Brewster Historical Society

What Brewster Historical Society does

The Brewster Historical Society (BHS) is a privately funded Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1964 in Brewster, Massachusetts, that collects, preserves, and presents the artifacts and history of Brewster on Cape Cod. It operates two primary physical sites: the Cobb House Museum at 739 Lower Road (the restored c.1799 Captain Elijah Cobb House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with five permanent galleries, an extensive documents research area, and a vintage woodworking shop, open Thursday-Saturday in season) and Windmill Village at 51 Drummer Boy Road (housing the c.1795 Higgins-Farm Windmill, the c.1867 Hopkins Blacksmith Shop, and the c.1795 Harris-Black House, open Friday-Sunday in season with year-round public grounds). The society also maintains a digital collections catalog, a YouTube video library of oral histories and exhibits, an 'In the Attic' blog, online exhibits, and an online membership/donation portal.

The society serves a broad stakeholder base spanning heritage tourists visiting Cape Cod, Brewster residents and part-time residents, local students (via the Brewster Memorial Scholarship Fund established in 1971 in memory of Walter 'Skip' Daley, and a Kids at the Museum Poster Contest), antique dealers and collectors, and donors at nine membership tiers ranging from $15 Student to $2,000 Captain's Circle. Its revenue model combines recurring membership subscriptions, per-unit tour and workshop fees (Ancient Burial Ground Tour $12-$15, Grave Situation Cemetery Tour $15-$18, Woodturning Workshops $100-$125 for four sessions capped at six participants), donations and planned giving, the 53rd annual Antiques Fair (over 40 exhibitors, $5-$6 admission), gift shop sales, and event sponsorship from 20+ Business Partners including Cape Cod 5 Bank and Agway of Cape Cod.

Go-to-market is community-led: acquisition runs through local partnerships (Brewster Ladies Library, Drummer Boy Park, Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program), social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), email newsletters via Constant Contact, local press, and word-of-mouth. The organization is governed by a Board of Officers and Directors (President Sally Gunning, Vice President Joann Moran, Treasurer Steve Jones, five additional directors) with a lean paid staff (Museum Director Tamsen Martin-Cornell, Archivist Teresa Lamperti, Curator Mitzi Daley) supplemented by volunteers. No technology platform, AI capability, venture funding, parent company, or subsidiary relationships are indicated.

Name

Brewster Historical Society

Legal name

Brewster Historical Society

Website

https://brewsterhistoricalsociety.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Brewster Historical Society is a privately funded 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1964 that preserves and presents Brewster, Massachusetts history through the Cobb House Museum, Windmill Village, tours, exhibits, workshops, and a scholarship fund, serving residents, Cape Cod tourists, local students, and donors via community-led engagement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heritage Museum and Historical Society Services

NAICS

Historical Sites (71212), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Historical Sites (712120)

akta.pro primary industry

Iconic Architecture & Signature Buildings (Cathedrals, Palaces, Castles) (THAJACAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

City Squares, Old Towns & Landmark Districts (THAJACAJ)

Keywords

• Historical society museum
• Local heritage preservation
• Guided history tours
• Educational history workshops
• Antiques fair events

