The Sandwich Town Archives are accessible by appointment for researchers and community members interested in exploring the history of Sandwich and its residents. Our collections include a wide range of primary source materials, such as:
- Subject Files: The archives maintains vertical files containing newspaper and magazine clippings, pamphlets, brochures, and other ephemera related to people, places, and events in Sandwich and the surrounding communities. These files offer valuable historical context and background information on a variety of topics. While they are not exhaustive for any particular subject, they serve as an excellent starting point for research!
(View Online) - Family Files: Copies of diaries, letters, and family papers, including collections from prominent local families such as the Freeman, Hoxie, Dexter, Nye, Swift, and Wing families.
(View Online) - Manuscript Collections: A variety of personal papers, family papers, and organizational records.
(View Online) - Photographs: A varied collection of local Sandwich and Cape Cod photographs, dating from 1875.
(View Online) - Asset Files: Historic Resource Survey Files from the Sandwich Historical Commission documenting the history of significant local homes and structures. Many of which are available online through the MACRIS database.
(View Online) - Yearbooks: Sandwich High School yearbooks from 1964 to 2022.
(View Online) - Maps: Historical maps and occasional architectural blueprints of Sandwich.
Make an Appointment:
The Sandwich Town Archives is open year-round Tuesdays - Fridays. To make an appointment to access materials, you may email your request to the Archivist, Jen Ratliff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
→ We strongly suggest contacting the Archivist prior to your visit, so that we can better serve you by having materials and staff available for your arrival.
Donate Materials:
The Sandwich Town Archives continues to collect materials that pertain to Sandwich and its people, past and present. Anyone wishing to donate records from individuals, organizations, and businesses can contact the Archivist, Jen Ratliff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
→ Materials should not be delivered to the Archives without prior written approval from the Archivist.
Support the Sandwich Town Archives:
Friends of the Sandwich Town Archives (FOSTA) is a dedicated, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting and promoting the archives' collections and the rich, diverse history of the town of Sandwich.
FOSTA plays a vital role in supporting the Sandwich Town Archives by providing funding and resources for its continued operation. This support helps ensure the preservation of historic documents, books, and photographs, while also promoting public access for research and educational purposes.
