Ron PetersenLecturer & writer on Cape history. Chair, Orleans Historical Commission. Served on numerous town committees and non-profit boards.
Two Classes
1:30 – 3:00
November 12 & 19
For a tiny seaside community, Orleans has an extremely rich and varied history. This course begins in 1797, when the town was officially incorporated by an act of the Massachusetts legislature signed by Governor Samuel Adams. We’ll examine snapshots of key people and events that made Orleans the vibrant community it is now. Attacks by foreign powers during our nation’s wars, the evolving economic landscape, the coming of the railroads, early efforts to preserve our ecology, and much more are included in this whirlwind tour of our incredible town.