I’ve been working at the Nantucket Atheneum as a research associate for a little over a year, and in that time, I’ve fallen down more than one historical rabbit hole, learning about interesting and some downright odd moments in Nantucket’s history. From time to time, my explorations bring me face-to-face with members of my own family.
Nantucket History & People
The Artists Who Create Paintings & Pearls
For more than 40 years, Greg and Judi Hill’s springtime return to the island has been very much a part of Nantucket’s seasonal reawakening. Old friends and new stop by their gallery on Straight Wharf to welcome them back to their home on Nantucket, to chat about their exciting winter […]
An Idea Sparked
“It’s July 1846 on Nantucket, and it hasn’t rained for weeks. Every great fire begins with a tiny spark. All Nantucket needs now is for someone to light the fuse.”
Celebrating History
On Saturday, October 22 from 11 am to 4 pm, the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) will host a fun-filled family program celebrating the 125th anniversary since the organization purchased the Old Mill in 1897. The event will be held at the Old Mill at 50 Prospect Street and is free […]
Nantucket’s First, & Perhaps Only, Duel
Gasp! A duel on Nantucket! And the frustrating thing is, we haven’t been able to discover many details. Was it a duel of pistols, swords, fisticuffs, or what? And what were the exact reasons for the disagreement that led to the duel? “Sir! You have dishonored the name of the […]
Sword Given to NHA
The Nantucket Historical Association is pleased to announce it will receive the commissioning sword of islander and U.S. Navy Commander John Franklin Walling, who was lost at sea in 1945 while commanding the submarine USS Snook during World War II. The NHA is collecting the sword in honor of Walling’s […]
Catchin’ with Tuna
There are plenty of pastimes to be had on Nantucket: many miles of trails and bike paths, an abundance of activities and attractions, so many marvelous museums. And of course, there is the ocean. Whether it’s swimming or shelling or just walking in the surf with wet, sandy feet, the beach never seems to get old. This year, with the help of our friend Steve Tornovish, we rediscovered a longlost love for a coastal activity in our family: fishing.
Transitioning to Organic
Over the last fifteen years, 6th generation farmer/owner, Dave Bartlett, has been transitioning every aspect of Bartlett’s Farm’s field-grown produce to Certified Organic. I t has been a long and arduous process, with endless lists of requirements, years of transitioning the fields away from conventional approaches, buffer zones, long inspections, […]
A Day to Learn about Wampanoag Culture
This Wednesday, August 10, you can learn to make traditional crafts and toys with Wampanoag artisans, examine the tools and objects that were used in daily Wampanoag life, and learn about this native culture and people by asking questions and engaging with members of the Wampanoag tribe. The Nantucket Historical […]