A new exhibition at the Cahoon Museum of American Art in Cotuit, Massachusetts, titled "From Borough to Bay: A Legacy Illuminated," highlights the stories of seven Black families from Brooklyn who spent their summers in Osterville on Cape Cod during the 1960s and 1970s. Created by Cape Cod artist Dawn McKenzie, the show is on view through June 14, 2026.
The exhibition matters because it brings to light an overlooked chapter of African American leisure and community life on Cape Cod, challenging dominant narratives about who historically enjoyed coastal retreats. By focusing on these families' experiences, the show contributes to a broader cultural reckoning with Black history and place-making in America.