We hope you soaked up all the sunshine and warm weather last month – it was a beauty. We were busy training the class of 2024 Interns (700 applications for 35 spots this year), opening up our new Sea Shop and Aquarium, moving Clementine into her new tank, and welcoming campers – so much fun. We hosted our barn owl fans at Toni and Martin McKerrow’s beautiful home and our feathered friends enjoyed the company. We gave the Maria Mitchell Visionary Award to Sally Aiken, director of the film “Every Little Thing,” a beautiful story about a woman rehabilitating hummingbirds in Los Angeles, and we partnered with the Nantucket Film Fest to host the first ever Horseshoe Crab Day at the MMA and had over 250 come and meet these pre-historic creatures.
And now it’s July! We have our first ever Grandparents' Day coming up on July 6, a very special “Birding with Ginger” excursion and brunch on July 14, and of course our Stargazer Gala on July 25. Please get your tickets soon, so you don’t miss the fun of our Caribbean rum shack and Jimmy Buffet style band! And of course, please come visit our newest friend in the Aquarium, Seabiscuit the sea horse.
Most of all we hope you find the time be wild and free and present this summer.
The Summer Day
by Mary Oliver
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean—
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention,
how to fall down into the grass,
how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed,
how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Buy your tickets today for the MMA's biggest fundraising event of the year. Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars! Enjoy island-influenced bits, sip on rum punch and rosé, and let the rhythm of live music, inspired by the legendary spirit of Jimmy Buffett, carry you away to paradise. Stargazer Gala tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now live!
Featuring food by Island Kitchen, musical guest stars the BaHa Brothers, personalized poems by Typewriter Rodeo, and much more!
Come decked out in your wildest costume for the season's most out-of-this-world party at the Maria Mitchell Association's 33 Washington Street property. Drinks generously provided by Cisco Brewers, with lite bites by Lemon Press over a beautiful cosmic table scape by For Now.
Open to the public.
Grandparents' Day at the MMA Aquarium Featuring Special Guests: Team USA Olympians!
MMA Aquarium, 33 Washington Street
Saturday, July 6 | 8:30 - 10:30am
Join us at the MMA Aquarium for a special appreciation day. All grandparents accompanied by a grandchild of any age will receive free general Aquarium admission. Enjoy a morning of celebrating grandparents at the MMA Aquarium with free admission, lemonade, and doughnuts!
From 8:30 to 9:30am, members of Team USA will be joining us – come by to meet the Olympians and take pictures with our athletes! Joining us will be:
New York Times Bestselling Author & 2x Olympic medalist Laurie Hernandez (Gymnastics)
Retired US Navy EOD officer & 8x Paralympic medalist Brad Snyder (Para Swimming & Paratriathlon)
Former Team USA captain & 3x Olympic medalist Meghan Duggan (Ice Hockey)
Second fastest man in sports history & 3x Olympian Tyson Gay (Track & Field)
Pre-registration is required – sign up for your timed admission spot today to guarantee admission for you and your grandchild!
Explore Nantucket’s birdy landscapes and hidden nooks with local bird guide and Inquirer and Mirror columnist, Ginger Andrews. After your birding adventure, guests will join Ginger for brunch in the Vestal Street courtyard, featuring food by Lemon Press.
With so many varied habitats so close together, the Island is a great place to look and listen for birds. Our location out at sea makes for a fascinating mix of migratory species and year-round residents. Dry humor—always useful in a foggy environment—natural and human history, unexpected rarities, and other stories fill out the picture.
Space is limited, purchase your ticket today and join us for a one-of-a-kind morning!
Transportation is provided to and from birding site. Loaner binoculars available. Wear sensible shoes, dress for the weather. You never know what may turn up. This event is recommended for adults.
Join astronomers from the MMA and the crew of the Lynx for a star-filled voyage on the Nantucket Sound. There are only 35 spots for this special event where you will learn about celestial navigation, sip champagne, and enjoy sweet treats.
$250 per person. Proceeds will benefit both the Lynx and the MMA.
