Windmill Gift Store
The Windmill, located at the entrance to the grounds of the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum Complex was originally located on the grounds of "Crow's Nest", the summer home of actor Joseph Jefferson, in Buzzards Bay. He was a good friend and fishing companion of President Grover Cleveland. As an art collector and a well recognized landscape painter, Jefferson used the Dutch-style windmill as his art studio. He was best known as an actor for his portrayal of Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle."
The Windmill is reminiscent of the days when windmills were an integral part of Cape Cod life in the grinding of grains as well as pumping salt water for the salt works so prevalent on Cape Cod in the 1800's.
It now serves as a gift shop which features Native America, Dutch and Pilgrim articles and educational materials, as well as many attractive gift items. The shop is open during the visitor season from .11:00am to 3:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Admission tickets for the museum complex are purchased here and parking is in the nearby lot.