Welcome to Historical Sandwich!

Downtown Walking Tours 

Hello, and welcome to the Self-Guided Historical Walking Tours! These five tours were created by two seniors and Rho Kappa History Honor Society members at Sandwich-Middle High School, Hannah Pearce and Lily Guarino, in partnership with the Sandwich Public Library. Based on real people from Sandwich in the 1860s, the tours follow a teacher, an apothecary, a soldier, a stay-at-home mother, and a glassmaker during the time of the Civil War. Each tour starts and ends at the library, and can be followed digitally on this website (QR codes available inside). For a more immersive experience, audio is available for each tour as well. 

Inspiration Behind The Tours

The inspiration for these tours stems from a unique opportunity given to Hannah and Lily by their former Rho Kappa History Honor Society advisor, Mrs. Diana Evans-Green. Now serving as the advisor for their Independent Study, she has played a pivotal role in guiding them through the creative and scholarly process of bringing local history to life. Over the course of the school year, the two students have meticulously researched, written, and refined historical narratives intended not just to inform, but to immerse participants in the lived experiences of the past. Their goal was to create tours that are both educational and emotionally fufilling.

“We wanted to tell stories that people might not have heard before,” added Hannah. “Stories that make history feel personal and real.”

With Mrs. Evans-Green's mentorship, Hannah and Lily transformed what could have been a standard research project into an interactive and meaningful journey—one that connects their community to the rich and often overlooked layers of its own history.

About the Sandwich Public Library

The Sandwich Public Library, nestled at 142 Main Street in the heart of Sandwich, Massachusetts, stands as a testament to the town's enduring commitment to knowledge and community. Established in August 1891, the library began as the Free Public Library of Sandwich, reflecting the town's dedication to accessible education and cultural enrichment . The current building, constructed in 1910 and subsequently renovated in the 1960s and 1980s, marries historical charm with modern functionality.

Beyond its architectural significance, the library serves as a vibrant community hub, offering a myriad of services including public computer workstations, free Wi-Fi, printing and scanning facilities, and a diverse array of programs for all ages . It also houses the Sandwich Town Archives, a rich repository of the town's historical and genealogical records, accessible by appointment for researchers and history enthusiasts. As a member of the Old Colony Library Network, the Sandwich Public Library exemplifies the town's blend of historical preservation and forward-thinking community service.