Book Discussion: "On a Visit to Provincetown: Hand-Colored Lantern Slide Views 1910–1930 by Harry C. Whorf"

Thursday, November 20, 4:00–5:00 PM with Audience Q&A

Join author Amy Whorf McGuiggan for a discussion of her new book featuring the vivid, hand-colored lantern slide views of Provincetown (1910–1930) by illustrator and photographer Harry C. Whorf. Once presented to Boston audiences by Sarah “Sadie” Whorf, these Impressionistic slides—now newly digitized—capture the color, history, and seaside spirit of old Provincetown.

Amy Whorf McGuiggan can trace her Provincetown roots to 1760 when her 5th great-grandfather, John Whorf, was born. She spent idyllic childhood summers in Provincetown's West End and her first book was a memoir of those summers, My Provincetown: Memories of a Cape Cod Childhood. Much of her professional research has focused on Provincetown's multi-layered history, from curating a whaling exhibit at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum and an exhibition of the work of artist Albert Edel for the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, to researching and writing the text for a booklet about Provincetown's historic cemeteries and memorials. From that project, the Revolutionary War service of eight Provincetown men was verified by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Their graves in the Winthrop Street Cemetery have been respectfully marked. Her interest in and research about the Outer Cape cemeteries has continued with a monthly column, Graveyard Shift, for the Provincetown Independent.

Her other books include Take Me Out to the Ball Game: The Story of the Sensational Baseball Song; Christmas in New England; and her most recent, Finding Emma: My Search for the Family My Grandfather Never Knew, a genealogical journey to learn more about her maternal grandfather. She has contributed to the Vita Brevis blog of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and to the newsletter of the Massachusetts Mayflower Society.

The granddaughter of noted watercolorist John Whorf, she previously prepared a monograph, John Whorf Rediscovered, about the artist and is now delighted to be able to share her great-grandparents' lantern slide views of Provincetown.

Presented in conjunction with

Recent Acquisitions: The Sigmund M. and Mary B. Hyman Collection

August 14 - December 14, 2025

Exhibition Supported by

Bob & Cathey Portrie

Cape Cod 5 Foundation

Cancellation Policy: A one-week advance cancellation notice is required in order to receive a refund.