Provincetown Fishermen’s Memorial: Honoring Lives Lost at Sea

The Fishermen’s Memorial Foundation is dedicated to honoring the men, women, and children from Provincetown and Truro who lost their lives to the sea. Through donations, fundraising, and grants, the Foundation is working to erect a bronze monument at the foot of MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, Massachusetts—an iconic and historically rich location at the heart of the town’s working waterfront.

The statue, measuring 14 feet by 8 feet, will depict an empty Grand Banks dory cresting atop a rolling wave. On the surface of this wave, the names of those lost at sea from Provincetown and Truro will be engraved—creating a permanent tribute to lives lived and lost in pursuit of one of the world’s most dangerous occupations.

The sculpture is more than a monument; it is a symbol of the enduring relationship between Cape Cod and the sea. It speaks to generations of families who lived by the tides, labored on the water, and gave everything to sustain their communities. It will also serve as a solemn reminder of the thousands who perished off the treacherous shores of Cape Cod—particularly along its unforgiving backside sandbars.

In just one decade, from 1890 to 1900, Provincetown lost 91 fishermen. On October 3, 1841, the town of Truro suffered an unthinkable tragedy when a violent storm claimed the lives of 57 men in a single day, devastating the community and leaving behind widows and orphans. These are just a few of the stories that will be preserved and honored through the Fishermen’s Memorial.

In the 19th century, Provincetown was a bustling maritime hub. Nearly 50 wharves jutted into the harbor, lined with boats and alive with the rhythm of fishing life. The hardworking residents of Provincetown and Truro not only fed the region but also fueled an economy that helped establish Provincetown as one of the North Atlantic’s most vital ports. The town’s character, culture, and resilience were shaped by the sea and the people who dared to work upon it.

To this day, commercial fishing remains one of the most perilous jobs in America. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it consistently ranks among the top two deadliest occupations nationwide. Cape Cod families have paid a steep price for their heritage—hundreds of lives over more than 300 years.

The Fishermen’s Memorial will stand as a timeless acknowledgment of those sacrifices and contributions. It will invite reflection, foster appreciation for local history, and serve as an educational and emotional landmark for future generations.

We invite you to join us in this important effort. Your donation will help ensure these stories—and the people behind them—are never forgotten. Together, we can honor their memory and preserve the maritime legacy that continues to define Provincetown and Truro.

Find out the Fishermen’s Memorial Foundation for your consideration and support and for helping to bring this long-overdue tribute to life.