Third Graders have learned about an important Dennis community member who is the only native Cape Codder to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Students were invited to learn about Benjamin Franklin Baker and his heroism during the Spanish American War, and students artwork will be displayed at the Dennis Maritime Museum during the upcoming ceremony on May 30.
On May 13, 2026, the Barnstable County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring May 19th as Benjamin Franklin Baker Day in Barnstable County. Several residents from Dennis participated and gratefully accepted that citation in honor of his remarkable heroism.
Benjamin Franklin Baker is the only native Cape Codder to ever receive the Medal of Honor. He was a coxswain on the warship Nashville. During the Spanish American War in 1898, he and a small contingent of sailors and marines cut the underwater telegraph cables from Cuba to Spain while under constant attack from enemy ships. For his extraordinary bravery and coolness under heavy fire, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 7, 1899. He was buried in Swan Lake Cemetery in Dennis, MA on May 19, 1927.
The Town of Dennis will be honoring Benjamin and his heroism on Saturday, May 30th at the Maritime Museum in the West Dennis Graded School House located at 67 School Street in West Dennis, MA. The ceremony will start at 1:00 pm followed by light snacks and the opportunity to tour the Maritime Museum.
The decision was made to hold this event on Saturday, May 30th, instead of the Proclamation date of May 19th, in hopes of welcoming more people to attend and join in to this celebration.
