Barnstable Village borders on Barnstable Harbor and Cape Cod Bay, the basis for close ties with the sea that have endured for more than three hundred fifty years. Beginning in Colonial times and throughout the 1800s, the village of West Barnstable, next to the Great Marsh, was home to prominent figures in American history. Sandy Neck, a wild barrier beach, is the jewel in Barnstable's crown with a rich history of its own. Barnstable Village, West Barnstable, and Sandy Neck combines the histories of notable people, leisure activities, and working days from these three unique regions of the town of Barnstable.
Edward O. Handy Jr. grew up in Barnstable, where his family has lived for many generations. A former U.S. Marine and Harvard College and Law School graduate, he is an artist member of the Providence Art Club and the Cape Cod Art Association. He has also served a long tour of duty as president of the Barnstable Historical Society.