Explore the story of famed Harwich bird carver Anthony Elmer Crowell at the opening of his newly reconstructed workshop/barn during an open house at Brooks Academy Museum. 

 The new Crowell barn museum depicts Crowell’s life and work through   audiovisual and photographic displays, tools, and bird-carving demonstrations.  Sponsored by the Town of Harwich, the project was funded by a grant from Community Preservation Funds.  Reconstruction was done by David Ottinger Antique Buildings.    

Also opening for the season, Brooks Academy Museum offers two new exhibits, looking at Harwich during the “Gilded Age” and the end of World War II. “Between the Wars: Challenge and Change” chronicles Harwich’s difficult transition from a maritime based economy against a backdrop of sweeping transformation in America.  Fashion, technology, education, tourism, and immigration are explored through photographs, art, artifacts, clothes, and audio presentations.    The exhibit “Harwich Remembers World War II” I an audiovisual presentation, focusing on the stories of residents in uniform and on the home front, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of the war.

Also on exhibit are the popular railroad display featuring a working 17’x20 foot working model layout of the Lower Cape; the Cape’s most extensive cranberry culture display; maritime commerce; and World War I. 

 Opening day festivities also feature music by the Harwich Town Band and refreshments.