Nantucket History & People

The Nantucket Whaling Museum's Wider World & Scrimshaw exhibit title wall features an engraved Arctic tusk.
Nantucket History & People

Beyond the Harpoon: Nantucket Has More than Just One Story

With more than a thousand works of art, artifacts, and treasures on display in nine premium galleries plus films, daily programs, and a fully accessible rooftop deck offering stunning views, the Nantucket Whaling Museum on Broad Street is the best way to discover our island’s fascinating maritime history and to gain a deeper appreciation for the people and events that helped define Nantucket.

Some Wicked Rusty performing at a Nantucket rehearsal, with LeeAnn Papale-Kalman on vocals, Rick Kalman on guitar, and bandmates on bass and drums
Nantucket History & People

Together Again

“We’re putting the band back together.” Those immortal words were put forth by Joliet Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd) in the classic 1980 movie The Blues Brothers. Who doesn’t love a classic buddy movie filled with laughs and great music? Yeah, I’m all in! I recently found myself in the middle of a Nantucket version of this plot. And it was so great!

Nantucket History & People

Remembering the Bicentennial on this 250th

The summer of 1976—what a time to be a kid on Nantucket! The entire island was gearing up to throw a 200th birthday party for the greatest nation in the history of mankind. This was a big deal, I tell ya! Main Street, Federal Street, and much of the downtown area was completely blocked off for the festivities. Planners were planning, costumes were being sewn, and floats were being constructed. Oh yeah, the Bicentennial celebration had Nantucket a-buzzing!

An Island Point of View, Nantucket History & People

An Inside Scoop on Elin’s Nantucket

If you’ve everfelt the pull of Nantucket while reading an Elin Hilderbrand novel—the salt air, the fragrance of rose-covered cottages, the excitement of the brewery and The Box—there’s a way to actually experience it. The Elin Hilderbrand Nantucket Blue Book Tour, designed by Heather Thorpe and operated by Nantucket Island Tours offers fans an opportunity to enjoy Nantucket in real life: a ride across our island with someone who knows Elin not just as an author, but as a sister.