A virtual tour of the current 2020-2021 exhibition at the CHO (The Centers for History and Culture in Orleans), formerly the Orleans Historical Society at the Meetinghouse in Orleans, MA. This exhibition has been organized to honor the Native Americans, the first European settlers, the founding families and the early settlements of the Outer Cape in the 1600s. It continues the Pilgrim story of migration from Plymouth to Outer Cape Cod, then called “Nawsett” (today’s Nauset), and describes the lives of the first generations of families that settled here. Our presentation begins with the region’s Native American tribes and their initial encounters--peaceful and not--with early European explorers and then the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. Next we recount the expeditions launched from Plymouth to Nauset to find more fertile land to expand and sustain the colony. Finding that the Outer Cape offered better prospects, at least for some, the Plymouth Colony Court in 1644 gave land grants to each of seven families to settle the area that today includes parts of Orleans and Wellfleet, and all of Eastham. We explore the backgrounds of these founding families, and the imprint their first and second generations left on our history. In our final section, the everyday lives of the founding families are recounted, including their homes, clothing, diet and customs. Some practices will seem strange to us today, while others (such as children’s games) will sound quite familiar. Until we can re-open the Meetinghouse Museum under state COVID-19 guidelines, this virtual tour of the exhibition will be presented to you in this 400th anniversary year of the Pilgrims’ landing in Provincetown and then Plymouth. Please come back and see us, and bring your other family members and friends, to fully experience the exhibition and displays in person.

The US Coast Guard motor lifeboat CG36500 became famous for the rescue of 32 crew members of the tanker PENDLETON that broke apart during a storm off Cape Cod in February 1952. The boat was itself rescued and restored in 1980-81 by volunteers from the Orleans Historical Society (now known as the Centers for Culture and History in Orleans). In this video the CG36500's Operations Manager and Coxswain, Richard G. Ryder, gives a detailed tour of this historic lifeboat, describing its rugged construction and features and showing how it operates. Mr. Ryder also provides insights about the boat's unique place in maritime history. Additional information about the CG36500 can be found at https://www.CHOcenters.org

Concert held at Orleans Historical Society Meetinghouse, October 13, 2013. Town Cove Chamber Players featuring Deborah Geithner on piano, Monika Woods (clarinet), Kwon Faith (violin), and Lisa Gross (cello).

Fred Dunford archeologist describes the Native American population in the Orleans area before the Europeans arrived. He is also shown with a newly discovered site in East Orleans where he conducted a major excavation.

Lecture-recital on Albéniz’s most famous work for piano, with pianist Pola Baytelman and musicologist Walter Clark. Pianist Pola Baytelman was scheduled to perform a piano recital at the Meetinghouse of the Centers for Culture and History in Orleans, MA. Unfortunately the corona virus prevented the concert from taking place. However, in 2014, Ms. Baytelman gave a lecture-recital on perhaps the most famous work of the Spanish composer Isaac Albeniz, "Iberia". She has since then, made the contents of that program into a DV which she has offered to share with us.

Jim Turner was completely blind by the age of five. He was often seen walking around town with his guide dog. He was able to walk regularly from the Rock Harbor Apartments where he lived to the Yardarm Tavern and back again.

Todd Owens was famous around Orleans for his legendary energy well past 100 years old. Shingling his house, and even operating his chain saw. Mr. Owens maintained a driver's license well after reaching 100 years old!

Malcolm Hobbs was the legendary publisher of the Cape Codder newspaper. He purchased the original paper in the early 1950's and made it what it is today.

David "Doc" Gessford is literally the father of tennis in Orleans. He gave lessons for many years, was the high school tennis coach and founded the numerous tournaments around town.