About MMA

About MMA


The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization located on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first American professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities.


The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

Our History

One crisp, clear night in October of 1847, a woman stood alone on a Nantucket rooftop with a telescope at her side. While family and friends gathered in the light of the rooms below, Maria Mitchell gazed up into the stars. That night, Mitchell discovered a telescopic comet, invisible to the naked eye. This event propelled her to fame and changed the face of science and education throughout the world.


The Maria Mitchell Association was founded by some of her former students, family members, and admirers in 1902 (some time after Maria Mitchell’s death in 1889.) Today, the organization bearing her name strives to continue her legacy through preservation of her birthplace and papers, astronomical and natural science research, and interactive, hands-on educational programs for all ages.


Located on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, the MMA serves both visitors and seasonal and year-round residents. Now celebrating over a century of discovery, the MMA is dedicated to opening up the universe to curious minds, and allowing people to see what before was unseen. Our simple motto – “Explore, Educate, Enjoy” – captures the essence of our programs and activities.

Our Mission

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.

MMA Staff

ADMINISTRATION

Joanna Roche

Executive Director

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ABOUT JOANNA

Jascin Leonardo Finger

Deputy Director

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ABOUT JASCIN

Finance Director

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ABOUT KAT

Laura Pless Freedman

Operations Manager



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ABOUT LAURA

Jónelle Gurley

Director of Science & Programming

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ABOUT JÓNELLE

Tess McCarthy

Community Relations and Development Manager

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ABOUT TESS

ASTRONOMY

Regina Jorgenson, Ph.D.

Director of Astronomy

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ABOUT REGINA

Gary Walker

Telescope Engineer & Astronomer

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ABOUT GARY

Emmy Wisz

MMO Research Fellow

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ABOUT EMMY

August Muller

MMO Research Fellow

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ABOUT AUGUST

Vladimir Strelnitski, Ph.D.

Emeritus Director of Astronomy

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EDUCATION

Jónelle Gurley

Interim Director of Education

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ABOUT JÓNELLE

Mitchell House, Archives, and Special Collections

Jascin Leonardo Finger

Curator of the Mitchell House, Archives, and Special Collections

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ABOUT JASCIN

NATURAL SCIENCE

Jónelle Gurley

Director of Science & Programming

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ABOUT JÓNELLE

Jack Dubinsky

Aquarium Director and Research Center Coordinator

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ABOUT JACK

Izzy Gaw

Natural Science Museum Director and ACKlimate Coordinator

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ABOUT IZZY

Ginger Andrews

Field Ornithologist

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ABOUT GINGER

Robert Kennedy, Ph.D.

Senior Research Fellow

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ABOUT BOB

Valerie Hall, Ph.D.

Research Associate

ABOUT VAL

Andrew Mckenna-Foster, M.S.

Adjunct Associate

ABOUT ANDREW

Board of Directors

 Helene Weld, First Vice President
John Wise,
Second Vice President

 Curt Burwell, Co-Treasurer

Karen Ketterer, Co-Treasurer
Joseph E. Santucci Jr.,
Clerk

MEMBERS

Richard Bard
Margaret Falk

Tanya Forman

Elizabeth Georgantas
Chris Griffiths
Carolyn Holt
Toni McKerrow
Molly Paiement
Mary Archibald (Bebe) Poor, D.V.M.
Justin Schaeffer

Brian Sullivan

Frances Symes  

Richard Wolfe


HONORARY MEMBERS

Beverly Barlow

 Sally Charpie
John Daniels
Daniel Drake
Joan Gulley
Judith Lee
Malcolm MacNab, M.D., Ph.D.

 Michael Nelson
Nathaniel Philbrick

Katherine Rhode, Ph.D.
Anne P. Strain

Edward Symes III

VIEW ANNUAL REPORTS
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