Our Story

Where Woods Hole comes in from the water.

For nearly 90 years, The Captain Kidd has been part of the fabric of Woods Hole.

Set on Eel Pond in the heart of the village, The Kidd has welcomed scientists and fishermen, sailors and students, locals and summer families—all of whom have pulled up a stool along the way. Our old mahogany bar came by way of the Rockingham Hotel in Lowell—and the Bowery in New York before that—while the hand-painted pirate mural has watched over generations of regulars.

Nearly 90 years of locals, fishermen, scientists, students and summer residents have joined us at The Kidd.

Some of Woods Hole's best stories have found their way through our doors, too. In 1973, a fun run from The Kidd to another watering hole in Falmouth Heights became the very first Falmouth Road Race. The discovery of the Titanic brought another memorable night to The Kidd when the crew of the Atlantis II returned to Woods Hole and celebrated here in 1985. Over the years, we've welcomed countless vessels home from sea and been part of the Woods Hole Film Festival since its early days.

The dining room from the dock at low tide
The start of the Falmouth Road Race in front of The Captain Kidd in the 1970s.

The Kidd's story is one of family, tradition, and a shared love for Woods Hole. It began with William “Commander” Crowley and his wife Maggie, who brought William “Blackie” Murray into the fold more than 45 years ago. What followed was a lasting partnership between the Crowley and Murray families, helping The Kidd grow and evolve while holding on to the character that has always made it special. Today, the next generation has taken over the day-to-day, bringing fresh ideas and energy while carrying forward the history and traditions that came before them.

Through it all, The Kidd has remained what it has always been: a place where Woods Hole crosses paths. Old friends come back, new faces find their way in, and the stories keep adding up. We're proud of the generations who have helped make The Kidd what it is, and of the community that continues to make it special. Most of all, we're proud to keep a little piece of old Woods Hole alive for whatever comes next.

We’ll see you at The Kidd!

1865
Our 40-foot mahogany and marble bar is hand-carved in New York City's Bowery.
1939
The waterfront watering hole becomes Cap'n Kidd—and the name sticks.
1946
Local artist and legendary character Captain Joe Miron hand-paints the pirate mural that still watches the bar today.
Today
Still independent. Still family-run. And still unmistakably The Kidd.
The red clapboard front of The Captain Kidd, seen from the street
Major snowstorm in the 50s or 60s
Bar stools at a high-top table inside The Captain Kidd, with a carved wooden fish and an American flag overhead
The Kidd bar in the early 90s
The indoor porch at The Captain Kidd, with life rings on the ceiling, a woodstove, and windows onto Eel Pond
An old menu from May 16, 1947
(click to enlarge)

From the Archives

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