historic photo of steamship docking
historic postcard of whoi across eel pond
historic photo of setting up sails
Spritsail logo

Archives Available Year Round

Welcome to the Woods Hole Historical Museum

The Woods Hole Historical Museum (WHHM) was founded in 1974 as an adjunct to the Woods Hole Library “to establish and preserve a collection of objects and materials of cultural, historical, and artistic value.” Since then, the Museum has grown to a campus of several buildings housing exhibits, a boat workshop, and archival space. WHHM also publishes works of local and historical interest. The Museum is open to the public from mid-June to early October.

The Museum offers in-person, self-guided and virtual historic walking tours of Woods Hole village.

New Woods Hole Cookbook

Get your copies of the 2024 award-winning cookbook:
Woods Hole Cooks Something Up for the 21st Century: More Recipes From a Cape Cod Village.

  • 300 tantalizing recipes, from appetizers to main courses to desserts, incorporating local, regional and international flavors.
  • Reproductions of treasured photos and unique historical objects from the Museum’s archives, plus beautiful illustrations by local artists.
woods hole historical museum exhibits

Exhibits

In addition to the permanent and changing exhibits at the museum, the website also presents virtual exhibits.

Explore the Archives

Archives

Find historical information and photographs online, at our research library, or by contacting our archivist year-round.

WHHM Boat Shop

Community Boat Shop

The Museum’s Boat Shop is a place where boat enthusiasts of all ages gather to restore, build, and talk about boats.

woods hole historical museum gift shop

Gift Shop

Shop anytime day or night on our online store! You’ll find a variety of items ranging from books, clothing, glassware, bags, jewelry & more.

SIGN UP!

SARAH BRYANT FAY – a Brief Biographical Sketch

Sign up to receive occasional email updates from the Woods Hole Historical Museum.

SAVE THE DATES

The Museum is closed for the season.

Join and Support the Museum

The Woods Hole Historical Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing the area’s unique and colorful past. Your support – whether joining, donating or volunteering – helps further our mission.