Explore Harwich as it was during the Civil War on this guided walking tour.  Civil War reenactor Brenda Collins will take visitors on trip back in time to relive one of America’s greatest conflicts as it was experienced by residents of Harwich.    

 Sponsored by the Harwich Historical Society, the one-hour tour begins at historic Brooks Academy Museum, a former school dating to 1844, many of whose students enlisted to fight in the war.  Headmaster Sidney Brooks served as the district recruiting officer.  The tour includes stops along Parallel and Main Streets, including the First Congregational Church and cemetery, where several Civil War soldiers are buried.  A town of about 3300 residents in 1861, Harwich sent around 340 soldiers to fight in the bloody four-year conflict.  

 After the tour, visitors are invited to explore museum exhibits, which feature Harwich during the Gilded Age, memories of World War II, cranberry culture, railroad, maritime, and World War I displays.    Also open is the Elmer Crowell Barn, housing the workshop of Harwich’s world famous bird carver.