9 – August 27

Our weekly curriculum is designed to articulate and celebrate the noble life of The People of the First Light. Teaching emphasis on family life, lifestyle, cultural accomplishments and the Wampanoag sense of purpose. These classes use art, artifacts, and discussion for a hands-on, fun-filled learning experience. Best for kids ages 5 to 11

Description: Featuring works by the members of the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Pre-Register, $350

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the of the Civil War at The Atwood House Museum, with re-enactors portraying the 9th Battery Massachusetts Volunteers, demonstrations and exhibits, period music concerts and food, lectures, and more.

Opening reception and awards:  Sunday, July 15, 4-5:30 pm

Can you imagine a quiet place in the center of Chatham, a peaceful place surrounded by green grass, scrub pines and native landscaping where anyone can come and sit for a while, take a meditative walk, and find some refreshment in the midst of a hectic day?

The Chatham Ecumenical Clergy Association (six churches and one Meeting House) met this past fall to discuss what sort of gift we might want to make to our Town of Chatham for its’ 300th Anniversary, “Find Your Way Here.” The unanimous decision was to build a Labyrinth!

What is a Labyrinth?

For thousands of years labyrinths have been part of our artistic and spiritual landscape and are enjoying a dramatic revival in recent times. They can be found in medical centers, parks (Heritage Plantation in Sandwich), schools (Tabor Academy in Marion, MA and Barnstable High School), prisons, spas, cathedrals, retreat centers (Even Song Retreat Center in Harwichport), as well as in people’s back yards.

They are ancient circular symbols with a single winding path to the center and back out again. Labyrinths provide a meditative walk and a peaceful space for everyone to enjoy. Their goal is to create a cross cultural blueprint for well-being.

We have secured approval from the Chatham Parks and Recreation Commission for the labyrinth to be located in Chase Park: an ideal place with its’ quiet surroundings, available parking, circular and flat land surface, and its’ central location to town. The labyrinth will be 42 feet in diameter, a replica of the beautiful 12th century labyrinth inlaid on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. Made out of cut and sealed earth-toned pavers, the labyrinth will be wheel chair accessible and a permanent legacy to the Town of Chatham.

Community members and friends are enthusiastically encouraged to help make the labyrinth a reality. The Chatham Clergy Association, assisted by donations, is funding about half the cost of building the labyrinth and invites contributions to help complete the project. Checks may be sent to The Labyrinth Project, ℅ Chatham Clergy Association, 625 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633.

For questions and comments, please contact any one of the following:Rev. Anne Bonney: Labyrinth Project Coordinator and Ms. Dawn Tolley: Life Coach and Consultant (508-945-0800);Rev. Gail Smith: St.Christopher’s Episcopal Church (508-945-2832); Rev. Edmund Robinson: Unitarian Universalist Meeting House (508-945-2075).

Description: Featuring works by the members of the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Description: Come join the Chatham Walkers for a 7AM walk around Chatham. This free event starts and ends at Kate Gould Park. After the walk stay for coffee, refreshments and conversation.

Architectural designer, Steve Hart, will show and describe the exterior features of the Chatham Railroad Museum that make the building an exquisite piece of railroad Gothic architecture.  He will also discuss its importance as a national asset.

Open to the public, free of charge.

“Chatham Satisfied with Simple Life” per 1941 Boston Herald Headlines – Debra Lawless – 2nd WW to Aquarius

Samuel Ryder, born in Chatham in 1795, built Terre Haute and Alton Railroad. – W. C. Smith – History of Chatham.

Description: Featuring works by the members of the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Part 3 of the “Chatham: The Middle Years” five part lecture series about Chatham in the 19th and 20th centuries.  The Eldredge Public Library is offering historical lectures throughout the year in honor of Chatham’s 300th celebration.  These programs are free and available to the public.

“Summer of ’62, Chatham in the Civil War” presented by Cape Cod Civil War Historian, Stauffer Miller. Mr. Miller will talk about the activities in town that summer as well as the navy, army and transport men of Chatham and their actions and circumstances during the war.

An annual cocktail party and fundraiser with friends of the Atwood House Museum serving featuring a silent auction and presentation of the ‘Bringing History to Life Award.’ This event is open to the public. Tickets are $50 each and may be reserved by calling 508-945-2493 or emailing info@chathamhistorical.org.

