Photo of Gigi Pip (Stargazer Gala Vendor) Hat Bar Customization.
Dear Friends;
We’ve arrived at the first of July — how did that happen so fast? Discovery Camps are in full swing, the starry skies have made their return, our interns are leading programs, baby squid are swimming in the tank, Barn Owls have been counted (and new babies have arrived!), gala tickets are flying, and we’re busy bees in our hive on Vestal Street. It’s remarkable how quickly it all comes together!
A huge thank you to Toni and Martin McKerrow for hosting our annual Barn Owl Party — we are so grateful for their continued support. Our dear Dr. Bob Kennedy was missed this year. Ginger, Mitch, Tom & Kim Griswold, Skylar, and Elisa did a tremendous job cleaning, checking boxes, and counting owls. We deeply appreciate this legacy and look forward to nurturing the island’s owl population for years to come.
I’m also thrilled to share that my dear friend and mentor, Denice Kronau, has written her second novel, The Stars That Guide Us, set right here on Nantucket. We’re excited to host a special author talk on July 16 at 7pm — space is limited, and this will be an in-person-only event at our Vestal Street Observatory. I was lucky enough to preview the book — it’s wonderful. I hope you’ll join us!
Our third annual Summer Pop-Up and Opening Sip-n-Shop Backgammon Tournament kick off on July 14! We’ve got a fantastic tournament planned with our wonderfully supportive hosts Jimmy Broder, Tom D’Agostino, and Stevie “D” Danelian — it should be a real hoot. This year’s Pop-Up, carefully curated by Sarah Powers, promises to be our best yet. Stop by 33 Washington Street, July 14–16, to discover some one-of-a-kind treasures.
The Stargazer Gala is shaping up to be a night to remember! Committee chairs Tanya Forman and Elizabeth Markel, along with a very talented group of volunteers, will have you kicking up your boots at The MM Ranch on July 24. The Ben Allen Band will be rocking the night away, and for the first time, the event will be held at Tom Nevers Field — tickets are going fast!
One of the many treasures up for auction is an unforgettable safari, courtesy of Travel Sommelier — our incredible partners in combining travel and science education. Click to learn more! And to get outfitted for your night in the Wild West, don’t miss our Vintage Western Wear Pop-Up on July 23, featuring Gigi Pip hats and curated finds from Current Vintage. You’ll be decked out in no time. More info coming soon.
Looking ahead — mark your calendars for August 1, Maria Mitchell’s birthday! This year, we’re celebrating with a special evening at the Vestal Street Observatory to showcase our nearly five-year renovation project. Tickets available soon.
None of this would be possible without our remarkable team of board members, interns, and staff. Their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the MMA, and to making nature, curiosity, and science accessible to all, are what make this work so meaningful. Thank you!
And to you, our friends — thank you for supporting our programs and events.
To July — please don’t move so fast! Give us plenty of sunshine and rain, lots of starry nights, and time to soak up all the magic this island has to offer.
Giddy up!
With gratitude,
Joanna Roche
Executive Director
jroche@mariamitchell.org
Upcoming Events!
Our Annual Stargazer Gala is July 24!
Join us for a Night at the MM Ranch at Tom Nevers Field for a Wild West adventure—Nantucket style!
Kick up your boots, tip your hat, and enjoy a starlit evening featuring fireside fare by Island Kitchen and live music from the Ben Allen Band. Mosey over to the Stargazer Saloon, then dance, dine, and dive into frontier fun with:
👢 Line Dancing 🐂 Mechanical Bull Riding ♠️ Texas Hold ’Em 🤠 Custom Hats with Gigi Pip ⭐ Roving Sheriffs
All proceeds support the Maria Mitchell Association’s 650 annual programs and summer Internship Program, inspiring science lovers of all ages.
🎟️ Choose the Gigi Pip hat add-on at when purchasing your gala ticket below or grab onehere if you’ve already got your ticket.
Giddy up and grab your tickets to support our biggest fundraiser of the year!
Sip, shop, play, and socialize at the MMA's Opening Sip & Shop Backgammon Bashon Monday, July 14 featuring Grey Lady Raw Bar, Silent Pool Gin Negronis, Blade & Bow Bourbon, Live Sketch Art, a Denim Bar, Bead-a-Bracelet, On-site Monogramming, Book Signings, and Select Curated Shopping. Want to play in the Backgammon Tournament? Registerhere.
Swing by Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16 from 9am to 5pm to shop from featured East Coast vendors!
Join us at the MMA Aquarium for a generation appreciation. All grandparents accompanied by a grandchild will receive free general Aquarium admission. Enjoy a morning of celebrating grandparents at the MMA Aquarium with free admission, lemonade, and doughnuts!
