MMA Programming & Facilities Pause:
After an incredible summer, the Maria Mitchell Association will be closed Saturday, August 30 – Thursday, September 4.

We look forward to welcoming you back on September 5!

Dear Friends:

 

I hope August treated you well—and that you had a chance to enjoy Nantucket’s beautiful weather, big waves, and starry nights. If you haven’t made it out to one of our incredible local farms yet, now is the time for fresh corn and ripe tomatoes!

 

As summer winds down, we’ve said goodbye to most of our interns, set our fall hours, and are gearing up for after-school programs. There’s so much to look forward to this season:

 

Laura Bredin Hussey’s Art Reception and Show, September 12 and 13: A stunning reflection of her life’s work and travels. I can’t wait to see it—and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the MMA.

 

New Exhibits Opening Reception at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, September 18: Come see the incredible work Morgan Raith has created for these new displays.

 

Yes, we’re hosting a NYC field trip! Birding with Ginger is always an unforgettable experience.

 

As you settle into September—getting kids back to school, trimming gardens, and savoring the change of seasons—remember that nature is still full of magic. Stargazing continues at Loines Observatory on Wednesday and Friday nights and the Aquarium remains lively with activities for all ages.

 

Thank you, as always, for your support, your enthusiasm, and for being part of this community we love so much.

 

In twilight's glow, the crickets sing,

A symphony as summer takes its wing.

With whispers soft, their cadence weaves,

A tapestry of dusk 'neath falling leaves.

 

Wishing you clear skies and bright stars,

Upcoming Programs & Events: September

 

Join the Maria Mitchell Association, MMA Field Ornithologist Ginger Andrews, and the Travel Sommelier team for a one-of-a-kind birding experience in New York City’s iconic Central Park.

 

The morning begins at dawn, when the park is alive with birdsong. Andrews will share expert tips on spotting and identifying a wide range of species as the day unfolds. Afterward, enjoy a private tour at the American Museum of Natural History, followed by a delicious brunch at The Restaurant at Gilder. The day concludes with an engaging talk by wildlife and birding expert, James Currie, making this an unforgettable blend of nature, science, and culture.

 

 

James Currie will present an engaging discussion, “The Last of the Big Tuskers,” focused on African “super tusker” elephants. In the early 1970s, there were estimated to be 1.2 million elephants in Africa. Today, there are approximately 350,000 to 400,000. Even more alarming, is the fact that we are losing Africa’s super tuskers (those elephants with at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds or more) at an astounding rate. Today, only about twenty remain. At the same time, entire elephant populations are increasingly becoming completely tuskless, a sort of human-induced evolution that is being fueled by the insatiable demand for ivory.

 

Currie produced the multiple award-winning documentary on elephants “Last of the Big Tuskers “– filmed in part in 2018 at Great Plains’ ol Donyo Lodge set in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills. This fascinating presentation will give you insights into the immediate need to protect these giants of Africa through some intriguing conservation techniques. Learn more.

 

 

Join the Maria Mitchell Association and creative strategist and artist Morgan Raith for a closer look at the MMA's Hinchman House Natural Science Museum's latest exhibits.

 

Discover the legacy of trailblazing astronomer and naturalist Maria Mitchell and explore Nantucket’s rich biodiversity. New exhibits invite visitors to come face to face with island creatures, their habitats, and the daily rhythms that ensure their survival.

 

The newly installed exhibits reflect Maria Mitchell’s legacy of astronomical observation and discovery by drawing connections between Nantucket’s rich biodiversity and the importance of the dark sky. Visual features include illustrations that blend depictions of local fauna with star-dusted motifs inspired by Miss Mitchell’s scientific achievements. The exhibits encourage visitors to appreciate the interconnectedness of the natural world, and especially a connection to the night sky.

 

Raith brings a fresh, engaging lens to the natural science museum, transforming scientific research into visually compelling exhibits. 

 

 

Laura Hussey has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family steeped in art—her mother collected illustrations by N.C. Wyeth and Arthur Rackham—she eventually found her own artistic voice in landscapes.

 

Her connection to Nantucket began in childhood, when her father would rent an entire Greyhound bus to ferry six children and a menagerie of animals to the Island each summer. (The dogs and pigs came along; Laura’s pony, despite her best efforts, did not.) In 1978, Hussey put down roots on the island, raising her three children near Windswept Bog.