The three Day Anniversary of Chatham’s 200th begins in 1912. Governor Foss arrives by train, 20 minutes late. Chatham High girls beat Orleans High girls 3-1 in basketball. Elanor Henderson – Transportation in Chatham.

Description: One month special exhibit of early maps and nautical charts from Maps of Antiquity featured in the main lobby of Rockland Trust Bank.

Date: August 1, 2012-August 31, 2012

Pre-register,   $395

Description: Featuring works by the members of the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Opening reception:  Saturday, August 4, 6-8 pm

Spencer Grey, former director of the Atwood House Museum, will present a photographic overview of the life and times of people in Chatham from 1860 to the early years of the present century.  About 300 pictures will be culled from the vast collection of photographs and postcards in the archives of the Atwood House Museum. Admission free, donations welcome.

Description: Featuring works by the members of the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Don’t miss Chatham’s premier event: The Hookers Ball, a fundraiser to support the local fishing community and the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association, is back by popular demand. It takes place under a big white tent at the Chatham VFW on George Ryder Road and highlights the best seafood Cape Cod has to offer supplied by local fishermen, such as all-you-can-eat fried fish and scallops, a delectable raw bar and steamed mussels and clams.  It boasts some of the most intriguing and one-of-a-kind experiences as part of its silent and live auctions, and features fabulous music to dance the night away.

Your participation helps to protect and preserve healthy oceans and our historic fishing communities here on Cape Cod so there are fish and fishermen for future generations. Join the fun and support our fleet!

Tickets will go on-sale this spring.  You can email mel@ccchfa.org to be notified of when tickets are available.
Call 508-945-2432 for more information.
Want to sponsor or provide an auction item?  Call Mel at 508-945-24320 x103

The Nickersons will take the audience back to 17th century Norwich England , the home of William & Anne (Busby) Nickerson before they journeyed to the New World in 1637 and, ultimately, became the first English settlers of Chatham . The lecture covers William & Anne’s early years in Yarmouth and the story about their purchase of land and relocating to Monomoyick in the 1660s. Information from the Nickerson Family Association will be used to describe Chatham ‘s early years. Wrapping the presentation up will be the history of the Nickerson Family Association from its start in the 1890s and then up to today, with its ownership of the homestead site of William & Anne and the relocation of our two buildings to the property, both over water. Admission free, donations welcome.

Visitors are part of the action in this journey back to the 1700’s. The period’s daily activities come to life as live animals are tended, smells of hearth cooking fill the air and artisans work busily at their crafts

Hurricane Bob hit Cape Cod in 1991.

It would give me a thrill

To see once more on the hill

The revolving arms of that old mill.

Excerpt from The Old Mill by Mattie Godfrey.

The Godfrey Windmill

by Bill Cullinane

The Chatham Windmill Group

Well, Mattie, if you were alive today your wish about your grandfather’s mill is about to become a reality. The old Godfrey Mill has been restored, and again we will hear the sound of the mill as the sails fill with wind and turn the mighty stones beneath.  The mill is a great example of Colonial engineering, commercial development and personal commitment to the community by Colonel Godfrey. Originally located on a bluff overlooking Mill Pond, in 1956 it was moved to its current location on Rink Hill in Chase Park, on Shattuck Place, off Cross Street. In November 30, 1978 it was placed on The National Register of Historic Places.

Over the past few years, thanks to a grant from the Community Preservation Fund and through the hard work of The Chatham Windmill Group and the Chatham Parks and Recreation Department’s Dan Tobin, the mill will begin operation on May 19^th 2012. Andy Shrake, an expert on windmill restoration, has spent the past year completing the historic restoration of the mill. As the restoration began it was determined that at one time the mill had a swordfish weather vane. Bob Hardy stepped forth and using old photographs of the mill, has built a new weather vane. In an effort to improve the authenticity of the site overlooking Chase Park, the CWG is currently seeking a mill stone to be used as a step into the mill.

In celebration of Chatham 300^th anniversary, the Chatham Windmill Group has just published a souvenir edition booklet entitled The Godfrey Windmill. It features the history, architecture and operation of the mill, as well as the role of the Miller in early American life. And, includes a few corn meal recipes that would have been eaten around the time the mill was built. It’s available at Where The Sidewalk Ends, The Yellow Umbrella and the Atwood House Museum in Chatham. All proceeds are used for future publications and enrichment of the mill experience.