Former MMA Aquarium Building Moves to 33 Washington Street
On Thursday, June 27, Barrett Enterprises moved the old Nantucket Railroad Depot building – the former home of the MMA Aquarium – across Washington Street, relocating the historic building from 28 Washington Street to 33 Washington Street. Once a part of the Nantucket Railroad, the Nantucket Depot has belonged to the MMA since the 1980's, when it was donated to us by Jane Merrill. After sitting at 28 Washington Street for over 100 years, the MMA and the Land Bank determined that it was necessary to move the building in order to aid the Land Bank's coastal resiliency initiatives.
The former MMA Aquarium building will remain located at 33 Washington Street, where it will eventually become a central component of our new Discovery Center and Aquarium. The MMA will restore the historic building and honor its rich history, allowing it to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Horseshoe Crab Week Celebrations Re-Cap
During the week of June 17, the MMA hosted Horseshoe Crab Week in celebration of International Horseshoe Crab Day on June 20. Festivities included the annual MMA Horseshoe Crab Solstice Walk, an interdisciplinary beach walk led by the MMA Director of Astronomy, Dr. Regina Jorgenson, and the MMA Aquarium Manager, Christina Norman, which honored horseshoe crabs' roles as some of the Earth's first astronomers. The MMA also collaborated with the Nantucket Film Fest to host the Horseshoe Crab Celebration community event, which featured interactive scientific learning activities, Horseshoe Crab arts and crafts, an ice cream bar, and a raffle. Horseshoe Crab Week was a huge success!
MMA Team Participates in the 23rd Annual Race for Open Space!
MMA staff and interns participated in both the 5k run and the 2-mile walk of the Race for Open Space on Saturday, June 29. All proceeds from the race went to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation's Land Fund, which helps to preserve and protect Nantucket's open spaces. We had so much fun supporting an amazing cause!
MMA Science Speaker Series
Christina Norman
Join us on Wednesday, July 3
33 Washington Street & On Zoom | 7 - 8pm
Living Legacy: The Atlantic Horseshoe Crab
If you've walked the beaches during high tide recently, you likely have seen horseshoe crabs crawling along the water line. Even during low tides, you may have seen their tracks in the sand from where they've traveled around to mate. Horseshoe crabs are a common sight in the summer, but there's a lot more to these prehistoric critters than meets the eye. Relatively unchanged on Earth for nearly 450 million years, horseshoe crabs are unique even among the usual oddities we see in the ocean.
With ten eyes, blue blood, six pairs of appendages, green eggs, and more, the Atlantic horseshoe crab is an enigma that could have a semester-long course dedicated to it, but at this talk, we'll do our best to condense the creatures into an hour-long discussion about biology, behavior, and human relations. All who want to learn more about these fantastic creatures are welcome to join!
As an Aquarium Intern in 2022, Christina was able to learn about the wonders of Nantucket. The first time she saw horseshoe crabs spawning at Monomoy Beach, she knew she'd made the perfect choice of internships. After finishing her internship, Christina completed a six-month AmeriCorps term in Holderness, New Hampshire, working with the Lakes Region Conservation Corps and Squam Lakes Association to monitor water quality, manage trails, remove invasive aquatic plants, and inspect boats for hitchhiking invasives. After her AmeriCorps term, Christina rejoined the Maria Mitchell Association in 2024 as the Interim Natural Science Museum Manager. Now, as the Aquarium Manager, Christina enjoys talking to the public about the marine wonders of Nantucket. She tries not to be biased, but it's clear that horseshoe crabs hold a special place in her heart.
This talk is complimentary and is presented in person and via Zoom. Please pre-register for Zoom.
“If you don’t look, you don’t see. You have to go and look.”
-Edith Andrews
Photo courtesy of Tom Griswold
Keep Calm and Bird On!
by Ginger Andrews
As the surprises of migration taper off and our breeding birds—both resident and migratory—settle down to raising families, birding activity changes as well. It takes more time and effort to get a good look at many of our breeding birds. Nests are hidden, females skulk, males ferry food. But they do not really like to be caught doing it. So, picking a spot and sitting quietly can be both rewarding and relaxing.
