“I don’t belong to anyone. I am the daughter of Thomas Gardner of Nantucket.”
— Nancy Gardner Prince
In 1850, Nancy Gardener Prince, a Black Nantucket descendant who traveled the world in the 1800s, self-published her life story, which proved so popular that it went through three editions. The autobiography explores her hard upbringing in Massachusetts. Following her marriage to Nero Prince, she lived for several years in St. Petersburg, Russia. She later worked with abolitionists in Boston and made two missionary trips to post-emancipation Jamaica. During her travels, she was threatened by pirates, sailed through a hurricane, and landed in New Orleans, where she witnessed firsthand the evils of trade in enslaved people.
The Nantucket Historical Association is excited to release a new illustrated publication, The Adventures of Nancy Gardner Prince, Written by Herself, with adaptation by Frances Karttunen and illustrations by John Walsh. This book, adapted from the original autobiography that is part of the Nantucket Atheneum collection, tells the authentic story of Nancy Gardner Prince.
“The NHA was thrilled to partner with Fran and John to create an illustrated version of this important Nantucket story. Nancy’s incredible life story was something we wanted to bring to life with original illustrations that will allow us to share her story with a new audience, particularly young adults in our community and beyond,” said Niles Parker, NHA Gosnell Executive Director.
The book provides a full account of Mrs. Prince’s adventurous life and her many connections to civil rights and anti-slavery efforts in the 19th century. A “Birographies” section at the end of the book explains the people she interacted with, beginning with her father, Nantucket mariner Thomas Gardner, and running through to famous Bostonians and abolitionists, including the Rev. Thomas Paul, William Lloyd Garrison, and Lucretia Coffin Mott.
The Adventures of Nancy Gardner Prince, Written by Herself is available to purchase in softcover at the Museum Shop on Broad Street, and will soon to be included in the online shop at nantucketmuseumshop.org.
The Nantucket Historical Association preserves, interprets, and shares the diverse stories of Nantucket with all audiences through its collections, properties, programs, and research.