Headquarters

HQ city

Brewster

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $15 (Student) to $2,000 (Captain's Circle), providing free Cobb House admission, 10% discount on books, and discounted tour tickets to members.
2. Museum Admission and Tours: Revenue from guided tours including Ancient Burial Ground Tours ($12-$15 per person), Grave Situation Cemetery Tours ($15-$18 per person), and Historic Main Street Walking Tours. Cobb House Museum and Windmill Village admission, some free and some with guided tour fees.
3. Donations and Fundraising: The Society is privately funded through generous donations and fundraising efforts. Accepts general donations, planned giving, and memorial scholarship donations.
4. Educational Programs and Workshops: Revenue from hands-on educational workshops including Woodturning Workshops ($100 members, $125 non-members per 4-session course).
5. Antiques Fair Fundraiser: Annual outdoor Antiques Fair featuring over 40 exhibitors, admission fees ($6 regular, $5 with coupon), vendor fees, and sponsorship revenue. Rain date event held at Drummer Boy Park.
6. Gift Shop Sales: Museum gift shop selling books, souvenirs, and historical merchandise at the Cobb House Museum location.
7. Scholarship Fund: Brewster Memorial Scholarship Fund established in 1971 in memory of Walter 'Skip' Daley, providing continuing education scholarships to Brewster residents. Managed by BHS with selection committee of educators and guidance counselors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Brewster Historical Society operates the Cobb House Museum (c.1799 Captain Elijah Cobb House) and Windmill Village, restoring and maintaining four historic buildings open to the public in Brewster, Massachusetts. The Society sells individual/household memberships, ticketed guided tours (Ancient Burial Ground, Grave Situation Cemetery, Historic Main Street Walking), woodturning workshops, annual Antiques Fair admission, museum gift shop merchandise, and scholarship fundraising, supported by donations, sponsorships, and a network of local business partners.

