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The Whaling Museum is open Friday - Sunday, 11 A.M. - 4 P.M. from 4 January to 20 April.
Open President's Day, Monday, February 18th,
10 A.M.- 4 P.M.
Research Library
Located at 7 Fair Street, the library is open year-round: Monday, Thursday, and Friday, 10 - 4; Tuesday, 11 - 4; closed Wednesdays, weekends, & legal holidays.
Administrative Offices
Located at 15 Broad Street, the administrative offices are open Monday - Friday, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Call 508-228-1894, ext. 0, or email info@nha.org |
The location can make or break a party:
Exceptional events begin with unforgettable venues
Include the Whaling Museum when planning your events! A great location for weddings (welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and receptions), staff gatherings, and corporate parties. Celebrate life amid Nantucket treasures at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. Immerse your guests in Nantucket history at our world-class museum, located in the heart of Nantucket Town. The space accommodates both small and large gatherings-a perfect mix of state-of-the-art and old-world design. Surround your guests with elegant art and important objects that bring the story of Nantucket's past to life. Your guests will enjoy breathtaking views of Nantucket harbor, town, and beyond from the rooftop observation deck. Call Susan Beaumont for details about hosting a memorable party in the Whaling Museum. 508-228-1894, ext. 131 |
The Whaling Museum IS OPEN EVERY WINTER WEEKEND!
From January 4 to April 20, the Whaling Museum will be open Friday through Sunday,
11 A.M. - 4 P.M.
New for 2008: The Museum will be open on a Monday holiday: Presidents Day, February 18, 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Make the most of the off season with a warming and informative visit to the Whaling Museum. Featuring exhibits about Nantucket history, decorative arts, scrimshaw, and numerous interactive, hands-on learning opportunities for children 12 and under, the museum includes a restored 1847 candle factory, with its original whale-oil beam press (a three-story wooden structure that is the only such artifact surviving anywhere in the world); a 47-foot sperm-whale skeleton; a fully rigged whaleboat; a vast collection of whaling tools; the16-foot Fresnel lens from Sankaty lighthouse; and numerous portraits of whaling captains and their wives. The film, Bones of History, the Whale Hunt Lecture, the whaleship Essex Gam, and various gallery tours also provide a source of endless possibilities for learning and enjoyable visits. |
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NHA Museum Shop
The shop is closed for the season; however, we do have Betsy Tyler's just released book: Greater Light: A House History of Gertrude and Hanna Monaghan's Summer Home on Nantucket, available for purchase by phone or on-line. It is a charming book, with numerous never-before-seen photographs. This book is the first in a series that will present histories of the historic buildings in the collection of the NHA, available at our website. |
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Bookworks Benefits
Bookworks Benefits is a program that gives back to the NHA,
among others.
Nantucket Bookworks, located at 25 Broad Street, has chosen nine partners to benefit from its new pilot program. It is a two-tiered process: 1) Every time your accumulated purchases total $200, you'll receive a $10 coupon from Bookworks toward your next purchase; 2) Bookworks will then donate the value of 1% of your purchases to the organization you've selected. The NHA is one of the organizations that Bookworks has chosen; all you need to do is sign up in the store and put the NHA down as your affiliate. This is a most gracious community-minded program, and we are grateful to them for including us as one of their nonprofit partners. Now get out there and buy those books (and whatever else you can find in Bookworks' eclectic collection)! |
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Give a gift that lasts one full year
The NHA is a member-based organization, receiving no municipal, state, or federal moneys; your membership enables the NHA to continue its mission of preserving the island's history and connecting the island's residents to Nantucket's unique past.