For help in picking a spot the “Merlin” sound ID app from Cornell can be very useful. It is particularly good for smaller land birds that nest in the tangles. Birds are constantly calling, defending, responding to threats and each other. Sometimes you can hear that you are near a nest: the chorus of screaming babies when an adult arrives with food is a big tip-off. The app is not perfect. We usually disregard a one-off identification, particularly if it also indicates “rare.” So it is really best to also see the bird, which does take time. A light-weight folding chair or stool is useful. A car can also be a good mobile blind.
Early summer is also a good time to practice “patch” birding, revisiting the same spot at about the same time of day. Eventually birds become used to your presence, and having learned that you are not a threat, may become less shy. As much as we watch birds, they are also watching us, probably more closely and with better vision. Some of us can be real threats, not only here, but in the tropics where many spent the winter. So, be casual. Don’t act like a predator. That would include those “gotcha” moments; squealing, pointing, flailing arms, etc. Bring insect repellant if needed. Wear appropriate clothing in neutral colors. Avoid black—do you want to look like an enormous, nestling-devouring crow? And white, at least in shady, woodsy spots—you will stand out, at odds with your surroundings. Blend in, and you’ll see more.
MMA Artist-In-Residence Series
Photo courtesy of Charity Grace Mofsen
Charity Grace Mofsen
May 31 - August 5
33 Washington Street
MMA Artist-In-ResidenceCharity Grace Mofsen captures the island of Nantucket in all its glory – in light and at night. With a particular affinity for astrophotography, she believes there is always light, if you have eyes to see it. From fine art landscapes to intimate weddings, fun portrait sessions, and creative product photography, Mofsen finds joy sharing her love of Nantucket with the hope that others will also cherish the island’s natural beauty. Returning as an Artist-In-Residence for the Maria Mitchell Association, her work speaks to [wo]man’s connection to the cosmos. This year’s show will expand to include new work from off-island locations blessed with dark skies.
Gallery open hours will be held from 5:30pm – 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting May 31 and ending August 4 at 33 Washington Street (subject to changes). Please check our website calendar for up-to-date hours at: https://www.mariamitchell.org/calendar.
Programming Highlights
Adult Curious Kids (ACK) Club
Friday, July 5 and Friday, July 19 | 9 - 10:30am
Do you keep a collection of rocks, feathers, bones, shells, and other objects found in nature? If so, consider joining the MMA Adult Curious Kids (ACK) Club. This summer-long series of outings led by Dr. Rich Blundell, MMA Scientist In-Residence, will investigate the histories and mysteries of many natural objects and phenomena of Nantucket. Bring your curiosity and found-objects to our lab and for us to investigate together and share our adventures with the community.
This program is designed to be interesting for inquisitive adults.
This program meets at the “Cuddy,” 68 Washington Street, Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is required for this program but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.
Explore Nantucket’s birdy landscapes and hidden nooks with local bird guide and Inquirer and Mirror columnist, Ginger Andrews. With so many varied habitats so close together, the Island is a great place to look and listen for birds. Our location out at sea makes for a fascinating mix of migratory species and year-round residents. Dry humor—always useful in a foggy environment—natural and human history, unexpected rarities, and other stories fill out the picture. Children 8 and up are welcome with an adult guardian. Loaner binoculars available. Wear sensible shoes, dress for the weather. You never know what may turn up.
This program meets at the MMA 33 Washington Street lawn at 7:45 AM. This program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather and a ticket exchange issued for an alternative date.
Night-time has always had a mysterious appeal, which brings out a whole new cast of avian and other creatures. It requires patience, and a shift of consciousness from sight to hearing. Join the MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, as we listen for calls of a variety of nocturnal animals and birds. We will watch for owls as they begin their nightly activity. While an owl sighting is not guaranteed, you will certainly be able to observe several fascinating nocturnal animal species.
