A visit to the Cahoon Museum of American Art is a must whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Once a colonial Georgian home, the museum building was built in 1775, and many of the building's architectural and decorative features date from that period. More recently, it was purchased in 1945 by Ralph and Martha Cahoon, folk artists whose creative spirit and work have been celebrated here since the museum's opening in 1984 by a local art collector. The permanent collection includes maritime and landscape paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the work of contemporary artists. Through exhibitions and educational programs for adults and children, the museum promotes the appreciation of American art with a particular focus on the art of Cape Cod and New England. If you are just passing through, it is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your visit.