A one-year membership (which includes unlimited admission to the Whaling Museum, Old Mill, Quaker Meeting House, Oldest House, and Hadwen House; free use of the NHA Research Library; subscription to Historic Nantucket; 10% discount at the Museum Shop; discounts on certain classes and Explorations trips; and invitations to special events, concerts, and lectures), is also a perfect birthday, hostess, or anniversary gift. Please call 508-228-1894, ext. 116 (Beth) for additional membership information, or go to our website. | |
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In Search of Giant Squid! A Traveling Exhibition
of the Smithsonian Institution
Peter Foulger Gallery in the Whaling Museum
February 1- April 20
The giant squid, known as Architeuthis, is one of the ocean's most elusive, mysterious, and mythologized creatures. It grew to fame as the sperm whale's greatest rival - and its favorite meal. The NHA will present a Giant Squid Festival on Saturday March 8, 2008, featuring the world's most renowned squid expert, Dr. Clyde Roper, as well as multiple family and children's activities. The exhibition is supported, in part, by the Egan Maritime Foundation and Novation Media.
As part of the Smithsonian Institution Nationally Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), the Giant Squid will feature giant squid specimens, including Architeutis's notorious beak (mandible); tentacles with suction cups; and a squid-o-meter, which will help visitors examine the myths and legends that surround giant squid. Guests will be able to compare them with other squids and mollusks, explore what is known about how they hunt, move, and defend themselves; and learn about scientists' research to help understand their anatomy and behavior. Interactive components will allow both young and old to compare their own size to that of a giant squid, and experience the giant squid's presumed environment.
In Search of Giant Squid has been developed by the National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in partnership with the Discovery Channel. This exhibition is made possible by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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One Book One Island Events at the Whaling Museum:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Friday, February 1, 7 P.M.
Whaling Museum
13 Broad Street
Free admission
The public is invited to a free screening of the 1954 classic movie 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea as part of the One Book One Island collaborative program.
Exploring the Science of Literature: "The Marlin, the Mako, and Man" and "Sailing a River in the Ocean: Charting Santiago's Deep Blue Journey."
Thursday, February 7, at 1:30 P.M.
Whaling Museum
13 Broad Street
Free admission
 The One Book One Island program seeks to promote reading, literacy, and community by encouraging the entire population of Nantucket to read, discuss, and reflect on the same book. These two presentations, given by Dr. Robert Kennedy of the Maria Mitchell Association and Dr. Sarah Oktay of the University of Massachusetts Field Station, are part of this year's collaboration-designed to foster the importance of lifelong learning for children and adults. Three books are available this season: for adults and high school students, The Old Man and the Sea; middle-school students, Young Man and the Sea; and for elementary students, Island Boy.
Anyone interested in reading The Old Man and the Sea may pick up a copy of the book at the Whaling Museum, the Nantucket Cottage Hospital, the Atheneum, Annye's Whole Foods, the Lighthouse School, Nantucket New School, Nantucket Public Schools, Salt Marsh Center, or the Town Building. The Nantucket Historical Association is proud to be one of the sponsoring organizations for One Book One Island.
The program's other exciting offerings in February include:
February 2: Family Sea Fair, NHS Gymnasium
February 3: Shorebird Walk and Beach Walk
February 4: Movie: Old Man & The Sea, the Coffin School
February 5: Book discussion: Old Man & The Sea, Atheneum
February 10: One Book, One Island Finale: Music & Readings with local artists
The Sea Gam, planned for February 9th, is postponed.
Visit their website at
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Acquisitions Night
Wednesday, February 6
7 - 8 P.M.
Whaling Museum
Join the NHA curatorial team as they present highlights of recent additions to the NHA Collections. Free for NHA members. |
Nantucket History in a Brown Bag  The free Food for Thought Series
Thursdays, Noon to 1 P.M.
Bring your lunch!
February 7: Video: "Rock of Changes: Race, Faith, and Freedom on Nantucket
Featuring Nantucket's African Meeting House, the video, presents the history of school desegregation on Nantucket and the efforts of the black community to bring it about through legislation.
February 14: "Melville's Benito Cereno: The Unspeakable Story of Slavery"
In the explosive atmosphere of the year 1855, as America was drifting ever closer to civil war, Herman Melville wrote and published his most unsparing critique of slavery in the guise of a fictional short story. The author's use of subtle and surprising strategies of narration forces his unsuspecting and complacent readers to confront their own complicity in the racism and injustice of slavery. Chris Lohmann will lead a discussion.
