Items missing from Cape museum collection discovered in intern's possession

BARNSTABLE, Mass. — Dozens of irreplaceable artifacts were stolen from a museum and two yacht clubs on the cape, but after several years of thefts, police have a suspect under arrest.

Osterville Historic Museum Director Jennifer Williams says some of the most precious items were builder’s plates from historical boats that signify their origin.

“If the builder’s plate is removed from the boat, the provenance of the boat is gone. It would be like taking a Monet painting and scratching off Monet’s signature, and then you’re not sure if you have a real one or a forgery," she said.

Those plates and other memorabilia had been disappearing since 2010, but a local woman who was writing a book about the boat builders, the Crosby family, helped police crack the case.

She came in contact with former museum intern Sam Lawrence and asked to look at his personal collection.

When she saw the pieces that clearly belonged to the museum she called police.

"That was pretty clear when you see Osterville Historical Society Museum on them, and the accession numbers. It was a pretty black and white situation,” Williams said after being called to look at the items.

Now, 23-year-old Sam Lawrence of Yarmouth is facing five counts of receiving stolen property. The investigation is now growing after a trove of evidence was discovered in his home. Police in Bourne say they are also conducting an ongoing investigation.

Williams says the saddest part of the situation is that Lawrence had great access as an intern, under the guise of an interest in preserving history.

"It's a loss of history, It’s really a piece of the boat that establishes the boat yard, the identity, the hull number, the family lineage that owned the boats, their history. And I think it’s just really tragic,” she said.

Because the stolen builder’s plates are irreplaceable, they’re also priceless. Williams’ hope is that the items are returned to their owners; so far 19 were recovered from his Yarmouth home. Lawrence is due back in court in September.

Cox Media Group