Exhibits
Heritage Museums & Gardens celebrates American art and history in four buildings offering both seasonal exhibitions and exhibitions of the museum's permanent collections.
The J.K. Lilly III Antique Automobile Museum showcases the museum's extensive collection of American antique automobiles.
The American History Museum has galleries for seasonal exhibitions as well as exhibits featuring American military miniatures and firearms, and the bird carvings of Elmer and Cleon Crowell.
The Art Museum features the museum's hand carved carousel, as well as a seasonal exhibition space and the Folk Art Gallery.
The Old East Windmill was moved to the property from Orleans, Massachusetts and is open on selected days.
Seasonal Exhibits
The Art of A. Elmer and Cleon Crowell
A Bird in the Hand:The Carvings of Elmer and Cleon Crowell
Heritage Museums & Gardens is pleased to present its second exhibit in the newly renovated American History Museum. A Bird in the Hand: The Carvings of Elmer and Cleon Crowell highlights the museum’s large collection of Crowell bird carvings.
As a boy in East Harwich, Elmer Crowell was interested in birds, hunting and art. He began his career by making a few carvings for friends and eventually began to carve full-time. He opened his workshop just as tourists were beginning to come to the Cape and many bought his carvings as souvenirs. It wasn’t long before he and his son Cleon were working in a factory-type way to keep up with all the orders.
Along the way, Elmer Crowell carved some of the best bird carvings ever made. His work is highly regarded not only for the quality of the carving but also the fine painting. Heritage is fortunate to care for hundreds of carvings, as well as the materials the Crowells used to create their masterpieces including paper patterns, source materials, and tools. The exhibit includes many fine examples of carvings, as well as a replica of his workshop. An activity center for children is also included where they can dress as a birdwatcher, scout for particular birds in the exhibit, hear bird calls and more.