In addition to the Cahoon's paintings, the permanent collection features 19th and 20th-century American art. The museum also offers special exhibitions, gallery talks, classes and a gift shop. It is open Tuesday through Saturday year-round, except January, when it closes for a month.
Admission is free.
The Osterville Historical Society operates a colorful museum within the Jonathan Parker House, which was built as a half-house in 1824. The exceptional displays include a large painting of George Washington at Valley Forge by Jean Baptiste Adolphe Gilbert, a Victorian Room, and a children's room that contains dolls, toys, and two beautiful doll houses, one made in 1870. The Osterville Room contains maps and other archival material about the village. Displays of Sandwich glass, period furniture, Early American pottery, pewter, and historical documents are also popular with visitors. Also on view are the personal collections of Charles Ayling, including Sandwich glass, military collections, Dodge MacKnight paintings, Elmer Crowell bird carvings, and furniture.