The MMA Facilities Will be Closed Tuesday, November 11 in Observance of Veterans Day,

And November 27 - 28 in Observance of Thanksgiving

 

November is the month of gratitude — a time to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the gifts and lessons of 2025. At the Maria Mitchell Association, we have so much to be thankful for this year, and it's truly been one for the books!

 

From our first Palm Beach fundraising event and birdwatching in Central Park with Ginger Andrews and Jamie Currie to welcoming Director of Astronomy, Dr. Jackie Milingo, who joined us from Gettysburg College — there has been so much to celebrate.

 

We were honored to have Dr. Betsy Sherman join us as Senior Marine Biology Advisor and we launched our first Dark Skies collaboration with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and Nantucket Lights at Altar Rock. We also completed the conservation of and opened the Vestal Street Observatory and Astronomical Study, blessed by Brother Guy Consolmagno, the Vatican's astronomer.

 

Science and community have come together in so many joyful ways — from our first full season of buoy data in Nantucket Harbor, to Stargazer Stout (our very own beer with Cisco Brewers), bull-riding and cowboy hats at the MM Ranch during the Stargazer Gala, Clementine, our orange lobster, finally molting, welcoming Cheepi the baby Ribbon Snake, and unveiling new exhibits at Hinchman House — the first in 27 years!

 

I am especially grateful to our talented, creative, and dedicated team who work so hard and so passionately to make all this happen. Together, we've shared laughter, a few tears, plenty of stress, and so many moments of pride — in our work, our science, our community, and in the wonder we share with children, families, and visitors from near and far.

 

We are deeply fortunate to have a Board of Directors who are active, positive, and forward-looking — and of course, all of you: our members, donors, and friends. Thank you for showing up, for sparking new ideas, for sharing in the joy of discovery, and for supporting us in every way. We truly could not do this without you.

 

As you reflect on your own year, I hope your list of gifts and lessons is long — filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and wonderful memories.

 

MMA News

 

In mid-October, the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation hosted its annual Harbor Health Symposium, featuring a panel of experts discussing the protection, restoration, and management of eelgrass populations. Among the panelists was MMA’s Senior Marine Science Advisor, Elizabeth Sherman, Ph.D., who shared her expertise on this vital coastal resource.

 

In Sherman's presentation, she provided data on the MMA's Harbor Monitoring Project Buoy that has recently completed its first full season of continuous monitoring, providing an unprecedented record of the harbor's physical and chemical conditions. 

 

The data showed how periods of moderate warmth and lower oxygen—sublethal stresses for bay scallops and eelgrass—build and overlap across the summer months. By documenting these patterns in real time, the buoy offers new insight into how Nantucket’s changing environment affects its most iconic species.

 

Learn more about the MMA Harbor Monitoring Project here.

2025 WPI students from left to right: Ella Hughes, Mason Savage, and Jack Forsyth at the MMA's

Vestal Street Observatory. 

 

The Maria Mitchell Association, in collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), is excited to launch the MMA Camp Alumni Network. A group of WPI students are on Nantucket for 8 weeks, reaching out to past campers, ages 18 and older, to help us build a database of alumni, celebrate camp experiences, and reconnect the MMA camp alumni community.

 

By sharing your memories, photos, and stories, you’ll help us:

Are you a former MMA Camper ages 18 and older? Join our Maria Mitchell Association Camp Alumni Network on Facebook to reconnect with fellow campers and share your memories! Can’t find the group or prefer another way to join? Email us at campalumni@mariamitchell.org or complete the MMA Camp Alumni Network survey here.

 

The MMA is excited to share the results of our 2025 Fall Barn Owl Nest Box Survey. This season, our dedicated team — Ginger Andrews, Mitch Blake, Elisa Kermani, Skyler Kardell, Anja Hagenson, and Jónelle Gurley — checked 71 nest boxes across Nantucket, keeping a close eye on these fascinating nocturnal neighbors. We were especially thrilled to resume banding this year, thanks to the generous support of Dr. Richard Veit, who sub-permitted members of our team.

 

As we reflect on the season, we honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Robert “Bob” Kennedy, whose lifelong passion for Nantucket wildlife continues to guide our work. Through programs like this, we keep his vision alive—helping the community connect with and protect local wildlife.

 

Active boxes: 11 with adults, young, or eggs

Adult owls spotted: 9 (6 banded, 1 flushed, 2 left unbanded)

Eggs documented: 5

Young owls: 8 (4 newly hatched, 4 older chicks)

Total banded owls: 13

In addition, we officially retired two older nest boxes, making way for future generations of barn owls.

 

These findings reflect a recurring trend of lower nest box activity in the fall, consistent with patterns observed in past years. While fewer owls are actively nesting in boxes during this season, activity remains steady, and many owners have reported sightings nearby. This suggests that owls are likely utilizing natural roost sites close to the boxes, which contributes to reduced visibility during the survey itself.

 

Join the Barn Owl Nest Box Program! Volunteer, assist with outreach, or participate in upcoming community programs—your involvement makes a difference and inspires others to care for our island’s unique wildlife. Learn more here.

 

Led by Katherine Whittle, the MMA’s Scallop Program Director, the 2025 Marine Science Mentoring Program held during the summer provided 13 students ages 12 and older with an immersive introduction to marine research centered on Nantucket’s iconic bay scallops.

 

Over two-week sessions, Whittle guided students through hands-on fieldwork and lab investigations, teaching them to collect, dissect, and analyze scallop samples while exploring broader connections between ecology, fisheries policy, economics, and chemistry. Through her mentorship, students gained both technical laboratory skills and a deeper understanding of the scientific process.