Saturday, July 13 and Saturday, July 27 | 8:30 - 9:30am
You may have heard of a “Nantucket Sleigh Ride” but have you ever heard of the Nantucket Terrane Wreck? Did you know that some of the rocks and pebbles found on Nantucket were formed deep beneath a mysterious archipelago off the coast of Africa over 600 million years ago? Join MMA Scientist-In-Residence, Dr. Rich Blundell, on an odyssey of Nantucket’s geological oddities. We will travel to prospecting sites around the island looking for clues to reconstruct the geological and glacial story of Nantucket Island.
Pre-registration is suggested, walk-ins subject to availability.
What is the allure of birding? We have always looked to birds to tell us what is happening in the world around us but there are almost as many ways to enjoy birds as there are birders. Join the MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, for a two-part workshop to find your own unique birding style, with tips and suggestions to find and identify Nantucket's varied avian life.
This workshop is a 2-part series but you may register for individual events. The time of the field trip will be solidified during the Friday afternoon session. Children eight and up are welcome with an adult guardian. Loaner binoculars are available for use. Wear sensible shoes and dress for the weather at the time of the program.
Join Joanna Roche on a peaceful one hour walk under the light of the full Moon. Discover the legends and narratives of the past and present. Enjoy the tranquility of the quiet night sky and learn about our Moon's current themes and its important symbolism.
Our complementary under the stars experience meets at the Maria Mitchell Association parking lot, 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket MA.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. This walk is recommended for all ages.
Friday, July 26; Saturday, July 27; and Sunday, July 28
9 - 11pm
Nantucket boasts some of the darkest night skies in the northeast, and the cosmos certainly put on the best shows! Have you always wanted to learn how to capture the breathtaking, vivid Milky Way skyscapes? If so, join MMA’s Artist-In-Residence, Charity Grace Mofsen, for an exciting Astrophotography course geared toward amateur photographers. This astrophotography workshop intends to give participants the foundations needed to take dramatic pictures of the dark skies above.
Night 1: Introduction: Settings and Controls
Night 2: Shooting in the field
Night 3: Post processing and editing
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email programs@mariamitchell.org
A great time for you and your child to learn and create together! Join the curator of the Mitchell House and create your own version of a sailors' valentine by decorating a small Shaker-style box or picture frame – something to be enjoyed and remembered for years to come. We provide all supplies – you bring your imagination and creativity! Adults must remain with their child for the entire duration of the program.
This paired program is designed for an adult and child ages 5 and older. This program meets at the MMA Hinchman House Natural Science Museum courtyard at 2 Vestal Street, Nantucket MA.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited to 8 participants.
Check out our own podcast, "The Nature of Nantucket," brought to you by 97.7 ACKFM. This program airs on 97.7 every Sunday at 7:20am. You can listen to full episodes on Apple or Spotify. While you're there, don't forget to check out our weekly "Star Report," written and presented by the MMA Astronomy Research Fellows.
In this edition of “Looking Skyward," WCAI's John Basile talks with Dr. Regina Jorgenson of the Maria Mitchell Association Observatory about the recent display of Northern Lights across the world, caused by unusual solar activity.
Learn more about Maria Mitchell and the MMA with "Maria Mitchell's Attic," a blog written on a weekly basis by MMA Deputy Director and Curator, Jascin Leonardo Finger.
Private event and birthday party rentals are available under our tent at
33 Washington Street. For private events, we provide the staff and you provide the food and beverage through our exclusive catering partner, Island Kitchen. For birthday parties, we provide the MMA staff and a facilitated program, and you provide the food, beverages, and cake.
To ensure a safe experience, the Aquarium will admit a reduced number of visitors each day. It is strongly encouraged that yo reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets for members and non-members can be purchases here or on the site.
The Sea Shop, 32 Washington Street
9am - 5pm, Monday - Saturday; 9am - 2pm, Sunday.
The Historic Mitchell House, 1 Vestal Street
10am - 4pm, Monday - Friday; 10am - 1pm, Saturday
Research Center, 2 Vestal Street
By appointment only. Please e-mail jgurley@mariamitchell.org
Vestal Street Observatory, 3 Vestal Street
Closed for Conservation Work.
MMA Sites and Offices closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
The Maria Mitchell Association creates opportunities for all to develop a life-long passion for science, through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island.
