Residents of Dennis feel a sense of pride in their home by the sea. The quiet little town, incorporated in 1793, was named for Josiah Dennis, a favorite minister.

The town was involved in the maritime activities of the 1800's and was full of the amazing tales of clipper ship adventures. As the twentieth century approached and the glory days of sea captains faded, Dennis residents turned to commercial fishing and land-based industries.

Dennis comes into its own during the summer months, with special events every week. Home to the nation's oldest summer theater, the Cape Playhouse, Dennis offers varied summer activities, with arts and craft shows, concerts on the village green and Dennis Festival Days, held in August, which celebrate the friendly heritage of this All American New England town.

New harbormaster says safety top priority on the waterfront

“No incidents, no injuries. That’s fantastic news,” said Harbormaster Terry Clen about the 2008 boating season in Dennis waters. “The Harbormaster Department had a very productive summer season.” Although transient revenue at $18,575 showed a $4,551 increase over last year, daily parking receipts were down $3,556 to $23,066. “The reason for this was the absence of the water sports activity boat that in the past had a large impact on daily car parking,” Clen said. On June 30, the harbors’ total revenue for fiscal 2008 was $602,754. From that amount, $25,800 went to the dredging account and $34,141 to the wastewater improvement fund, leaving a balance of $542,792 for 2008. September’s transient slip rentals, daily car parking and trailer parking have yet to be tabulated.

Clen said improvements at Sesuit Harbor brought many compliments. These include a floating fire-suppression system; two fast-attack fire carts, one on each side of the marina, to contain a fire until the fire department arrives; lighted navigation buoys, making nighttime passage safer; and a pump-out system, which keeps pollutants out of Cape Cod Bay. The first pump-out tank removal cost $230, which Clen expects to be reimbursed by a federal grant. “Many more transient slips were available this season,” Clen said. “Boats from different hailing ports came to Sesuit Harbor for the first time, loved it and promised they’d be back.”

Community Information

• Town of Dennis
• Commonwealth Communities - Dennis, Massachusetts
• Dennis Info
• Dennis Massachusetts Chamber Commerce
• Chatham Fish Pier Cam
• U.S. Gazetteer Census Data - Dennis, Massachusetts
• Yahoo! Get Local - Dennis, Massachusetts

Maps

• Yahoo! Maps and Driving Directions - Dennis, Massachusetts

Marine Info

• Cape Cod Hook Fishermen's Association - Marine Education Center
• Gorton's of Gloucester - Lots of Great Seafood Recipes
• Dennis Waterfront Crime Watch

Weather

• The Weather Channel - Dennis, MA (02638)
• Weather Underground - Dennis, Massachusetts Forecast

Yacht Clubs & Marinas

• West Dennis Yacht Club - Bass River - Harwich Port, MA
• Bass River Yacht Club - West Yarmouth, Massachusetts
• Dennis Yacht Club - East Dennis, MA
• Northside Marina - Sesuit Harbor, Dennis, MA
• Ship Shops - Bass River, MA
• Bass River Marina - West Dennis, MA