 

Hussey studied with the Northeast’s preeminent landscape artists including John Osborn and John MacDonald, developing a deep appreciation for tonalism and the subtleties of light and shadow. Inspired not by drama but by quietude, her brushstrokes capture intimate, fleeting moments that a camera can’t quite capture—mist across a field, the warmth of a shadow, the interplay of color and texture.

 

 

Learn from professional coach Jeannie Esti in this engaging session on how to listen deeply, learn continuously, and lead with impact. This 60-minute session will teach you about curiosity, observation, and hands on learning, the keys to Maria Mitchell’s legacy and to the future of leadership.

 

Jeannie Esti is a certified professional co-active coach (CPCC), but truth be told she is so much more than a "coach."

 

Esti is an indispensable mentor, educator, adviser, confidant, and "consigliere." Her work has earned the trust of Fortune 500 c-suite executives, burgeoning entrepreneurs, NFL and NBA power brokers, lifestyle influencers, and celebrity clientele. Esti earns unflinching trust and confidence in challenging her clients. She foresees pitfalls and peril before you do. She understands that your business and personal life are inseparable and the two need to be skillfully calibrated. Ultimately, she is a partner, a compagna; her success is defined by yours.

 

Stargazing Programming

 

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!

 

Birding and Outdoor Programming

 

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.

 

 

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 Corn Moon, typically occurring in September, is named by Native American tribes to signify the period of corn harvest and the end of summer. It is also known as the Harvest Moon, due to the abundant moonlight during this time, which aided in crop gathering. Other names associated with the Corn Moon include the "Barley Moon," "falling leaves moon," and "autumn moon."

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Earth Story Walk is a field expedition exploring how evolutionary history shaped human intelligence. Walking through Nantucket's diverse landscapes, participants discover how millions of years of relationship with specific habitats encoded ecological wisdom into human perception. These walking journeys trace out the evolutionary lineage of life and humanity from the creation of the Earth to the present day.

 

A geological exploration of Nantucket's formation and evolutionary history. In a short walk following his talk, Dr. Blundell guides participants through the “Nantucket Terrane Wreck” and facilitates physical encounters with the island's geological features. The expedition reveals how Earth's processes over billions of years created the conditions for life and consciousness. These expeditions connect Island residents and visitors with the extremely complex and fascinating geologic and glacial history of Nantucket, deep time, and fresh perspective on our landscape as a living text of Earth's creative expression.

 

Mitchell House Programming

 

 

 

 

Natural Science Museum Programming

 

Come celebrate the end of summer in style with the MMA Natural Science Museum team! Join us in the garden for a fun and festive afternoon of tie-dyeing our signature white scallop hoodies - yours to keep and rock at school! Adults can make their own to wear during scallop season, too.

All materials are provided. Your program fee includes the hoodie, tie-dye materials, and admission to the Natural Science Museum afterwards.

 

Join MMA staff on a tour as they feed the hungry animals at the Natural Science Museum. Learn about the unique adaptations of turtles, frogs, snakes, and more! You will get to learn about and interact with several of the MMA Natural Science Museum educational animals. This is a great way to learn about native and non-native species up-close, especially if you love animals.

 

Enjoy this program specifically designed for the young explorer in your family. During each session, an MMA educator will read a nature or science themed book, introduce you to one of our educational animal friends, and wrap up with an aligned activity.

Aquarium Programming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birding News

 

September on Nantucket is a month of arrivals and departures, as our winter visitors begin to return, while our summer residents think about departing, and some transients are just passing through.

 

The relentless drought has probably impacted some of our breeding landbirds. Although not all data are in and it is hard to quantify its effect, birds eat bugs. And what’s a bug to do when the leaf of which it would like a tiny bite is withered and dry? Or sprayed to remove it? We still have to hope for rain.

 

So, arriving early and leaving early, some of our breeders like Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats have already taken off. But still, those from further north may continue to pass through. Meanwhile, shorebirds continue to find food on sandbars and mudflats, as marine organisms—nereid and polychaete worms, along with crustaceans, and the beetles and flies that gather in beach wrack, keep them going. Least Sandpipers have been plentiful; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderlings; there is still a lot to look at.

