Our Story

Where Nature, Storytelling, and Sweet Traditions Come Together

It all began in 1976 when a group of passionate Sandwich locals came together to preserve the legacy of one of Cape Cod’s most beloved sons: Thornton W. Burgess (January 14, 1874-June 5, 1965).

A native of Sandwich, Burgess was a prolific children’s author and an early voice in the conservation movement. His stories—like Old Mother West Wind and The Adventures of Peter Cottontail—brought the natural world to life for millions of readers, blending playful storytelling with powerful lessons in environmental stewardship. However, Burgess wasn’t just a storyteller—he was a trailblazer, using his Radio Nature League program, broadcast from 1925 through 1930 over WBZ in Boston and WBZA in Springfield, MA to promote bird sanctuaries, wildlife protection, and science-driven conservation, long before it was in the public spotlight.

To keep his spirit alive, the Thornton W. Burgess Society found the perfect home: the Green Briar Nature Center and its charming 1903 jam kitchen in East Sandwich, still operational today. The site includes the Smiling Pool where many of Burgess’ stories were inspired. Green Briar quickly became more than just a tribute—it became a destination.

Today, Green Briar is a place where visitors of all ages can:

• Step into the past in the historic Ida Putnam Jam Kitchen, where classic recipes and time-honored slow cooking skills come to life
• Wander through the Dr. Shirley G. Cross Wildflower Garden
• Interact with nature through storytelling, nature and science classes, fun programs and seasonal workshops
• Shop in the turn-of-the-century Mercantile, reminiscent of 1900’s shopping
• Explore the 1780 Captain Nye home, today housing the Mercantile, Swain Library and exhibit space
• Walk the Discovery Loop Trail around the Smiling Pool, where Cape Cod wildlife abounds
• Discover the joy of simple, meaningful connections and tradition.

For decades, the Burgess Society has carried out its mission through immersive experiences that spark curiosity, celebrate creativity, and inspire conservation. Programs highlight the interconnectedness of people and the natural world, encouraging everyone—kids, families, and lifelong learners—to see themselves as stewards of the natural world.

In addition to the Robert S. Swain Natural History Library on our campus, we offer an extensive online database of our collections, including Thornton W. Burgess Society primary source documents, illustrations, objects, and more. This digital, special collections effort aids our mission in carrying on the Burgess legacy with accessible discovery of his story, works, and world. 

A New Chapter

In October 2022, the Thornton W. Burgess Society and Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen joined forces with another Cape Cod treasure: the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster. This powerful partnership unites two historic institutions with a shared mission—connecting people to nature through discovery, education, and storytelling.

Together, we offer integrated programming across multiple locations while preserving the unique character, history, and heart of each site. Whether visiting Green Briar or the Museum, you will find a commitment to learning, nature that inspires, and an enduring sense of wonder for the world around us.