Few towns in America can match the place held by Truro in the development of our nation. It was here where Captain Miles Standish and party stayed their second night ashore in a new strange land, where Native American corn was discovered and used by the Pilgrims for their survival, and where, in 1851, a population of over 2000 thrived by working the land and the sea. In order to pre- serve this heritage, and to share the knowledge of our history it can provide, the members and friends of the Truro Historical Society work to maintain this collection of artifacts, thereby commemorating the courage, patience and skills of our forebears.

The Highland House Museum was built in 1907 as a summer hotel to augment a complex of cottages for summer tourists, the Highland Resort, and was used as the dining facility for the whole complex, creating scenes of humorous pandemonium when the dinner bell rang. In the early 1900’s Highland House was THE place to stay on the lower Cape. Its advertisements proudly proclaim to have available 55 rooms and a one bath. Room and Board was $8.00 a week.

Truro Historical Society founder, Courtney Allen, was a prolific artist and Allen Room exhibit contains fine examples of his masterful wood carvings, paintings and models. The Courtney Allen Room and the Fishnet Industries Room contain exhibits not to be missed.