A Falmouth Letter to the Gold Rush

A Falmouth Letter to the Gold Rush

$ 10-20
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 • 4:00 PM—5:30 PM

About this event

Talks & Lectures Community

A Falmouth Letter to the Gold Rush—A detailed and poignant letter from the teenage son of Jabez Swift to his father at the California Gold Rush in summer 1849 reveals the hardships faced by families left behind by gold-seekers; included are remarks about an amusing local scandal. The full letter will be shared and illustrated for all who are interested in Falmouth local history in the mid-nineteenth century. September 24th, 4pm Tickets: $10 Museums on the Green members, $20 non-member, or donation-based ticket Presented in memory of John F. Swope (1938-2025), lifelong Falmouth summer resident and lover of history. Register Here   David S. Martin, Ph.D. bio: David S. Martin, Ph.D., is Professor/Dean Emeritus from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, the world’s only university for deaf students. Previously a teacher, school administrator, and curriculum developer, he holds a B.A. from Yale, an Ed.M. from Harvard, the Certificate of Advanced Study from Harvard, and a Ph.D. from Boston College. In retirement, he is President of the Marstons Mills (Cape Cod) Historical Society, Treasurer of the Yale Club of Cape Cod, and active in the leadership of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society. He teaches part-time in the Master’s Program in Critical and Creative Thinking at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He and his wife Susan reside in Marstons Mills.

About this calendar

Falmouth Historical Society

Beautiful 2 acre campus featuring two 18th-century houses, a 19th century barn, and Cultural Center. Tours, walks, events and rentals.