Nantucket Official Guide 2014-2015

©Cary Hazlegrove ©Cary Hazlegrove 5,000 objects – including period surfboards, beach carts, vintage photos, and more – the museum also features family-friendly programs. The museum grounds offer breathtaking views of Folger’s Marsh, an ideal picnic spot. Museum and gift shop are open 10am-5pm daily mid-May to Columbus Day. Call 508-228-1885 or visit NantucketShipwreck.org for more information. The African Meeting House, 27 & 29 York Street at Five Corners This small post-and-beam structure was built in 1824-5 as a school by free African Americans. The African Meeting House and adjacent Boston-Higginbotham House were central to the history of “New Guinea”, where people of color lived in the 19th century. It was a vibrant community of whalers, cranberry harvesters, and merchants, with inns, shops, churches, a library, and social organizations. The African Meeting House served as the Pleasant Street Baptist Church, a meeting house, and social center. It remains one of the oldest African American church buildings in the nation. Open from July-September and by appointment for groups. Call 508-228-9833, or visit maah.org for more information. 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. Mitchell became a fellow in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a wellrespected professor of astronomy at Vassar College. The Maria Mitchell Association educates adults and children in astronomy, environmental science, and island history through various programs and facilities. Properties are open from late May to early September. Admission fees are charged. Free for members. Call 508-228-9198, or visit mariamitchell.org for more information. 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. Call 508-228-0898 for more information. Aquarium, 28 Washington Street Located on the harbor, the Aquarium exhibits Nantucket marine life and runs ecology and beach discovery field trips for families. Reservations required. Call 508-228-5387 for more information. 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. Call 508-228-2896 for more information. Vestal Street Observatory, 3 Vestal Street Experience observatory tours, outdoor solar system models, and sunspot observations. Call 508-228-9273 for more information. Loines Observatory, 59 Milk Street Extension Enjoy the night sky during Public Stargazing Nights, slide shows of astronomical photographs, and telescope viewing (weatherpermitting). Call 508-228-9273 for more information. www.nantucketchamber.org • 29

Nantucket Official Guide 2014-2015 | Page 31