During July and August the Mill will be open and in operation, Wednesdays and Saturdays (11 am to 2 pm), except July 4^th

Description: Featuring works by the members of the Guild of Chatham Painters.

Part 4 of the “Chatham: The Middle Years” five part lecture series about Chatham in the 19th and 20th centuries.  The Eldredge Public Library is offering historical lectures throughout the year in honor of Chatham’s 300th celebration. These programs are free and available to the public.

“Schooners and Schooner Men of Chatham” Teacher and historian Don Franke will detail the contribution Chatham schooner men, both coasters and fisherman, made to the growth of the town’s maritime economy and the community at large from roughly 1800 to the 1920’s.

Artist, Alice Stallknecht, gains national recognition by Time Magazine in 1932 for her “Christ Preaching to the Multitude” painting, located in the mural barn at the Atwood House Museum.

Olympic Figure Skater, 1996 World Figure Skating Champion, 6 time National Champion, Todd Eldredge, born on August 28, 1971 and raised in Chatham, is one of most Chatham’s successful luminaries.

Construction of the Station began in 1917.

Actress Shirley Booth who lived in Chatham was born in 1898.

Description: The Guild of Chatham Painters will hold its Summer Art Show on the lawn.

Find your Way here….
Where Artists Discover their Inspiration – Chatham is 300!

Chatham has a rich tradition of attracting artists of all kinds to practice and develop their crafts in our seaside village, providing a showcase for the rich body of work that represents the best of Chatham’s past and present cultural legacy. The Labor Day Weekend celebration is all about the ARTS in Chatham.

Chatham is “Where Artists Discover their Inspiration”, from painters to poets, writers, photographers, musicians, actors and many more.  All live, work, create and perform in our community because it provides a rich stimulus to their collective psyche.

Several wonderful community events are planned showcasing the rich body of work that represents Chatham’s best cultural legacy.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st “Chatham Inspires Art”

Exhibition, to run Saturday & Sunday, September 1^st & 2^nd,

10:00 a.m. – 4:00p.m. at the Creative Arts Center.  Exhibition continues through September 26^th.

Participation, coordinated by the CAC , is open to all Chatham artists and school students.

2:00 pm Screening of The Golden Boys, Eldredge Public Library

5:00 pm “Authors of Chatham Books” Cocktail Reception,  Where the Sidewalk Ends – 432 Main Street

An Evening of Music. (time TBD) Congregational Church.

Featuring Jacqueline Schwab in a Piano Solo Program of Vintage American Music

The Guild of Chatham Painters will unveil and present to the Town of Chatham a collage consisting of several individual small canvases to hang in the new municipal complex.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2^ND

• Chatham Poets Read, Sunday, 3:00 p.m., Eldredge Public Library

CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS CONTINUES IN OCTOBER

October  Homecoming Weekend, and National Arts and Humanities Month, the largest celebration of the arts and humanities in the nation, will feature a Special Exhibition at the Creative Arts Center.

• Chatham: Views and Artists of the Past - The Creative Arts Center , October 6-31,

Monday – Friday 9am-4pm, Saturdays, 12 noon to 4pm.

Opening Reception: Saturday October 6, 5-7 pm.

Co-sponsored by the Creative Arts Center, Cape Cod Museum of Art, and the Atwood House in conjunction with Chatham’s 300^th Anniversary Celebration.

Description: Odin K. Smith will do her painting demonstration on Saturday, September 1st, from 10 am – 2 pm at the Gallery.

Location: In and around Chatham.  Look for the red, yellow, and blue balloons. The Fish Pier – Chatham Light overlook (and USCG Lighthouse) – Mitchell River Bridge – Oyster Pond Beach at the Bath House – Morris Island Causeway – The Train Depot – The “Lime House” (Cape Abilities “Farm to Table” store near the USCG Light) – The Band Stand at Kate Gould Park, and near landmarks along downtown Main Street.

Description: Members of the Guild of Chatham Painters will be working en plein air. Paintings will be available for sale on the front lawn of the First Congregational Church. Otherwise, anyone interested in a painting they are viewing on location can speak with the painter.

Pick up a local map at the outdoor table on the lawn of the First Congregational Church during show hours – 9:30-5:30, for names of Guild artists at marked locations.

