DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

The small seaside village of Osterville was founded in 1648 as “Cotacheset," so named by the indigenous tribes of the area.  It became home to sea captains, shipbuilders, and saltworkers.

Over time, Cotacheset became a very popular place for oystering, so you know what happened. People started calling it "Oysterville." The story then goes that the name was misspelled "Osterville" on a map sometime around 1815. The misspelling stuck.

The Osterville Village Association has a nearly 80 year history of civic involvement. It represents the aspirations of its oldest families,  longtime residents, and newer washashores who work to  preserve the village character and maintain a healthy balance of growth and change. At the same time, OVA has sponsored the annual events that attract visitors and business (and who knows, maybe a new generation of washashores who decide to stay).

For 46 years, Osterville has come together to put on a fabulous Village Day celebration with a  5K road race. parade, antique car show, horse drawn carriage rides, face painting, crafters,  food,  games,  live music, and our signature shops that offer sidewalk sales, treats, and refreshments. 

The OVA also supports the Chocolate Fest, an annual, hotly contested, standing-room-only dessert competition. And of course the iconic Christmas Stroll, with Santa, music, caroling, carriage rides, and businesses welcoming visitors in with complimentary snacks and  cookies. No cars on the street — just strolling.

Robert J. Smith Jr. was considered the "Mayor of Osterville." Shortly after his death in 2002, the OVA established a fund in his name to help non-profit organization projects in the village. 

When Bob died at 75, he was an officer with the Osterville Village Association (OVA), the Osterville Business and Professional Association, a member of the Osterville Rotary Club, director of the Osterville Free Library, 17-year chairman of the Cape Cod Academy board of directors, Osterville Elementary School's council, and on the Jane Eshbaugh Community Service Award Committee.

Bob was a World War II Navy veteran and served on the Barnstable Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Association. For years, he produced an annual Memorial Day event at Armstrong-Kelley Park with the Osterville Bay Elementary School. He was on the board at the Cape Cod Conservatory of Music, Art, Dance & Drama, the New School of Cape Cod and the Salvation Army. He was a member of the executive board of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Hyannis.

 A champion of community work and education, Bob founded the national Independent Educational Counselors Association, and was an officer of the Independent School Chairmen's Association.

Regular recipients of support from the Robert J. Smith Fund include the Osterville Library, Osterville Historical Society, and Cape Cod Horticultural Society, which owns and maintains Armstrong-Kelley Park.