Established in 1976 by the Town of Provincetown, the Heritage Museum/Town Library is
housed in the former Methodist church, which was built in 1860 and is now a Registered
National Landmark. When structural renovations of this historic site were needed,
preservation and restoration to maintain the building’s original craftsmanship and
character were of primary importance. Working with the Town’s Department of Public Works
and using historic construction techniques, a new building foundation was designed, a new
roof was installed, and the exterior envelope of the structure was rehabilitated. In July
of 2007, the building’s 12-ton
belfry was completely restored and hoisted into place. The result is a facility that is a true memorial to Provincetown’s wide-ranging heritage as a whaling and fishing center and as America’s oldest summer art colony.
Photos by John Rope