 

At the end of the month the MMA will do fall checks of Barn Owl boxes, and, we hope, band some young. Skyler Kardell and I are now officially permitted to attach bands under the direction of master bander, Richard R. Veit. But will there be a banding office? The Supreme Court recently okayed the firing of Federal workers; the Banding Office was among Federal departments slated to be cut or eliminated. And while there are now sexier—and vastly more expensive—ways to track migration, a cheap, simple leg band is still the only true measure of individual longevity. That is a crucial data point for wildlife managers. It would be a shame to interrupt a data stream now running for over 100 years.

After-School with the MMA

 

Join the Maria Mitchell Association this fall for our Fall I After-School Series, designed for students in Grades K–5. Each day of the week offers a unique set of nature-based activities, crafts, and adventures as we explore Nantucket Island together!

 This day-specific program includes transportation from local schools:

With parent/guardian permission, participants will be transported to the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum or an off-site field location. While school may be out, the curiosity continues!

Upcoming Scalloping Opportunities

 

Join the MMA Aquarium Manager, Christina Norman, on a scalloping adventure! As we collect and observe bay scallops – we will learn all about their biology and the challenges they face. Waders and hand nets will be provided! 

 

This trip requires a valid shellfish permit in order to take home bay scallops. For more information on obtaining an individual shellfish permit, visit the Town of Nantucket website: https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/2304/Recreational-Shellfish-Permit.

 

Scalloping Field Trips meet at one of multiple locations in Nantucket Harbor to account for changing scallop availability.

 

 

The Maria Mitchell Association is giving new life to gently used scalloping baskets, hand nets, gloves, waders, and other gear—putting them to work in our programs and sharing them with the community. If you have equipment you no longer use, consider donating it to the MMA’s scalloping program. To contribute, please email our Aquarium Manager at cnorman@mariamitchell.org.

MMA News

After many years in the making, we are happy to officially announce the re-opening of the Maria Mitchell Vestal Street Observatory – also fondly referred to as the MMO.

 

As you may have seen on the “Maria Mitchell’s Attic” blog, this has truly been more than a multi-year labor of love.  Way back in 2016, we began the first steps with a structural assessment by structural engineer, John Wathne of Structures-North.  That, coupled with an earlier Conservation Assessment Program grant from Heritage Preservation and supported by the Institute for Museum and Library Services that allowed the MMA to hire architectural conservator, Michael Devonshire, began us on our path to conserve the historic MMO.

 

Grants from the Community Preservation Act and the M. S. Worthington Foundation supported the conservation work on the 1908 Observatory and its 1922 Astronomical Study. Masonry and grout were repaired, rusted iron lintels over windows and doors were replaced with steel and work was completed to the “parapets.”  This sounds simple – it was not – it was a multi- year project to work with the masonry and to create a matching grout.  Wayne Morris, the mason, became a fixture on Vestal Street again – as he did all the masonry conservation and work on the exterior of the Research Center.  Once the MMO’s exterior was weather tight and the interior masonry work completed, the rest of the crew moved in to conserve the plaster, re-paint, and conserve the original 1922 bookcases and woodwork in the Study. Paint was removed from the dome bringing it back to its original glory.  Cement floors were cleaned and treated and electrical wiring was updated and new lighting put in the Study.

 

A major renovation was also conducted concerning the “Seminar Room” – a 1987 addition to the west of the MMO – which was completed in 2024.  This was funded in large part by Mitchell family descendant and former (now honorary) MMA Board Member, Richard Wolfe.  New office spaces were created for astronomy staff, updates were made to the astronomy intern workspace and meeting space, and a new accessible bathroom was completed.   We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to two other board members in this work, particularly with the Seminar Room – Elizabeth Markel and John Wise.