Pre-registration is required - sign up for your timed admission spot today to guarantee admission for you and your grandchild!
Inspired by the history and nature of Nantucket, Denice Kronau will take the audience on her journey to publishing her first two novels in her Stars series, and the unexpected lessons she learned along the way. Kronau will talk about the themes that were true in the 1800s and today: the importance of deep connections, resilience, living with uncertainty and leading with confidence in an unpredictable world.
A seasoned executive and former Chief Diversity Officer with over thirty-five years in global leadership roles, Kronau has now turned to fiction. Her Stars series blends meticulous historical research with parallel love stories set across centuries in Massachusetts.
In The World is Decorated With Stars and The Stars That Guide Us, she explores how lessons from the past—on love, loss, and identity—still resonate today. Join her for an inspiring conversation on writing, reinvention, and the power of purpose.
This event is in person only and limited to 60 people.
Join our professional astronomers for an impressive tour of Nantucket's night sky. Our staff will guide you in viewing astronomical objects through our historic 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor and our modern 24-inch research telescope. Get a chance to view the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and even other galaxies!
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 eight and up are welcome with an adult guardian. Loaner binoculars are available. Wear sensible shoes, dress for the weather. You never know what may turn up.
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.
Join MMA Executive Director, Joanna Roche, on a peaceful one hour walk (up to 2 miles on uneven terrain) 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. The "Buck Moon," referring to the full Moon in July, is rooted in Native American traditions, particularly among the Algonquin tribes. The name reflects the time of year when male deer, or "bucks," begin to regrow their antlers. This Moon also has other names, such as "Thunder Moon" due to summer thunderstorms and "Hay Moon" due to the hay harvest.
Our free under the stars experience meets at a rotating location, you will be emailed with the walk location on the day of the program.
Tuesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 9:30 - 10:30am and 11am - 12pm
Join expert metal detectorist, Nikoline Bohr, for an exciting, hands-on adventure designed just for kids! This one-hour beachside program invites young explorers to learn the basics of metal detecting in a fun and engaging way. Participants will discover how to use a metal detector, all while searching for hidden treasures on the beautiful shores of Nantucket. Whether your child is curious about history, loves treasure hunting, or simply enjoys outdoor activities, this program provides a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience. Come uncover the secrets buried in the sand and experience the thrill of discovery!
Pre-registration is required and registration closes 24 hours prior to the program start.
Join expert metal detectorist, Nikoline Bohr, for an exciting afternoon on the beautiful shores of Nantucket! This hands-on introductory course is designed for adults eager to explore the world of metal detecting. Participants will learn the fundamentals of operating a metal detector, from basic techniques to uncovering hidden treasures buried beneath the sand. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to refine your skills, this adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with the thrill of discovery in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. Don’t miss out on the chance to uncover the secrets that the beach holds!
Pre-registration is required and registration closes 24 hours prior to the program start.
Participants learn tangible methods for cultivating new relationships with natural systems through sensory awareness, movement, contemplation, and creative expression.
These hands-on experiences provide practical tools for continuing ecological awakening beyond the program while demonstrating how embodied intelligence creates pathways towards more meaningful and sustainable ways of living.
The MMA, in collaboration with Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation (GHYCF), the Nantucket Shellfish Association (NSA), and the Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery (ToN BPSH), is proud to announce its 2025 Marine Science Research and Mentoring Program for students grades eight through twelve.
Through interdisciplinary lessons, students explore ecology, fisheries policy, economics, chemistry, and mechanics. Students take part in every stage of the histology lab process and, by the end of our two weeks, will be able to explain everything to you! Our program culminates in a group lab presentation, along with individual presentations on mentored research topics.
Katherine Whittle, the Scallop Program Director, wrote an article for her aquarium research about Silversides. Read more here.
A great time for you and your child to learn and create together! Join the curator of the Mitchell House, Jascin Leonardo Finger, 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! Adult must remain with child for entire program. Limited to 8 total participants.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited to eight participants.
Join Dr. Rich Blundell for casual morning conversations centered around the Harbor Health buoy monitoring initiative. These bi-weekly gatherings offer a unique opportunity to explore the latest data from Nantucket's harbor monitoring system while connecting with community members interested in marine ecology. Each session features a brief presentation of current harbor conditions followed by open discussion about patterns, changes, and implications for our island ecosystem. Suitable for everyone from scientific minds to curious residents and visitors, Harbor Health and Coffee provides both fascinating insights into our marine environment and practical understanding of how ecological monitoring informs community decisions. Coffee and light refreshments provided.