 

The program culminated in group and individual research presentations, showcasing student findings that contribute to a larger phenology study examining the health and spawning potential of Nantucket Harbor’s bay scallop population.

 

This year’s program was made possible through the generous support of the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation, the Nantucket Shellfish Association, and the Town of Nantucket Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery.

 

To learn more about, support, or inquire regarding the 2026 Marine Science Mentoring Program, click here or contact us for details.

Birding News

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Oklahoma’s state bird and very rare on the East Coast, photographed by Trish Pastuszak.

 

November is potentially exciting for rarities, so it is not a time to give up on birding, rain or shine. But there is more going on this month, starting right with November 1.

 

Perhaps the most important of Robert "Dr. Bob” Kennedy’s many legacies was the founding of the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative in 2004. He spearheaded an idea for all Island conservation groups, landowners, and other stakeholders to combine forces. With more than a dozen members including MMA participating, NBI is still going and stronger than ever. Collectively we offer small research grants and local facilitation to attract researchers from off-island institutions to work here.

 

This year we host our Biennial Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Research Conference, when results are presented to the public, at the Great Harbor Yacht Club on Saturday, November 1. Starting at 8:30am. with coffee, more than 20 researchers will give presentations or posters of their work from the last two years. Lunch and snacks are included. Topics range from marine science, to birds, to plants, to insects (yes, ticks). The presenters will also be available for informal questions from the public. It is an unparalleled opportunity to find out new information about the Island and what is going on around us. On Sunday, there are field trips in the morning and afternoon. For more information and to register visit the website here.

 

This weekend also marks the annual Vern Laux Memorial Birding Weekend, when local birders and friends will set out to comb the Island for migrants and rarities. Anyone interested can either bird on their own or join a group. The local Bird Club, free and open to all regardless of experience, will meet as usual to car pool at Nantucket High School’s Surfside Rd. parking lot Sunday morning at 8am.

Loines Observatory Programming

 

Join our astronomers for a special Thanksgiving edition of Stargazing. Our astronomers will lead an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky and 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!

 

 

Join our professional astronomers for an inspiring guided tour of the Nantucket night sky! Using the Maria Mitchell Association’s powerful telescopes, you’ll have the chance to observe the Moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and even distant galaxies. Along the way, learn about constellations, the phases of the Moon, planetary motion, and the science behind eclipses.

 

This interactive, community-focused stargazing program is ideal for students, educators, and families—especially young adults and K–12 learners curious about astronomy and the wonders above Nantucket.

 

Outdoor and Birding Programming

 

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.

 

 

Birds have long been our window into the natural world, and there are almost as many ways to enjoy them as there are birders. Join the MMA’s Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, for a two-part workshop designed to help you discover your own birding style, with tips and guidance for spotting and identifying Nantucket’s diverse avian life.

 

This workshop is a two-part series, with the second session on December 13, but participants may register for individual sessions. The exact time for the field trip will be confirmed during the Friday afternoon session.

 

 

Join the MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, as we listen for calls of a variety of nocturnal animals and birds during our Owl Watch program.

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. We will watch and listen 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.

 

The "Beaver Moon" is the name given to the full moon that occurs in November. It's named after the beaver, as they are particularly active in November, preparing for winter by building dams and storing food. The term also reflects the historical practice of Native Americans and early colonists setting beaver traps in November before waterways froze.

 

Natural Science Museum Programming

 

 

Join the MMA for Saturday afternoon crafting fun! Each week brings a new creative adventure designed to delight young makers and their families. Come explore, create, and imagine with us!

 

 

Love animals? 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! 

 

 

Love stories? 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.

Science Speaker Series

 

The Maria Mitchell Association welcomes Darren Humphreys, founder and CEO of Travel Sommelier, and Dr. Jackie Milingo, MMA’s Director of Astronomy, for a captivating discussion on the upcoming total solar eclipses in Spain (2026) and Egypt (2027). Learn how Travel Sommelier and the MMA are collaborating to craft unique, curated astro-travel experiences for travelers eager to witness these extraordinary celestial events.

 

Humphreys will share how Travel Sommelier is designing seamless, one-of-a-kind eclipse travel experiences, crafted with precision, passion, and purpose. These itineraries include a week-long journey in northern Spain (2026) featuring Barcelona’s culinary delights and Menorca’s wellness offerings, as well as a trip along Egypt’s Nile (2027), exploring ancient temples and the storied landscapes of one of the world’s most historic civilizations.

 

The MMA will collaborate on these exclusive trips by providing professional astronomers to enhance the experience and offer expert insights on the celestial events, giving participants an insider’s view of these extraordinary astronomical phenomena.

 

This presentation offers a unique opportunity for travelers, astronomy enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intersections of culture, history, and the cosmos to learn about once-in-a-lifetime adventures to witness these extraordinary solar eclipses.

 

MMA Upcoming Stroll Weekend Event!

 

Celebrate the magic of Nantucket’s Christmas Stroll with the Maria Mitchell Association! Join us for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer and culinary indulgence—a night destined to sparkle and shine. Savor a festive tasting experience curated by Chefs Gabriel and Kevin of Straight Wharf Fish, featuring endless caviar, gourmet bites, signature burgers, and more. The champagne and Silent Pool Gin cocktails will flow as we toast the holiday season under the twinkling lights and mistletoe. 

After-School with the MMA!

 

The MMA is thrilled to offer a special drop-off day program on select no-school days this November for Nantucket students in grades K–5! Weather permitting, young explorers will head offsite for hands-on adventures, making the most of these fun, curiosity-filled days.

 

Join the Maria Mitchell Association this fall for our Fall II 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.

MMA Updates

 

 

 

MMA November Hours