 

We are beyond grateful to: Wayne Morris, Mason; John Wathne, Structures-North Consulting Engineers; Wise Construction – John Wise, Pat Marks, “Chip” and Crew; Elizabeth Markel, Elizabeth Markel Interiors; Ellis and Schneider Electrical; Benjamin Normand, Normand Residential Design; W. B. Marden Plumbing, Robert and Henry Butler, Mike Gillies, and Derek; Kevin Wiggin and Crew, KW HVAC, Inc.; Pen Austin, plasterer; Evita Caune, Riptide Finishes; Brian Connor and Crew, Brian Connor Electric Inc.; Adam Zanelli and Crew, Nantucket Heritage Painting; Michael Devonshire; James Lydon and Sons and Daughter; Michael Stefanski, Seed to Stone Landscaping; Matthew Anderson and Maxx Ray; Michael Gault; Pioneer Cleaning; Brook Meerbergen, M.A. Supply / Green Mountain Window Co.; Nantucket Networks; Polygon Group.

Located at 1 Vestal Street, the Historic Mitchell House, birthplace of America’s first woman astronomer, Maria Mitchell, was built in 1790 by Hezekiah Swain. A typical 4-bay Nantucket Quaker-style home, it retains most of its original features.  While it passed through several hands over almost thirty years, in 1818, schoolteacher and astronomer, William Mitchell, his wife, Lydia Coleman Mitchell, and their two children, settled into 1 Vestal Street (then called Prison Lane).  Soon, a new family addition followed – Maria Mitchell.  In all, Lydia Mitchell would give birth to ten children and their house would stretch at its seams until 1825, when William added a kitchen ell on the northwest side.

 

William likely completed much of the work in building the kitchen ell himself.  His Quaker religion did not allow for much in the way of ornamentation but he made sure that the kitchen walls were a bit more special than just white washed plaster and wood.  While he may have taken his own turn to complete some of the decorative “graining”– there are two earlier types of surviving grain painting – William likely hired local company, L. and J. Paddack Co., to complete the work.  (Of note, several Paddacks lived in the neighborhood and one other neighborhood house, the home of a Paddack, still boasts similar painting).  Grain painting was completed, in part, to create a uniform look.  It was typical to do on Nantucket because wood was scarce and lumber came from off-island, adding greatly to its expense.  By grain painting the walls, one could make mismatched or recycled wood, or wood and plaster, all look as if it was the same thing, and perhaps something much more expensive.  Today, there are still a few intact fragments of it left in houses on island but the Mitchell House’s grain painting is the largest and one of the best examples of grain painting left in New England, if not the U.S.

 

In 1836, the William and Lydia Mitchell family left Vestal Street for the Pacific Bank – where William was cashier – and its second floor apartment. They sold the house to Peleg Mitchell Jr, William’s youngest brother, an island tinsmith.  As he and Mary raised their three daughters, Peleg would make a few updates to the kitchen. At the north side, around 1850, he added a cookery that attached to another new space: a Milk Room.  Along the east wall, a counter with drawers and cupboards was built; to their left, a sink with a pump connected to a cistern was installed.  Later, a cookstove was added and it became a thoroughly modern kitchen.

 

Finally, with all of this work, the grain painting of his brother’s era was tired and worn.  Peleg likely hired the Paddacks again but by this time, the company was now known as John Paddock and Co. The 1850s grain painting was completed, this time not in an olive-green tone as William had (which was more Quaker-like), but in a rose-pink tone.  The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) and conservators believe the use of this color is to mimic cedar – a tree found in significant quantities on Nantucket then and now.  The family referred to it as the “Rosy Kitchen.”

 

Today, the Mitchell House is still without modern plumbing or electricity. Little was altered over the almost 100 years in which various members of the Mitchell family inhabited it.  When the MMA was founded in 1902, in part by Peleg’s and Mary’s daughters, they took the house over from the estate of their mother, and little was altered as they worked to preserve their cousin’s birthplace and to honor her legacy.  As a result, two hundred years after it was erected, the 1825 Kitchen ell remains intact, with its 1850s alterations and the grain painting of both Williams’s and Peleg’s inhabitancy.

 

This piece was originally published in Nantucket Preservation Trust’s 2025 publication of Ramblings.

MMA Updates

 

 

 

 

 

MMA September Hours

The Hinchman House Natural Science Museum and Gift Shop, 7 Milk Street 

 

Loines Observatory, 59 Milk Street, Extension

 

The MMA Aquarium & Sea Shop, 32 Washington Street

 

The Historic Mitchell House, 1 Vestal Street

 

Vestal Street Observatory, 3 Vestal Street

 

Research Center, 2 Vestal Street