Museums at Aptucxet: Fall Hours and Tour Information
Come visit the Museums at Aptucxet, where history comes to life against the scenic backdrop of the Cape Cod Canal. Our summer hours offer an opportunity for you to explore the rich heritage of Bourne, MA.
Walk-in Hours:
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
During these times, walk-in tours are available for $6.00 per person, allowing you to experience the unique history of the Aptucxet Trading Post, Gray Gables Railroad Station, Joseph Jefferson Windmill and artisan-led gift shop.
Private Tours: For a more personalized experience, private tours can be arranged on an as-available basis. These tours are ideal for small groups and provide a deeper dive into our exhibits and historic sites. The cost for private tours is $60 for up to 6 people, with an additional charge of $10 per person beyond that. Private tours can be arranged on any days or times with sufficient notice.
To schedule a private tour, please email us at BourneHistoricalSociety@comcast.net or call (508) 759-8167.
Holiday Closure: Please note that our last day of regular operations will be Saturday, Octber 12, 2024.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Museums at Aptucxet this season
About the Museums at Aptucxet
The Museums at Aptucxet is a 12-acre campus on the banks of the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne, Massachusetts consisting of small historical buildings, historical replicas and outdoor installations that collectively tell the story of local history from the colonial era through the 20th century.
The main museum building is the Aptucxet Trading Post, a replica of the 17th century Pilgrim Trading Post built by Plymouth Colony in 1627 in this area to trade with the local Wampanoag people and travelling Dutch traders.
The property also features the 19th-century Gray Gables Railroad Station, which was built to serve President Grover Cleveland during his second term and now functions as a mini museum of Cleveland’s connection to the area.
The historic Joseph Jefferson Windmill was originally built as an art studio for the actor Joseph Jefferson at his summer home on Buttermilk bay and was relocated to the grounds of Aptucxet in 1976. It has recently served as an Art Gallery and studio for local artists to work and display their work.
An artisan-lead Gift Shop is housed in a historic information booth from mid 20th century Sagamore Village. The museum property also features a replica of a 19th-century saltworks, a replica of a 19th century coastal schooner and a work-in-progress 1/2 size model of the Schooner Sultana. A walk through the property will bring you by the Colonial Gardens, Three Sisters Garden and Wildflower Garden and recently added Hydrangea Gardens next to a 3 season open-air event pavilion.
The Museums at Aptucxet are open Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day Weekend.
- Days: Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Hours: 10am – 4pm
- Open by appointment for bus tours, private tours and school groups year round. Contact BourneHistoricalSociety@comcast.net or call 508-759-8167 for more information
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