For many years the Nickerson Family Association genealogy records were housed in the home of Pauline Derick in South Dennis. Through the years the number of file cabinets kept growing and additional space was needed to gather all Nickerson related records in one location. A search for a new location was rewarded when the property across the street from the Christopher Ryder Condominiums became available. Through the efforts of realtor Phyllis Nickerson Power this one and half acre site was purchased. In June of 1994 a bow roof, Half Cape house, donated by Jan Nickerson of the Mid-Cape Home Center in Orleans, was moved by water to Ryder’s Cove and trucked to this lot. This event caused quite a sensation and a picture of the house moving on the water was reported in the Boston Globe.

The house become the Association headquarters and repository of the Nickerson genealogical records. An addition to the building was added on site. The effort to finish the interior and furnish the house was led by Edmond R. Nickerson. The house was dedicated at the Reunion in 1997, on the 100th anniversary of the first Nickerson Reunion, held in Chatham, which was organized by William Emery Nickerson of Boston. A new informative plaque located near the house tells the Nickerson story.

While visiting, be sure to see the Nickerson memorial stone by the driveway as well as the stone marking the site of the original William Nickerson house. Also note the Squanto stone by the driveway and a plaque commemorating the Wampanoag. If you are an Nickerson descendent or are just interested in seeing the house, visit us any Wednesday morning from 9-12 when volunteers would be happy to show you around.

Thank you for your interest in the Nickerson Family Association.