Pondering unsolved mysteries or questioning true or false stories behind a wide range of artifacts, paintings, photographs, and curiosities, visitors will learn the remarkable truths and legends uncovered by these singular treasures preserved by each participating organization.

 “Mysteries & Revelations” was organized by Cape Cod Museum of Art Director Edith (Deede) Tonelli and Guest Curator Amanda Wastrom in response to the theme for New England Museum Association’s Conference this year:  “Truth & Trust: Museums in a Polarized Society.”  The Conference takes place in Falmouth from October 24 – 27.  (For more…NEMA Conference 2017)

“How do we get to the truth?” asks Tonelli.  “This exhibit shines a light on the work of Cape Cod museum professionals who are on the front lines of documenting and preserving our history.  Ultimately, we—our culture and our history—are defined by the stories that we preserve and share with our community.  We invite our community to enter this show with their own stories and add to our shared cultural identity.”

Some of the treasures that will be on display are:

A Mammoth Tooth from Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

A giant 12,000-year-old tooth discovered during excavation of the Cape Cod Canal uncovered truths hidden for millennia.  (Image attached)

A Family’s Decorative Hair Wreath (circa 1880) from Atwood House & Museum

This unique remembrance is believed to be created with strands of hair from members of a family.  The variety of hair highlights the exquisite details of this piece by creating shadows and depth to the floral designs.  (Image attached)

A Bronze Death Mask of Abraham Lincoln and Slave Shackles from Zion Union Heritage Museum 

These are stark reminders of a true history shared by the nation that is currently a major subject of discussion across the country.

A painting that belonged to PAAM that was stolen and found.

Gerritt Beneker’s painting Under a Wharf was one of the original five works donated to PAAM upon its founding in 1914. It was on loan to Town Hall and stolen in the 1988.  Documents show how it was discovered in 1999 in Tucson, AZ.    (Image attached)

CCMoA will be displaying work by Thomas Eastwood an artist whose work is in the museum’s collection but about whom little is known.  The Museum is asking for help from the community to discover facts about his life and work.

Tonelli will be one of the Keynote Panelists at the NEMA Conference in Falmouth on October 25, and will also moderate a discussion session about Mysteries & Revelations on October 26.  In addition, the participants in the conference are invited for a pre-conference tour to see the exhibit, the Cape Cinema and the Cape Playhouse.

Here is a list of 36 participating organizations from 13 Cape Cod towns including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket:
Artists Association of Nantucket

Atwood House & Museum

Barnstable Historical Society

Benjamin Nye Homestead & Museum

Brewster Historical Museum

Cahoon Museum of American Art

Caleb Nickerson Homestead

Cape Cod Military Museum

Cape Cod Museum of Art

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Centerville Historical Museum

Chatham Marconi Maritime Center

Coast Guard Heritage Museum

Eastham Windmill

Falmouth Museums on the Green

Falmouth Public Library

Heritage Museum & Gardens

Highfield Hall & Gardens

Historical Society of Old Yarmouth

Josiah Dennis Manse Museum

Martha's Vineyard Museum

Nantucket Historical Association

Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum

Orleans Historical Society

Pilgrim Monument & Museum

Provincetown Art Association & Museum

Sandwich Glass Museum

Sturgis Library

Thornton W. Burgess Society

Truro Historical Society

W.B. Nickerson Cape Cod Archives

Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum

Wing Fort

Woods Hole Historical Museum

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Archives

Zion Union Heritage Museum

Promotional sponsorship is provided by The Cape Cod Museum Trail brought to you by First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union.

About Cape Cod Museum of Art

Founded by artists in 198l, the Cape Cod Museum of Art preserves and celebrates the distinctive artistic heritage of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.  CCMoA is a major center of cultural growth and creativity that seeks to educate, inspire and excite the imagination of all through its outstanding art collection and diverse programming. Located in a beautiful setting surrounded by a sculpture garden, the museum has seven galleries, a museum shop and screening room. The museum is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod.

CCMoA is located at 60 Hope Lane, just off Route 6A, on the same campus as the Cape Cinema and the Cape Cod Playhouse in Dennis, MA. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 pm on Sunday.  It is open every ARTfull Thursday from 5 – 8 with no admission fee.  General Admission is $9, $7 for seniors and students 19+ with school ID, $5 for students 13 to 18, and free for children 12 & under. For more information, www.ccmoa.org or call (508) 385-4477 or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.