Guild Artists, listed in alphabetical order:
Robert Barlow – Lydia Bell – Dan Brown – Martha Burian – Tilda McGee Bystrom
Ed Collins – Peggy Dimm – Pati DuVall – Ellen Farrell – Jane Farrell – Ann Gessner
Lona Kissinger – Porter Lewis – Anna Lowther – Gary Oro – Stephen Roth
Nancy Whalen Rude – Linda Simonitsch – Jeanne Tassinari – Jay Tichenor – Greta Waldas

“Chatham Inspires Art” Exhibition, to run Saturday & Sunday, September 1st & 2nd, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00p.m. at the Creative Arts Center. Exhibition continues through September 26th.
Participation, coordinated by the CAC , is open to all Chatham artists and school students.

Description: A day of music, food, drink and fun under the big tent at the Red Nunn. Throughout the day enjoy original music from an eclectic mix of Cape Cod and Boston bands. Each year a different charity benefits from a portion of the proceeds. In observance of Chatham Arts Weekend, this year’s proceeds will benefit Chatham art organizations like the Creative Arts Center, Chatham Drama Guild, Chatham Town Band and children’s art/music programs.

Mingle with local authors and photographers Debra Lawless, Jennifer Eldredge Stello, Christopher LeClaire, Chris Seufert, and others while enjoying wine and cheese on the outdoor covered deck, with music, decorations and plenty of books!

Description: Featuring Jacqueline Schwab in a Piano Solo Program of Vintage American Music, hosted by the Congregational Church.

Jacqueline’s arrangements of vintage American music and traditional Celtic and English music have been performed at concerts and festivals throughout the US. In honor of Chatham’s 300th Anniversary, her concert will span music from the Mark Twain era (1835-1910) and beyond—Stephen Foster and Civil War songs, Victorian ballroom dance tunes, Scots and Irish songs and dances brought over by settlers, hymns and spirituals, Ragtime, plus 20th-Century tango, Billie Holiday blues, as well contemporary-style Celtic and English traditional music.

Jacqueline’s arrangements of American heart songs honor the community and improvisational spirit of music making reported in Twain’s times, but also has a contemporary sound. As part of her concerts, Jacqueline enjoys speaking with audiences about the music.

“Jacqueline Schwab brings more feeling and intensity to music than anyone I know. Her playing is insistent, physical, heartfelt and … unusually moving.”   
Ken Burns

“Jacqueline Schwab plays with the jazz/classical improvisational spirit of Keith Jarrett and the touch of George Winston ….”
New England Folk Almanac

Description: Live demonstration from painter, Joan Brancale, on Sunday, September 2nd from 12 noon – 2 pm.

Description: An evening of Music with Mercedes Hall and her Jazz Trio

Pre-register, $395

All Nickerson’s are invited to attend. Contact Ron Nickerson for more information at krnicker@comcast.net or www.nickersonassoc.org.

Pre-Register, $600

Learn about our Native American ancestry and the village we then called “Monomoyick.” Presentations from the Wampanoag community as well as costumed European settler reenactments.

Start Time: 9am – 12n

Completion: 3pm

The Walk’n Mass Volkssport Club is a non-profit organization and is associated with the American Volkssport Association (AVA) based in Universal City, Texas. The AVA was founded in 1976 and is an educational non-profit organization. The AVA dedicates itself to promoting Volkssporting non-competitive physical fitness activities such as walking, swimming, x-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, roller blading, and biking. “Volk” stands for “People”. Volkssporting is the sport of the “People”. Massachusetts has two clubs, Walk’n Mass and The Two Town Walking Club located on the North Shore. There are more than 350 clubs located in the United States and more than 25 countries are allied in the International Volkssport Federation (IVV).

Volkssports are free and open to the public. Trails are selected for safety, scenic interest, historic interest, natural beauty, and walk ability. Walks are between 5km (3.1 miles) and 10km (6.2 miles) and are rated at a difficulty level between one and five, one being the easiest, accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Scheduled events are held rain, shine, or snow. Clubs welcome new members but you don’t have to be a member to participate in a volkswalk event. Walking is free unless you want to be credited for each walk/event you participate in. To keep track of how you are achieving your fitness goals you can join an Individual Achievement Award program.

