Nantucket Historical Association

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Nantucket Historical Association The museum is home to a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a restored 1847 oil and candle factory, and countless Nantucket artifacts and treasures.

The NHA preserves, interprets, and shares the diverse stories of Nantucket and its people with all audiences through its collections, properties, programs, and research. Restored in 2005, the Whaling Museum features top-quality exhibits and galleries, as well as daily programs and tours that bring to life the history of this magical island. A relaxing, full-accessible rooftop observation deck offers stunning views of Nantucket harbor.

Don’t miss this month’s episode - it’s podcast gold! This month, the Nantucket Gam explores Nantucket’s role in a key mo...
10/19/2026

Don’t miss this month’s episode - it’s podcast gold!

This month, the Nantucket Gam explores Nantucket’s role in a key moment in American history - the California Gold Rush. At a time of economic downturn and hardship, the Gold Rush proved an opportunity for Nantucketers to provide for their families. Join us to learn how the end of the whaling era kickstarted a dramatic exodus to California. Plus, we interview author Ron Filion, who’s book details some of the ships that carried Nantucketers from coast to coast.

Tune in here 🔗 https://nha.org/the-nantucket-gam-podcast/

The tail pole and cap of the Old Mill have officially been removed.This comes as the primary phase of the project begins...
10/15/2026

The tail pole and cap of the Old Mill have officially been removed.

This comes as the primary phase of the project begins, which includes removing the tail pole and cap (the roof structure of the mill) from the mill for further assessment and repairs. The removal of both items must occur to move forward into each continuous phase of the project (as outlined in the diagram included on the last slide).

The cap was removed, and placed onto cribbing. A temporary roof designed by Barber & Sons was installed to protect the interior of the mill. The cap will be off for some time while interior preparations occur to move into phase two. This will include repairs on timber in the main structure, followed by work on the bottom of the tower, with plans to slightly jack the building to level it.

Project lead and Millwright, Amy Boyce, Millwright Jim Kricker, and preservation timber framer, Nathaniel Allen of Husk Preservation Inc. are working with local corporations including Toscana Corporation Toscana Corporation and Barber & Sons Barber & Sons Nantucket to complete the work. All teams are united and dedicated to using the least invasive methods on the structure. We are thankful to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and their important leadership support in the project, as we conduct each phase of work, source necessary materials, and make sure we engineer an appropriate approach for this iconic structure.

We encourage the public to stay tuned for upcoming information and updates on this project. For questions and to learn more, please contact [email protected].

Join Us for a Heritage Craft Workshop Next Week!Chair Caning ClinicMonday, Oct 19 - Thursday, Oct 221:00 - 3:00 PM From ...
10/15/2026

Join Us for a Heritage Craft Workshop Next Week!

Chair Caning Clinic
Monday, Oct 19 - Thursday, Oct 22
1:00 - 3:00 PM

From Tea Towel to Pillow
Wednesday, Oct 21 - Thursday, Oct 22
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Caving Wooden Utensils by Hand
Saturday, Oct 24 - Sunday, Oct 25
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Knotty Heritage Handbags
Saturday, Oct 24
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: https://nha.org/whats-on/programs/heritage-craft/

Old Mill Restoration Work Progresses with First-Ever Cap Removal this MonthThe NHA is preparing for the next phase of re...
10/14/2026

Old Mill Restoration Work Progresses with First-Ever Cap Removal this Month

The NHA is preparing for the next phase of restoration work on the historic structure and mechanical machine, The Old Mill. This comes as the primary phase of the project begins, which includes removing the tail pole and cap (the roof structure of the mill) from the mill for further assessment and repairs. The removal of both items must occur to move forward into each continuous phase of the project (as outlined in the diagram included). The removal work is set to be conducted in mid-October; however, it is extremely weather-dependent, with wind requirements below 10 mph. If these conditions are not met, ex*****on will be pushed back until weather permits.

Learn more:

NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is preparing for the next phase of restoration work on the historic structure and...More Read more from NHA’s Old Mill Restoration Work Progresses with First-Ever Cap Removal this Month

10/13/2026

Churchill Baskets are a staple learning tool in the Heritage Craft program for our youth weavers and continuing the next generation of this craft is the most important

It doesn’t matter the condition, we never give up at the 1800 House!

10/12/2026

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day

This clip from the NHA video “Spirits Within Us: Nantucket’s Extraordinary Women” tells the story of Wampanoag healer and peacemaker Wonoma. The people in this story did live on Nantucket in the 1600s. Wauwinet was the wise and aging sachem of the eastern territories. Wonoma, his daughter, was a well-known healer with great knowledge of medicinal plants and their healing powers. Autopscot was the young sachem of the western people. There were wars over hunting grounds among the tribes. And despite all, Autopscot and Wonomo did marry and they had a son. But in this video, the spirit of Charlotte Baxter Starbuck (1853-1927) relates the romantic legend that grew around the story as she envisioned it in her poem, “The Legend of Wauwinet.”

The full video brings to life just a few representatives of Nantucket’s extraordinary women from the 17th to 19th centuries to tell in their own words about their own remarkable lives and the people they knew who inspired them. Watch it at https://youtu.be/LuPkZ1Ov6WA.

Charlotte Baxter Starbuck portrayed by Sarah Fraunfelder
Wampanoag photography courtesy of Smoke Sygnals LLC
Music by Sheldon Mirowitz
Reel by Novation Media

NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW!Global Hands, Local Heritage Enjoy a new video, Global Hands, Local Heritage, highlighting the NHA...
10/09/2026

NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW!

Global Hands, Local Heritage

Enjoy a new video, Global Hands, Local Heritage, highlighting the NHA's International Training Program focusing on Sustainable Built Heritage through the lens of the recent Whaling Museum Candle Factory North Wall restoration project.

The video offers a look inside the program and how it aims to incorporate key components into many of the resiliency efforts already underway on Nantucket, as well as add to the NHA’s efforts to safeguard its historic properties through current and future restoration projects.

"Global Hands: Local Heritage", highlights the NHA's International ...

Join us for a celebration of color, creativity, and craftsmanship at the Birdbox Workshop with Farrow & Ball! On Tuesday...
10/06/2026

Join us for a celebration of color, creativity, and craftsmanship at the Birdbox Workshop with Farrow & Ball!

On Tuesday, October 13, step into the Nantucket Historical Association’s Carriage House for an afternoon of hands-on making inspired by Nantucket’s landscapes, gardens, historic architecture, and coastal birdlife. Guests will paint a handcrafted bird box using Farrow & Ball’s iconic palette of richly layered hues—and leave with a one-of-a-kind creation to take home.

Tuesday, October 13 | 1–3 PM
Free | Registration required sign up here 🔗 https://nha.org/learn/heritage-craft/courses/birdbox-workshop-with-farrow-ball-session-3/

Come create, get inspired, and explore the art of thoughtful color and craftsmanship with Farrow & Ball.

Family Connections Tour this weekend!
10/06/2026

Family Connections Tour this weekend!

Address

13 Broad Street
Nantucket, MA
02554

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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