Barnstable County — Then & Now
This April, we celebrate National County Government Month with the theme: Barnstable County: Then & Now.
Join us as we explore how Barnstable County has evolved over the centuries—from its historic role in the Revolutionary War to the modern-day services that support our communities.
Hear from Mary LeClair, former County Commissioner (1996–2008) and local history enthusiast, as she shares fascinating insights about our storied past. You might be surprised to learn about Barnstable County’s role in key moments of early American history. From Revolutionary War connections to pioneering wildfire control with our first airplane in 1954, the County’s story is both unique and fascinating. Watch the first video in her series below.
Explore the Life of Mercy Otis Warren through Art!
Download this free coloring book below featuring line drawings based on the original, copyrighted illustrations by Alexandra Wallner from Write On, Mercy by Gretchen Woelfle.
With technical assistance by Brian Kenney. Special thanks to Susan Whalley, who helped make this educational resource available to the public.
Not for sale. May be reproduced for educational purposes.
Please print in landscape format.
County Government in Action: Voices from Our Leadership
Later this month, hear from today’s County leadership—including our County Commissioners Chair and Vice Chair, as well as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of Delegates—as they explain how Barnstable County government functions today and how it supports the 15 towns on Cape Cod.
Barnstable County Through the Years: A Timeline Since 1685
Explore the key moments that have shaped Barnstable County since its founding in 1685—from colonial roots to regional leadership today.
Honoring the People of the First Light: Acknowledging Barnstable County’s Earliest Inhabitants
This month, we’re highlighting the history of local government in Barnstable County, tracing its roots back to colonial times. But the story of this region began long before that—with the Wampanoag people, the People of the First Light, who have lived here for over 12,000 years. We invite you to learn more about the rich history and enduring presence of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe by visiting their website.
About National County Government Month
National County Government Month (NCGM) is an annual celebration of county government held each April, with the aim of promoting county roles and responsibilities in serving residents. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged counties to actively participate in this celebration.
