The W.B. Nickerson Cape Cod History Archives, located on the bottom level of the Wilkens Library, contains many primary source materials related to the history of the Cape Cod region. These materials are available to all researchers, but do not circulate.
The Hyannis Junior Women's Club was organized in 1948. In the Nickerson Archives you can view their organizational materials, including constitution and bylaws, membership lists, scrapbooks containing club's newsletters, programs, newspaper clippings, photographs, and more.
Consists of the original volume of the Domestic Science Department of the Hyannis Woman's Club (1908-1914) which contains organizational materials, meeting minutes, membership lists, entertainment programs, and activity schedules.
The Sources in U.S. History collections provide access to primary documents from the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the period of slavery of America. You can access them off campus with your library barcode.
The Hyannis State Normal School opened on September 9, 1897 with thirty-two students. The number of students increased to forty (nine men and thirty-one women) over the next three months. All but two were from Barnstable County.
The two-year course work included classes in psychology, history of education, pedagogy, school organization, school government, and school laws of Massachusetts. In addition, students learned methods of teaching English, mathematics, science, and “expression” (drawing, vocal music, physical training).
Even though the school enjoyed an excellent reputation across the state and nation, it nearly closed in 1932 and again in 1939 due to funding issues and declining enrollment. The outbreak of the Second World War quickened the drop in enrollment. In 1942 the Massachusetts Maritime Academy was allowed to share facilities with the college. And in 1944, the school was permanently closed.
The W. B. Nickerson Cape Cod History Archives preserves the history of the Hyannis Normal School and holds many of its original records and photographs. Visitors may view the yearbooks, course catalogs, scrapbooks, faculty publications, and other materials in the our reading room. A portion of these materials can also be seen at this online exhibit, created in cooperation with Bridgewater State University.
Narratives of the Lives of Pious Indian Women, Who Lived on Martha's Vineyard by Reverend Experience Mayhew, Preacher to the Indians of Martha's Vineyard, One Hundred Years Since. (1830).
Records of the Colony of New Plymouth in New England. Includes vital records, court orders, laws and regulations, etc. dated between 1633 and 1691. (Published 1861).
Diary of Ruth Anna Hatch. Daily entries made by 16 year old girl living in Falmouth in 1881. (Published in 1992).
Local almanacs, directories, magazines, guidebooks, and more.