In celebration of Chatham’s 300^th Anniversary the Walk’n Mass Volkssport Club will be conducting two historical volkswalks. A 5km (3.1 mile) and 10 km (6.2 mile) walk. Both walks are noncompetitive, follow marked routes, maps will also be provided, and are accomplished at your own pace. Anyone may participate regardless of age or physical fitness. Both walk routes are suitable for baby joggers. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Leashed pets are welcome and clean up laws apply. These events are free to the public. You may register for these walks on the day of the event. Each participant must register, sign an insurance waiver and receive an Event Card at the Start. Cards are validated at checkpoints along the route, and must be turned in at the finish table. Restrooms are located at the Start/Finish point, checkpoint, and on the walk routes. Water will be provided at the Start/Finish and Checkpoint. You may carry refreshments, but please do not litter.

Trail Description: The 5km walk route will pass by the Chatham Historical Society which has a Wampanoag Mishoon Canoe, the Chatham Chimes, Chatham’s Twin Light Lantern, and the Atwood Museum. Other points of interest along the 5km route are the unique architectural design of historic homes on Stage Harbor Road such as the 1856 Zena Nickerson house, 1853 Captain Elisha Harding house, and Doc Keene Scout Hall. The 10km walk route will travel along Main Street passing by the 1790 Atwood Church, the 1830 Captain Elijah Small house, the 1870 Andrew Harding General Store, Military Monuments, and the U.S. Coast Guard Lighthouse.

For more information contact Karen at kola500@aol.com or 508-826-7250 or the Volksport Tour Website

Pre-Register, $325

A major fund-raising event for the Chatham Historical Society, to maintain and grow the Atwood House Museum as a unique center for discovery and research, for all ages. Free admission to the Atwood House Museum with purchase of ticket into Antiques show.

A major fund-raising event for the Chatham Historical Society, to maintain and grow the Atwood House Museum as a unique center for discovery and research, for all ages.

Part 5 of the “Chatham: The Middle Years” five part lecture series about Chatham in the 19th and 20th centuries.  The Eldredge Public Library is offering historical lectures throughout the year in honor of Chatham’s 300th celebration. These programs are free and available to the public.

“The North Beach Camps” Local author Fran Higgins who wrote DRIFTING MEMORIES: the Nauset Beach Camps on Cape Cod, South Beach Orleans, North Beach Chatham, will talk about the building boom in the early to 1950′s and how the people of the First and Second Villages delt with erosion and the presence of the Seashore Park. Ms. Higgins will highlight the effects of the 1978 and 1991 storms, and how the Patriot Day storm of 2007 changed North Beach forever.

Champlain lands in Chatham in 1606. – W.C. Smith – History of Chatham

Talk by Tim Weller.

Justice Lois Brandeis, Supreme Court member and progressive social cause advocate who owned a home in Chatham, died in 1941.

The Cape Cod Museum of Art, of Dennis, together with the Atwood House Museum and the Creative Arts Center, both of Chatham, will exhibit paintings and prints by artists who have lived and painted in Chatham. The show is entitled “Chatham in Art Over Time” and is offered in conjunction with the Chatham’s 300th Anniversary.
The exhibition will include over 50 works by Chatham artists. Many of these were painted in the late 19th century and early to mid 20th century. The exhibition will be on display, free to the public, at the Creative Arts Center, 154 Crowell Road, Chatham from October 8 – 31, 2012. Drawing on the collections of the Atwood House Museum, the Cape Cod Museum of Art and private collectors, this exhibition promises to present Chatham and it’s artists in a new light. This will be the first time that such a wide range of artists who have worked in Chatham will be presented to the public.

Co-sponsored with the Cape Cod Museum of Art and the Atwood House
In conjunction with Chatham’s 300th Anniversary Celebration
Open Monday-Friday, 9 am-4 pm. Saturdays, 12 noon to 4 pm.

In March 2012 the Cape Cod National Seashore demolished 5 North Beach Camps threatened by sea level rise. It was the latest battle in an ongoing war that has been going on for thousands of years. This lecture will put some of these recent events in the 10,000 year history of America’s barrier beaches. It will concentrate on the times when 25 families lost their homes after inlets opened in Chatham’s barrier beach in 1987 and again in 2007. It will attempt to draw some lessons from these events that can be used by the other 200 barrier beach communities in the United States and the 3.7 million US citizens who live less than three feet above the sea.

