Join us for as Provincetown’s own Stephan Cohen shares his deep dive into the history—and mythology—of Helltown, the little-known Portuguese fishing settlement at Herring Cove.

Helltown, a winter shantytown in the late 1800s, stood in stark contrast to the tidy fishing village of Long Point. The Hell-Towners braved nor’easters, laid mile-long trawl lines, played guitars, and slept eight to a cabin packed with fishing gear. It’s a rough, resilient chapter of Provincetown’s past—kept alive in stories and memory.

Stephan, a retired professor, dancer, author, and PTWN Year-Rounder – became fascinated with Helltown after reading The Time and the Town by Mary Heaton Vorse. Come find out why.

🗓 Monday, June 3
🍷 Shallop Bar opens at 5:00 PM
🎤 Stephan begins at 5:30 PM

Free admission. Drinks encouraged.

As always, PMPM Members get first dibs on seating before it opens to the public on Thursday, May 29. To reserve, email us at info@pilgrim-monument.org.

(If you were planning to hear Lisa King that night—stay tuned. She’ll be here later in 2025. And rumor has it, she’ll be in the audience for Stephan’s talk!)

Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
High Pole Hill Road
Provincetown, MA 02657