Whaling Museum & The Nantucket Historical Association 13 Broad Street
The Nantucket Historical Association, founded in 1894 to help preserve Nantucket’s unique and fascinating history, invites the public to visit its Whaling Museum – renovated and expanded in 2005 – Research Library and historic properties. Situated throughout Nantucket town, the NHA’s properties illustrate how islanders lived and worked as the island evolved from a small 17th-century farming community to become the capital of the American whaling industry on the East Coast in the 20th century.
Hadwen House 96 Main Street
The Hadwen House was built in 1844-45 for successful whale oil and candle merchant William Hadwen and his wife, Eunice. Its neo-classical façade is the island’s best-known architectural symbol for the prosperity enjoyed by 19th-century whaling merchants.
Old Mill corner of Prospect and York St.
The Old Mill, built in 1746, is the oldest American windmill still in operation. Used as a gristmill until 1892, the mill is currently a popular historical attraction for island visitors. Guided tours and children’s programs are available during the summer.
Research Library 7 Fair Street
The Research Library features manuscripts and letters, books on maritime history and exploration, ships’ logs, genealogical materials, maps and charts and a 60,000-item collection of photographs.
The Whaling Museum 15 Broad Street
Renovated in 2005, the Whaling Museum includes a fully-restored 1847 spermaceti candle factory, a forty-six foot sperm whale skeleton and top-quality exhibition halls displaying hundreds of the Historical Association’s artifacts. Additional galleries display a world-class collection of scrimshaw, paintings, furniture, lightship baskets, samplers and clothing. Visitors can also climb the grand stairwell to the rooftop observation deck for a one-of-a-kind view of Nantucket harbor.
Quaker Meeting House 7 Fair Street
Built in 1838 as a school for the Society of Friends, or Quakers, the Quaker Meeting House was subsequently converted to a meeting house in 1864. It provides an appropriate setting for presenting the story of Nantucket Quakerism. It is still used in the summer months for regular meetings of the Religious Society of Friends and open to visitors.
Oldest House & Kitchen Garden Sunset Hill off West Chester Street
The Jethro Coffin House is the oldest island residence retaining its original foundation. The sole surviving structure dates to the period of Nantucket’s first European settlement. A period kitchen garden is located behind the property and features a wide array of plantings, recreating what would have been common in the 1700s.
Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
158 Polpis Road
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the men of the United States Lifesaving Service performed hundreds of rescues off the coast of Nantucket. Learn about their selfless acts of courage and the island’s maritime history at the recently renovated Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. The museum grounds offer breathtaking views of Folgers Marsh and are ideal for picnicking.
The Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin School
4 Winter Street
The historic Coffin School was founded in 1827 by Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, an English baronet who intended to provide “a good English education to youth who are descendent of the late Tristram Coffin,” (almost every child on Nantucket) including nautical training for island boys. Currently, the Coffin School welcomes visitors to experience educational and entertaining speaker programs which explore topics related to Nantucket’s maritime traditions, culture and history, in addition to showing classic maritime movies in July and August.
The Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum 49 Union Street
The rich heritage of the lightship basket reflects the spirit and creative spark of the people who made them and inspires the work of those who keep the art alive today. Today the lightship basket is recognized internationally as a Nantucket icon. Annually changing and permanent exhibits, guest speakers, weaving demonstrations and tours of the 1820s garden are offered throughout the season
Nantucket Atheneum 1 India Street
The Nantucket Atheneum is one of the oldest public libraries in continuous service in the United States. Once attracting prominent 19th century speakers – including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Lucretia Mott and Frederick Douglas – the Great Hall on the second floor now serves as a free research and information area with reference books and public access computers. The Weezie Library for Children offers year-round programs including storytelling, music, puppet shows and Family Nights, and features a vibrant selection of material for island youth. The adjoining Atheneum Garden provides a welcome downtown green space for relaxing, playing or quiet reading.
The Maria Mitchell Association 4 Vestal Street
Maria Mitchell, America’s first female astronomer, was born and raised on Nantucket Island. From a telescope placed atop the Pacific National Bank, she sighted the comet that brought her international fame. The Maria Mitchell Association educates adults and children in astronomy, environmental science and island history through various programs and facilities
Aquarium 28 Washington Street
Located on the harbor, the Aquarium exhibits Nantucket marine life and runs ecology and beach discovery field trips for families.
Mitchell House 1 Vestal Street
Tours of this historic home – the birthplace of Maria Mitchell – focus on typical mid-19th century Quaker life and the life of the Mitchell family.
Vestal Street Observatory 3 Vestal Street
Experience observatory tours, outdoor solar system models and sunspot observations.
Loines Observatory 59 Milk Street
Enjoy the night sky during Public Open Nights, slide shows of astronomical photographs and telescope viewing. Weather-permitting.
The Maria Mitchell Natural Science Museum 7 Milk Street
Nantucket’s only natural science museum features a live animal room, preserved birds and wildflowers, and focuses on enhancing awareness of environmental issues. Also offered are children’s nature classes, bird and nature walks, field trips and a museum shop.
The African Meeting House
27 & 29 York Street at Five Corners
This small post-and-beam building is the nation’s second-oldest church structure still standing built by free African Americans for their use. Once known as New Guinea, indicating the African roots of the property owners, the African Meeting House and the adjacent Seneca Boston-Florence Higginbotham House are the only public structures remaining on the island that are identifiably central to the history of the African American community of 18th and 19th-century America. The first Africans on Nantucket were slaves, but when slavery was abolished on the island in 1773, they became a vital presence to contributing to the community as whalers, tradesmen, barbers and clergy.