Product overview

The Brewster Historical Society operates a non-profit museum and historical site network offering in-person and virtual historical experiences. The core portfolio includes the Cobb House Museum (1799 Captain Elijah Cobb House) at 739 Lower Road and Windmill Village at 51 Drummer Boy Road featuring three historic structures (Higgins Farm Windmill, Hopkins Blacksmith Shop, and Harris-Black House). Supporting offerings include rotating exhibit galleries, guided historical walking tours, an online video library on YouTube, woodturning workshops, an annual Antiques Fair, online collections research access, a scholarship fund, and the In the Attic blog. The society functions as a Section 501(c)(3) privately funded nonprofit established in 1964.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cobb House Museum The 1799 Captain Elijah Cobb House Museum at 739 Lower Road serves as the main museum headquarters, featuring five permanent galleries, an extensive documents research area, and a vintage woodworking shop. Open Thursday through Saturday, 1-4 PM during season, with free admission for members and EBT/WIC cardholders.
• Windmill Village Historic site at 51 Drummer Boy Road featuring the c.1795 Higgins Farm Windmill, c.1795 Harris-Black House, and c.1867 Hopkins Blacksmith Shop with a rare working wood forge. Open Friday through Sunday, 12-3 PM during season; grounds open year-round for strolling.
• Guided Historical Tours Ticketed historical walking tours led by knowledgeable BHS guides, including Ancient Burial Ground Tours ($12 member / $15 non-member / $10 children 8-12; 50-60 minutes), Grave Situation Cemetery Walking Tours ($15 member / $18 non-member; 75 minutes), and Historic Main Street Walking Tours. Tickets are limited, reservations required, non-refundable.
• Woodturning Workshops Hands-on woodturning workshops at the Cobb Museum teaching traditional and contemporary lathe techniques. Four-week sessions cover bowl turning, spindle turning, and tool sharpening; limited to 6 participants per session. Pricing $100 members / $125 non-members per 4-session course.
• Annual Antiques Fair 53rd annual outdoor antiques fair at Drummer Boy Park featuring over 40 exhibitors, antique and classic car/truck show, working blacksmith shop demonstrations, and historic house/windmill tours. Admission $6 regular / $5 with coupon; vendor fees and sponsorship revenue support BHS.
• Annual Membership Program Annual membership subscriptions in nine tiers from Student ($15) through Individual ($30), Family ($50), Supporter ($100), Business Partner ($125), Patron ($250), Benefactor ($500), Sustaining ($1,000) to Captain's Circle ($2,000). Membership year runs May 1 to April 30. Benefits include free Cobb House admission, 10% discount on books, and discounted tour tickets.
• Museum Gift Shop On-site museum gift shop at Cobb House Museum selling books, souvenirs, and historical merchandise related to Brewster's history, sea captain heritage, and exhibits. Members receive 10% discount on books.
• Brewster Memorial Scholarship Fund Continuing education scholarship fund for Brewster residents who have completed one year of post-secondary education. Awards are based on need and merit, with selection made by a committee of educators and guidance counselors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Maintains 4 restored historic buildings open to the public seasonally
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mass Cultural CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Brewster Historical Society participates in the Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program, collaborating with the Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, and Massachusetts Health Connector. This program provides free admission to EBT, WIC, SunBucks, and ConnectorCare cardholders.
• Brewster Ladies LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for BHS presentations and talks including 'Painting the Revolution', Annual Meeting, and other educational programs. Located at 1822 Main Street, Brewster.
• Brewster Ace HardwareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Partner of Brewster Historical Society, part of network of 20+ local businesses supporting the organization.
• Agway of Cape CodcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor of Brewster Historical Society Antiques Fair and Business Partner of the organization.
• Brewster Book StoreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Partner of Brewster Historical Society, providing sponsorship and support for programs including Kids at the Museum Poster Contest.
• Cape Cod 5 BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Partner of Brewster Historical Society, supporting the organization's preservation efforts.
• The Alley Bowling + BBQminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Sponsor of Antiques Fair and Business Partner of the society.
• Captain Freeman Inn BrewsterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Sponsor of Antiques Fair and Business Partner supporting BHS events.
• Drummer Boy ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdjacent property to Windmill Village, provided land for windmill relocation and continues to host BHS historic buildings. Location of annual Antiques Fair.
• Brewster Association of Part-Time ResidentsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Partner connecting seasonal residents with BHS programs and events.
• Brewster Village MarketplaceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor of Antiques Fair and Business Partner of the society.
• Stony Brook Grist MillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrewster historical partner organization; Stony Brook Grist Mill featured at BHS Annual Meeting event.
• Atwood Museum and Chatham Historical SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organizations for joint presentation on Joseph C. Lincoln by Frederick Monthei, Follins Pond Films.
• The Wall That Heals Yarmouth 2026minorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Letters from the Front exhibit promotes The Wall That Heals event September 17-20, 2026, honoring Cape and Islands Vietnam veterans.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Stony Brook Grist Mill: Brewster-located historic mill operated as a heritage attraction and cited as a BHS partner organization; shares the same town and seasonal tourist flow.
• Eastham Historical Society: Outer Cape Cod historical society operating the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum; comparable small-town, single-season, donation-dependent nonprofit model.
• Harwich Historical Society: Adjoining Cape Cod town operating historic houses and museums with the same nonprofit model, membership tiers, and seasonal Cape Cod tourism base.
• Chatham Historical Society: Operates the Atwood Museum and other historic sites in a neighboring Cape Cod town; cited as a direct programming partner in BHS data, making it the closest peer by both geography and operating model.
• Dennis Historical Society: Cape Cod historical society operating the Josiah Dennis Manse and West Schoolhouses; comparable scale, structure, and dependence on Cape Cod heritage tourism.
• Orleans Historical Society: Neighboring Lower Cape historical society operating the Meeting House Museum and Snow Library; mirrors BHS's community-led nonprofit structure and seasonal operating model.

Broad incumbents

• Heritage Museums & Gardens: Sandwich, MA-based large-scale heritage attraction with rotating exhibits, gardens, and Auto Gallery; competing for the same Cape Cod visitor day-trip but at a much larger institutional scale.
• Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum: Larger Cape Cod heritage attraction drawing similar visitors for American history programming; a broader incumbent in the same regional tourism pool.

Emerging players

• New England Historic Genealogical Society: Boston-based genealogy and historic-archives organization with overlapping archival and research mission; less geographically concentrated but comparable in collections/research focus.

Regional players

• Cape Cod Museum of Natural History: Regional museum in Brewster itself offering nature-based programming; competes for local school field trips and family visits but with a different subject focus.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCU7R1P7ECdm-k36IhQ1iZOA
• Facebookfacebook.com/BrewsterHistoricalSociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/brewster-historical-society/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagraminstagram.com/brewsterhistoricalsociety/?hl=en
• Xx.com/BrewsterSociety

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Brewster Historical Society