The two museums honor Cape Cod’s maritime traditions with a new Bevin’s Skiff

Hyannis, MA, July 28, 2026 – There is a new addition to the courtyard of the John F. Kennedy Museum—a 12-foot “Bevin’s Skiff.” The specially designed flat-bottomed wooden rowboat prized for its simple, beginner-friendly design, was created through the Cape Cod Maritime Museum’s “Youth Boatbuilding” program. The boat now highlights the important role that life on the water plays for both museums.

“Working with the team at the Maritime Museum has resulted in this great addition, not only for the mission of both organizations, but for all our visitors who enjoy Main Street and our active harbor nearby,” said Wendy Northcross, Executive Director of the JFK Hyannis Museum. “The Bevin’s Skiff helps underscore our ever-present link to the water here on Cape Cod, whether it is through the legacy of the Kennedy family or the dedication and craftsmanship of those at the Maritime Museum.”

The newly built Bevin’s Skiff was created through the Cape Cod Maritime Museum’s “Youth Boatbuilding” program. Hand crafted by middle school-aged students under the guidance of expert volunteer boatbuilders, the skiff recently made the journey from the Maritime Museum on South Street to the JFK Hyannis Museum on Main Street.

“We are so proud of the young adults and seasoned boatbuilders who worked together through our Youth Boatbuilding program to bring this project from a drawing on paper to a beautiful, finished skiff,” said Suzanne Lonergan, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Maritime Museum. “We hope this boat inspires the next generation to build, explore and discover their own connection to the sea.”

The skiff is now on display in the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum’s courtyard, celebrating Cape Cod’s maritime traditions and craftsmanship, and serving as a reminder of the Kennedy family’s own love of life on the water.


The Cape Cod Maritime Museum engages audiences of all ages in the understanding and enjoyment of our important maritime culture through exhibits, collections, and hands-on educational programs including Boatbuilding, Rowing, Sail Excursions, Lectures and year-round Young Mariner Programs. Learn more.