On view until spring 2025, this exhibit explores the chapters of Heal Cove from early settlement to current times, where life has always centered on the water. 

Throughout history, the Cove’s waters have provided transportation, food, work — and with its favorable geography — power. In more recent times, its iconic beauty has made it a destination, the subject of artistic interpretation, and for almost three generations, the treasured homestead of the Smith family.

Come explore the chapters of Heal Cove from the original Dunton family land claim to the cove’s rise as one of the most productive tidal mills on the island under the stewardship of the Shattuck and Heal families.  Two women, a teacher and a minister, ushered it through the 50 years after the mill closure ca 1890.  And in 1947 – in an amusing and creative land deal — the 60-acre homestead became the vacation retreat, and then home, of the Smith family.