Mission Statement

To preserve, promote and present the history of
Dennis, Massachusetts

Objectives of the Society

The Dennis Historical Society, Inc. is an educational organization established to stimulate an interest in local history, to promote scholarly effort, to foster the continued collection and preservation of historical data and material, and to cooperate with individuals and other organizations having similar interest.

About the Society

The Dennis Historical Society was formed in 1963 to accept gifts of Dennis-related artifacts for use in the Jericho Historical Center which had been presented to the town in 1962. Their scope increased in 1967 when the town purchased the Josiah Dennis Manse, home of the first settled minister of the town.

In 2002 restoration of the 1867 West Dennis Graded School was completed. A preservation restriction agreement was entered into between the Town of Dennis and the Massachusetts Historical Commission to ensure both the architectural and historic integrity of the school house. The top floor of the building has been set aside as a museum. One room is set up as a late 1800s school room available for use by today's teachers, if they wish to do so. The other room will house the DHS 20th Century collection.

DHS maintains a library at the Josiah Dennis Manse Museum that focuses on Dennis history and genealogy. They also sponsor programs of historical interest for their members and the general public. They interact with other Cape Cod historical organizations through the Cape and Islands Historical Association.

Benefits of Membership

• Monthly DHS Newsletter
• Free admission to the museums
• Discount of 10% at the museum gift shops
• Library privileges
• Free admission to DHS programs
• Invitation to special members receptions

Join us today!  Printable Membership Form