SANDWICH, Ma. – February 7, 2024Heritage Museums & Gardens, the premier cultural and nature destination on Cape Cod, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $3.5 million gift to name its new Welcome Center. This significant investment marks a new chapter in Heritage’s commitment to providing an exceptional visitor experience and enhancing its role as a community and cultural hub.

The gift from the Edwin Barbey Charitable Trust, at the recommendation of Pamela and Peter Barbey, and Matt and Oksana Barbey, will enable Heritage Museums & Gardens to build a modern, net-zero welcome center designed to greet the thousands of visitors who enter its gates each year. The new facility will feature advanced ticketing services, a dedicated visitor services center, interactive exhibits about the museum’s history and collections, a gift shop, a plant sale area, and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching visit for all ages.

“We are profoundly grateful for this generous support,” said Anne Scott-Putney, CEO/President of Heritage Museums & Gardens. “This gift is not just an investment in our infrastructure but also in our mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. The Barbey Family Welcome Center will be the first step in our visitors’ journey to enjoy the wonders of art, nature, and history that Heritage offers.”

The design of the Barbey Family Welcome Center will reflect Heritage’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility. It will incorporate energy-efficient materials and technologies and provide inclusive access for visitors with different abilities. The center is expected to enhance the museum’s capacity to host educational programs, special events, and community gatherings.

“As a family deeply committed to the arts, education, and community, we are delighted to support Heritage Museums & Gardens with this gift,” said philanthropist Pamela Barbey, a resident of Hyannis Port. “We believe that the new Welcome Center, which will bear our family’s name, will be a gateway to discovery and inspiration for families and visitors of all ages. Four generations of our family have loved visiting and living on Cape Cod. For all families who love Cape Cod, we hope that the Barbey Family Welcome Center will serve as a vibrant hub for learning, exploration, and enjoyment, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history of this remarkable region.”

Construction of the Welcome Center is slated to begin in February 2024, with an anticipated completion date of April 2025. The project is a key part of Heritage Museums & Gardens’ strategic plan to improve visitor services and expand its role as a cultural and educational leader in the region.

For more information about Heritage Museums & Gardens and updates on the Welcome Center project, please visit HeritageMuseums.org or contact:

Judith Goetz
Director of Marketing
Heritage Museums & Gardens
(508) 888-3300, ext. 115
jgoetz@heritagemuseums.org

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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 place on Cape Cod.