Egan Maritime Institute is launching its 2026 public programming with a winter lineup that brings Nantucket’s maritime history to life through reenactments,games, films, and community partnerships. From a Coast Guard rowing challenge commemorating a legendary lifesaving rescue to new game nights, returning film screenings, and collaborative programs across the island, Egan’s winter offerings invite residents and visitors of all ages to connect with Nantucket’s seafaring past.
A major highlight of Egan’s early 2026 programming is the H.P. Kirkham Rowing Reenactment, taking place on January 20 from 1:30–4:00 p.m. at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. Members of the Brant Point Coast Guard will take on a demanding 30-mile rowing challenge, honoring the heroic Coskata Surfmen who battled freezing seas for more than 26 hours during the 1892 rescue of the crew aboard the H.P. Kirkham.
Visitors are invited to cheer on the Coast Guard, explore the museum through self-guided tours, and enjoy family-friendly activities, including scavenger hunts, heaving-stick demonstrations, and surfboat crafts. Hot cocoa, coffee, and tea will be served. This drop-in community event is free or by donation, and guests may attend for all or part of the afternoon.
New for 2026, Egan is introducing a Maritime Game Night series inspired by the traditional games sailors once played at sea to pass long hours on voyage. Game nights at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum offer relaxed gameplay, light snacks, & creative activities in the museum’s boathouse. The series will by off-site on February 6 with a Shut the Box Tournament at Cisco Brewers, for a lively pub setting.
Egan’s popular Shipwreck Showtimes maritime film series also returns this winter with three free Sunday afternoon screenings exploring islands as places of refuge, mystery, and survival. The series opens on January 25 at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum with The Secret of Roan Inish, continues with partners at the Dreamland Theatre featuring the animated film Kensuke’s Kingdom, and concludes with the documentary Geographies of Solitude (location to be announced). Each screening includes complimentary snacks and a short post-film discussion.
Community partnerships remain central to Egan Maritime’s winter programming. Egan continues its collaboration with the Saltmarsh Senior Center, offering free, engaging programs throughout the season. The Institute will also partner with Remain Nantucket and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation to host a Community Book Club on March 5 at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. Participants will discuss David Grann’s bestselling nonfiction book The Wager, a gripping account of shipwreck, survival, mutiny, and the search for truth.
Looking ahead, Egan Maritime will bring its popular Mini Mariners series beyond the museum walls with a special visit planned to the St. Paul’s Toy Library. Designed for young learners and their caregivers, this traveling program introduces maritime history through hands-on play and discovery. More details will be announced soon.
Rounding out the season, the popular Salty Dog Showcase returns for its fourth year on March 25 at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. This high-energy trivia event—featuring a panel of Nantucket locals—includes food, drinks, prizes, and lively audience participation.
For full winter programming details, registration information, and updates, visit eganmaritime.org.