Thursday, July 10 and Thursday, July 24 | 10 - 11:30am
Step outside and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Nantucket with En Plein Air, an outdoor painting and drawing class designed to help you capture the island's stunning landscapes in vibrant color. Led by Nikoline Bohr, this class will guide you through the techniques of plein air painting—creating art directly from nature. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll learn how to observe, sketch, and paint the beauty of Nantucket’s beaches, gardens, and historic architecture. This hands-on experience will inspire your creativity and allow you to bring the island’s charm to life on canvas or paper. Join us for a relaxing and enriching session that combines the joys of art, nature, and the breathtaking scenery of Nantucket.
Close Looking: An Introduction to Scientific Illustration
MMA Research Center, 2 Vestal Street
Thursday, July 3, 17, 31 | 10 - 11:30am
Join us for an engaging program, “Introduction to Scientific Illustration," where you will learn to capture the intricate beauty of nature through drawing. Led by Nikoline Bohr, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore the different specimens in the Maria Mitchell Association's biological collections, using real specimens as your reference for accurate and artistic illustration.
Whether you’re an aspiring illustrator, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to try something new, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of observing and illustrating plants, animals, and other natural subjects with precision and creativity. You will develop essential skills in sketching, shading, and adding color, while learning the fundamentals of scientific illustration in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Come and discover how art and science beautifully intersect, and leave with your own stunning nature illustrations inspired by the Maria Mitchell Association’s fascinating scientific collections! This program is designed to be interesting for most ages.
We are thrilled to announce that we have received seven awards this year from Cape Cod Life!
The Maria Mitchell Stargazer Gala received the 2025 Gold for Best Fundraising Event and the Silver Award for the Best Summer Event.
The Maria Mitchell Association Private Programs received the 2025 Gold Award for Best Land & Sea Excursions.
The Maria Mitchell Association Natural Science Museum received the 2025 Silver Award for Best Museum.
The Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium received the 2025 Gold Award for Rainy Day Activity and the 2025 Gold Award for Best Family Activity.
The Maria Mitchell Association Summer Discovery received the 2025 Gold Award for Best Kids Activity.
We are honored! Thank you to everyone for the support and engagement with our mission.
MMA Team Participates in the 24th 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 28. 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!
Birding News
Keep Calm and Bird On!
by Ginger Andrews
July is a hazardous month for birds on Nantucket. This year is a season of second—or third, even fourth, nesting attempts, after a cold, stormy, spring. Higher than usual tides, strong winds, delayed food availability, naturally affect beach-nesters. Predators can wipe out eggs or young. Ravens on Tuckernuck were reportedly eating Plover and Oystercatcher eggs “like popcorn.” Gulls, crows, feral cats, loose dogs, and heedless vehicles hold danger.
Even if adult birds passed the initial gauntlet, young birds are most vulnerable when they begin encountering the world for the first time. Adults may discover that what seemed like a safe yard a month or six weeks before is suddenly occupied by human activity, with dogs or cats, sudden lights, noise, machines, toxic sprays, that were not there in April or May. Traffic has tripled; many birds in the Maria Mitchell Association collection were salvaged after being hit on a road. Windows are cleaner; so, what looks to a bird on the outside like a patch of open sky, or a route through a yard, may turn out to be hard as a rock, breaking necks or concussing skulls.
Even if there are quiet areas in a yard, spraying trees could drench a female sitting tight on a nest in hazardous, sticky, or irritating, foul-smelling, toxins. Killing insects also removes birds’ major food source: insects. Even birds content to eat seeds in winter prefer to raise their young on beetles, caterpillars, or adult insects, to give them the high-fat, high-protein food they need for quick growth. They do not have a long time to get the job of reproduction completed.
Danger comes from below as well as above; poisoned rats and mice do not die immediately; as they suffer, they become easy prey. Thus, they are fatal to secondary consumers like hawks and owls. In the case of Barn Owls, one highly toxic rodent can wipe out the whole family when it kills the male who provides for them.
Can we live with “Nature?” Too many people, these days, seem to answer “No.” But to disconnect from the natural world endangers our health too.
MMA Updates
“The Nature of Nantucket” and “The Star Report”
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 7:40am. 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.
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.
In the most recent “Maria Mitchell's Attic”, Jascin Leonardo Finger discusses strawberries in June!
Host your next event at one of our MMA facilities and make it an experience your guests will not forget! Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate gathering, or special celebration, our venues offer an extraordinary setting surrounded by the rich natural beauty of Nantucket Island.
The MMA offers space at the tent at 33 Washington Street, the Loines Observatory, Vestal Street Observatory, the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, and the MMA Aquarium. Our venues provide the perfect setting for unforgettable events and can host between 20 and 100 guests, depending on the location!
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.
