Eastham is one of the oldest towns in the Commonwealth. It was settled in 1644 by Pilgrims who had been dissatisfied with the poor soil and small land grants accorded them in the Colony of Plymouth. Three 'Old Comers' or passengers on the Mayflower, now buried in the Cove Burying Ground, were among its earliest families. Before Eastham became an established town in 1651, it had been part of the Nauset Indian Territory. Founded in 1963 to preserve that long and varied history and its artifacts, the Eastham Historical Society acquired historically important collections through the generosity of Eastham residents and visitors. These collections are housed in three museums. All are open to the public Monday through Friday in July and August; Saturdays only in September.