Virtual Walking Tours
You can now experience local historian Bonnie Snow’s virtual walks by utilizing the interactive trail maps of historic main street walks. Learn about the fascinating lives of Orleans' early residents and the various eras of some of the architecture.
Tours: East Orleans, Main Street or Historical Sites
The VISION of the CHO (Orleans Historical Society) is to bring history and culture to life, thus inspiring a shared sense of community and pride in the rich heritage of Orleans.
70th Anniversary of Pendleton Rescue
On February 18, 1952, the crew of the CG36500 set out from Chatham Harbor (Massachusetts) to rescue crew members of the tanker S.S. Pendleton that had split in two during a ferocious winter storm. This night mission was extremely dangerous, even suicidal. Miraculously, the CG36500 returned to the Chatham Fish Pier with 32 survivors from the ship. To this day, it is considered “the greatest small-boat rescue in Coast Guard history.” Seventy years later, the CG36500 returned to the Fish Pier to participate in ceremonies honoring those involved in this disaster and historic rescue.