February 21: "Quakerism on Nantucket"
Local author and island resident Nat Philbrick will focus on the early years of Nantucket's religious past.
February 28: The History and Development of the Whaling Harpoon"
Bob Hellman, renowned specialist in the history of whaling implements, will present a brief, illustrated lecture detailing the history and development of the whaling harpoon in the Western world - with emphasis, wherever possible, to Nantucket and its "whalecraft" makers.
Each talk begins at noon and is free to the public. Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street. For additional information about the Food for Thought series, please call 508-228-1894, ext. 0, or visit our website to view the full schedule. |
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Dance the Night Away at the NHA's Second Valentine's Day Dance
 Friday, February 8
7 - 10 P.M.
Whaling Museum
13 Broad Street
Wear your dancing shoes and plan to twirl your partner under the whale in Gosnell Hall. The Nantucket Historical Association is pleased to partner with the Nantucket Community School of Music Jazz Band with Erik Wendelken conducting the band.
The big-band orchestra sounds of Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Artie Shaw will fill Gosnell Hall as members of the Jazz Band perform such classic pieces as "In the Mood," "Satin Doll," "Pennsylvania 6500," and "April in Paris." In keeping with this season's One Book One Island Cuban theme, and for good measure, some fast-moving tunes with a Latin flair will be added to the selection. An introductory Salsa dance lesson will also be offered.
The NCMC Jazz Band is composed of local musicians who practice regularly and perform at various island events, including summer concerts at Children's Beach; they also give two yearly seasonal concerts. Come and listen to the band made up of your friends and neighbors, bankers, teachers, and those you never knew had such musical talent.
Plan to join us for this festive evening of dance, music, and light refreshments. Tickets available only at the door, $20 NHA members, $30 general admission. Please call 508-228-1894, ext. 0, for further information. |
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Winter Herbal Topiaries  Saturday, February 9
Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum
49 Union Street
1 P.M.
Please join the NHA's Kathrina Pearl as she presents the history of topiaries through slides and narration. Workshop also includes a practical demonstration by Peter Smith and Jacqui Papale of Bartlett's Farm on creating topiaries and using herbs at various stages on their final form.
Free with Museum Admission. Call the Lightship Basket Museum for details, 508-228-1177 |
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Passport to History Monday, February 25th - Friday, February 29th
1 - 4 P.M.
 Experience the excitement of adventure, exploration, and discovery without leaving the island! Hands-on activities, demonstrations, and festive flairs will celebrate whaling, world cultures, and Nantucket. Program is free for Nantucket elementary-age children and their families. Groups of children also welcome, but must be accompanied by adult companions. Reservations for groups are recommended. Call (508) 228-1894.
Monday: Souvenirs of the World
Tuesday: Islands of the World
Wednesday: South Pacific Explorers
Thursday: Far East Traders
Friday: Under the Sea. |
Exhibition in the Whitney Gallery
Moby-Dick: Intaglio Prints
by Janet Ball McGlinn
 NHA Research Library
7 Fair Street
January 18-June 20
Janet McGlinn was one of the most talented postwar artists working on Nantucket. She founded the Nantucket Printmakers with Schuyler Bradt (1909-79) in 1969 and taught printmaking, especially the technique of collograph, at the Artists Association of Nantucket when the workshop existed in the winter in the closed Kenneth Taylor Galleries. A Philadelphia native, McGlinn attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Art Students League in New York City.  Her stunning print series vividly highlights key scenes and characters from Moby-Dick, including the famous whale-jawbone bar at the Spouter Inn, Moby-Dick himself, Queequeg, Ahab, a cutting-in scene, and a poignant image of Ishmael, the sole survivor at the end of the epic tale.
The gallery is open during library hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday, 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. and Tuesday, 11 A.M. - 4 P.M. Closed Wednesday and weekends. | |
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