Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Start of Construction for the New Barbey Family Welcome Center at Heritage Museums & Gardens

February 8, 2024 (Sandwich, MA) -Heritage Museums & Gardens, a renowned cultural and natural destination, is embarking on an exciting phase of development with the groundbreaking for the new Barbey Family Welcome Center. The project, a core component of a broader initiative to enhance the visitor experience, involves the construction of 9,000-square foot three-building facility. Funded by a successful capital campaign that raised $15 million, this project will elevate the guest experience by providing a gracious gateway for visitors to decompress from their travel and prepare to enjoy a day of exploration, discovery and learning on the museum’s 100-acre grounds.
Anne Scott-Putney, President and CEO of Heritage Museums & Gardens, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the importance of providing visitors with a warm and welcoming experience that matches the excellence of Heritage’s overall offerings. She believes that the Barbey Family Welcome Center will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
“I am thrilled to break ground for the Barbey Family Welcome Center,” says Scott-Putney. “This project marks a significant milestone in our journey to deepen the visitor experience and further showcase the cultural, educational, and horticultural richness of Heritage. The Barbey Family Welcome Center is not just a series of buildings, it is an experience of its own, a gateway to the wonders and beauty that await. I am confident that this new addition will play a crucial role in making every visit to Heritage Museums & Gardens a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.”

The Barbey Family Welcome Center will replace the existing aging and deteriorated ticket booth, gift shop and restrooms. The new facility, designed by GWWO Architects of Baltimore, Marylan a new ticketing facility, the Clarissa S. Nye Visitor Services Center, a new gift shop with outdoor plant sale area, new restrooms, expanded outdoor seating areas, overlooks, and gathering space in the entry courtyard and at the Flume Fountain terrace. A conference room with views of the Flume Fountain will be available for rental by the public and staff offices round out the new construction. Set into the surrounding landscape, the new complex will create an ambiance that is both welcoming and inspiring, perfectly reflecting the high standards and exceptional quality of Heritage Museums & Gardens’ diverse offerings.

Support for the project includes gifts from major individual donors and community members, and grants from Cape Cod 5 and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Funding is also provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, administered through MassDevelopment and the Mass Cultural Council. The dedicated capital campaign committee of Trustees and community leaders is chaired by Christopher E. Richards; Honorary Chairs are Jeannine Rivet and Warren Herreid, II, Trustees of the KAHR Foundation.

Dellbrooks|JKS of Quincy and Falmouth, Massachusetts, will lead the construction, set to begin in January 2024 and expected to conclude in April 2025.
“We are proud to join Heritage Museums & Gardens in bringing their vision for the Barbey Family Welcome Center to life, knowing just how much of an impact this project will make on its visitors and the community,” said Mike Fish, President & CEO at Dellbrook|JKS. “As a builder with roots on the Cape, the opportunity to play a role in the museum’s growth and assist in showcasing the vibrant culture of our region means the world. Congratulations to the Heritage team on an exciting new chapter.”
This initiative is pivotal in Heritage Museums & Gardens’ mission to preserve and showcase history and horticulture, offering an enhanced gateway for visitors to explore the cultural and natural treasures of the region.
About Heritage Museums & Gardens:
Heritage Museums & Gardens is set on 100 stunning acres of gardens, nature trails, and open spaces. It is the only place where you can browse through rare works of art, stroll through stunning gardens, and see iconic antique automobiles all in one day. Explore Hidden Hollow, an interactive outdoor discovery area for kids of all ages. Take a ride on the vintage carousel. And find your own special spot on Cape Cod.

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