Welcome to the Coast Guard Heritage Museum
Phone: 508-362-8521
Welcome to the Coast Guard Heritage Museum
Phone: 508-362-8521
we are now OPEN for the SEASON!
Please come and join us as we celebrate our 20th straight season open!
Change your course and head full speed to the Museum and beat the crowds!
Come see our continued exhibit on "Coast Guard Arts and Entertainment" as well as browse our new collection of over 4,000 unit patches! See if you or your friends and relative's patches are represented?
About Us
Who we are...
The Coast Guard Heritage Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Our mission is to tell the Coast Guard story and celebrate maritime history through the collection and preservation of historic artifacts, the use of compelling educational exhibits, and offering public events and programs, both on and off site, that will attract a diverse audience anxious to learn more about the Coast Guard and local maritime history.
We are one of only two free-standing museums in the country dedicated to celebrating U.S. Coast Guard history. It is very appropriate that we occupy the 1856 U.S. Customs House in Barnstable. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the birth place of the Coast Guard and both Customs and Coast Guard have 18th century origins under the Treasury Department. Both organizations have worked closely since that time. The service’s legacy on the Cape is very deep and rich. It has protected our shores and harbors, rescued thousands of distressed seamen, saved cargo worth millions of dollars, interdicted illegal drugs, promoted vessel safety, and enforced environmental, fisheries and maritime laws. In short, the Coast Guard has performed and continues to perform critical missions that protect our national interests, promote economic prosperity, and ensure public safety.
With over 2700 square feet of display space, we have exhibits filled with historic artifacts, models and stories that celebrate that history. Your admission includes use of a handheld audio tour system, if desired.
Where we are located...
The Coast Guard Heritage Museum is located in the historic old Customs House at the corner of Main Street and Millway in Barnstable Village on Cape Cod, MA. Built in 1855 to a design by Ammi Young, it was used as a custom house and post office until 1913, continuing to house the post office and other offices until 1958. It was converted into a museum in 1960, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
We are CLOSED for the season.
Starting next May 0ur hours through Memorial Day Weekend will be Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
From Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day Weekend we will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
From Columbus Day Weekend through Veteran's Day we will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Hours open: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Check out our Facebook page!
General Donation
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization staffed and operated almost exclusively by volunteers. Our operating funds come solely from our small admission fees, memberships and donations, so any amount would be greatly appreciated. Always check with your tax professionals, but in most cases, donations to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations are tax deductible.
Note: If you would like to make a donation "in memory of", please also contact us via email to specify the person's name.
Membership REnewal
If you are a current Museum Member, please use the button below to renew your membership. Once payment is received we will send you an updated Membership Card.
If you are not currently a member, but would like to be, please navigate to the New Memberships page.
Massachusetts State house Mural Fund Donation
This special fund is seperate from the Museum's regular operating budget and is solely dedicated to commission and permanently install a large (~ 80 square feet) mural/painting in the public space just outside the Hall of Flags in the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill in Boston. This painting will commemorate the Commonwealth as the 18th century birthplace of the United States Coast Guard and complement the existing paintings celebrating the other U.S. armed forces. The painting depicted here is only a proposed example submitted by artist William Davis. Always check with your tax professionals, but in most cases, donations to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations are tax deductible.
Our Partners