Based on his popular book, “Haunted Cape Cod and the Islands,” this lecture will be a blend of true ghost stories, history and folklore. A focus on haunted inns, restaurants and residential homes in the Cape Cod area. Admission free, donations welcome.

In 1961, the US Congress established the Cape Cod National Seashore as a unit of the national park system. Congress recognized that the Outer Beach was nationally significant for ecological, historical and cultural reasons. Park Service planners originally included Morris and Stage Islands and Harding’s Beach within the proposed park boundary, but these areas were later removed and only Chatham’s outer beach was included. Learn why over half of the lands of some towns were included in the new park, while the affect on Chatham was minimized as a result of the planning and politics of the late 1950s.

The Great White Shark is the ocean’s most successful apex predator and elicits from almost everyone – a range of emotional responses from excited curiosity to sheer terror. Since 2009 they have been a regular summer visitor to Chatham waters and were the subject of a Discovery Channel documentary called Jaws Comes Home. Dr. Gregory Skomal will present an overview of the state of knowledge on white sharks while briefing the audience on the ground breaking research he and his team have been conducting in Chatham waters over the past three years.

Led by the United States Coast Guard

Description: The Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association (CCCHFA) is hosting a “Meet the Fleet & Fish Fry” at the Chatham Fish Pier for Reunion Weekend. Our Pier Hosts will be there, along with CCCHFA staff and fishermen to talk about the past, present and future of fishing in Chatham.

Admission is free, but people will pay for food and drink, with a portion of the proceeds going to CCCHFA, which is a non-profit organization.

A spooktacularly fun family event! Join us for piles of pumpkins, gads of ghosts, and barrels of bats! Ghost stories, games, crafts, face painting, treats and tricks are all activities going on at the Atwood House Museum. Costumes are encouraged.

The season begins!

Opening reception and awards:  Sunday, November 4, 4-5:30 pm

The Great Blackout darkened Chatham in 1965. – Debra Lawless – Chatham 2nd WW to Aquarius

10,000 year old Great Rock is memorialized. -Marcia Monbleau – Home Song

The high seas were (and still are) a rough place! In the 19th century, the captain of a ship had a great many responsibilities, including substituting for a medical professional when there wasn’t one aboard. Join archivist Mary Ann Gray to hear fascinating facts of the duties of a ship’s captain from the 1700’s to 1800’s. Admission free, donations welcome.

School children march through Main Street celebrating the end of WWI in 1918. Debra Lawless – Chatham in the Jazz Age

Pick-up:  Monday, December 10, 9 am-12 noon

Our gift shop is no exception for Black Friday sales! The day after Thanksgiving, the Atwood House gift shop will be open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm for guests to shop for beautiful and charming items. Our gift shop is the perfect place to buy unique gifts for holiday presents! We offer a wide array of items from books, jewelry, toys, to home décor. To make our sale even more festive, refreshments and holiday music will be offered.

Local Tony Award winning actress, Julie Harris, celebrates her birthday. Happy Birthday, Julie!

Title: The Starlight Ball- a community dinner and dance
Location: tbd
Link out: Click here
Date: 2012-12-02

Description: Santa’s Fish Pier Arrival & Christmas Concert with the Chatham Town Band

Description: Holiday Stroll- a town wide shopping extravaganza

Painter, illustrator, writer and teacher, Harold Dunbar was born in 1882, in Brockton, MA, lived in Chatham and died in 1953.

Join us in celebrating the holidays ‘Atwood House-style.’ Hot mulled cider and baked goods, caroling, Christmas tree lighting, crafts, pictures with Mrs. Claus, and gift shop sales highlight some of the activities planned for festivities. The Hearthwarming is an open-house event, so admission to the museum is free!

Celebrating Our Gift to Chatham

Find your way here …..a look into our fourth century

Following the lead of First Night Chatham a celebration is planned to focus on the conclusion of our 300 day-long celebration. While many of the usual events will be planned, there will be additional efforts to commemorate our history and recognize and look forward to our fourth century as a town and the mystery of Chatham’s next exciting chapter.

Events in the planning stages include:

• Fireworks
• Noise Parade
• A Town Photo
• Costumed Road Race (Carnival Caper)
• Concerts, dance, poetry, visual arts, childrens programming
• Food vendors

This will conclude our 300 Day celebration so look forward to special Grande Finale honoring our theme – Find your Way here…!!

Lead Organization: First Night Chatham