by Kara Falck – Education, Program, & Research Assistant at Egan Maritime Institute
This summer Egan Maritime Institute is offering free daily family programs at the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum Monday through Friday outside on the Museum’s grounds from 10 am to 3 pm. In addition to tried-and-true favorites, like rope making and knot tying, they have added new and updated activities for different ages and learning styles. These activities include a focus on art and design, as well as opportunities to learn about traditional boat building.
But it doesn’t stop there: visitors to the museum can also participate in fun STEM activities related to maritime education, like a deep-sea sensory bin to find pieces of the wreck of the Andrea Doria and discover deep sea creatures and ocean pollutants. And you can discover how lighthouses are so bright and what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper?
On August 4, Egan Maritime is bringing back one of their most popular programs: Nanpuppets at the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum. Join Lizza and her group of Nantucket puppets in a free performance outside in the natural beauty of the museum grounds at Folger’s Marsh.
Later this month, in collaboration with the Nantucket Historical Association, Egan Maritime will offer a new program to bring the art of sea shanties to the Nantucket public through a series of four free community concerts. Concert locations will alternate between the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum and the NHA’s Old Mill property. Bring a picnic and meet up with your family and friends to hear some beautiful maritime music and learn about the history of sea shanties from 5:30 to 7 pm on August 17, 24, 31, and September 7.
To round off another great summer season, on Saturday, September 2, Egan Maritime will host its annual Maritime Day: a free family event at the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum. This event will feature activity tables, free educational tours, crafts, and some special visitors. There will also be a life jacket fitting station run by the USCG Auxiliary Station where everyone can learn about safe boating and sailing tips.
The Nantucket Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum is located at 158 Poplis Road. Parking is limited, so it’s recommended that visitors ride bikes or take the NRTA Wave Sconset via Polpis Route, or catch the free Shipwreck Shuttle that departs on the halfhour from downtown at Visitor Services (25 Federal Street) starting at 10 am.
Egan Maritime is dedicated to educating people of all ages about Nantucket’s fascinating maritime history, using exciting and educational activities. For details, visit eganmaritime.org.