Honoring Our Veterans

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • May 23, 2017

Work begins.


On May 16, 2017 from 6-8PM, I had the honor of working with Nantucket Girl Scout Troops 80978 and 81174.  For over a decade, I have been working to clean the stones of not just the Mitchells, but other Nantucketers buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery with the Prospect Hill Cemetery historian, Paula Levy.  She and I first crossed paths when I offered a stone cleaning workshop via the Mitchell House and she was one of the attendees.  Since then, we have cleaned roughly twenty or so stones and worked on a restoration project to restore the fences at two family plots, one of them being the Mitchell family plot.

Work continues.


Our work together brought about a discussion of Memorial Day services.  The Sons of the American Legion and the island Scouts all come together to put flags and red geraniums at the graves of island veterans.  The Memorial Day Parade ends with a service at the Soldiers’ Lot burial site.  We thought it would be nice for the Scouts to play a larger role in attending to the veterans and also to provide them with some background on them and a sense of ownership.  So, I reached out to some scout leaders and the Girl Scout troops noted above joined in.  The Legion provided the funds for the supplies and Paula came and spoke to them briefly about the Soldiers’ Lot and the men buried there.  And then, I gave them another brief overview of how to clean – this time hands-on rather than explaining it at a meeting.  Then, we got to work – Scouts, Scout leaders, mothers.  We managed to clean the stones of all the men interred there – Civil War veterans, WWI veterans, VietNam veterans and more.  About eighteen monuments were cleaned of their lichen and mosses and protected from further damage.  The stones will lighten some – the point is not to make them pristine or bright white.  And the lichen has been removed thus stopping further damage from it.  You will note a few that are whiter than others – several are newer stones and others may have been cleaned in the past by others though it looks like they were done with harsh chemicals unfortunately.  Remember, never clean stones without permission from the cemetery sexton.  DO not clean stones of people other than your family. And most importantly, make sure you have been trained first and have the right tools, specifically a cleaner that is appropriate for the work (bleach is a BIG no-no).


Thank you to the Scout and the Legion, as well as troop leaders and parents!

Work completed.


JNLF

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NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is proud to announce its 2025 Marine Science Research and Mentoring Program for students grades eight through twelve. In collaboration with the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation (GHYCF), the Nantucket Shellfish Association (NSA), and the Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery (ToN BPSH), the Marine Science Research and Mentoring Program is an immersive two-week marine science program for students passionate about marine science and environmental stewardship. This summer, the program will include various interactive activities with an extraordinary opportunity to engage in real-world Nantucket Bay Scallop science research, gain hands-on experience in field studies, and work alongside expert mentors in a dynamic scientific environment all while giving students a comprehensive understanding of marine biology and environmental science. Instituted in 2016 by Dr. Valerie Hall, the program will continue this summer with a special emphasis on the impact of climate change on the timing of bay scallop reproduction and larval development and include a special focus on economic impact of the last remaining wild fishery. The program will offer a unique blend of professional guidance, scientific exploration, and academic career development. Participants will have the chance to contribute to ongoing Nantucket Bay Scallop research, assist in data collection, and learn about marine ecosystems and conservation strategies. As part of their mentoring experience, students will be paired with expert mentors, receiving personalized support and academic advice. For more details on the program and application instructions, visit the Maria Mitchell Association website. Program Dates and Application Process: The Marine Science Research and Mentoring Program will run across five, two-week sessions during the summer of 2025. The sessions are as follows: • Session I: June 16 - June 27 • Session II: June 30 - July 11 • Session III: July 14 - July 25 • Session IV: July 28 - August 8 • Session V: August 11 - August 22 Each session runs Monday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm, with extended hours on Fridays from 9am to 3pm. For Session II, the hours will be adjusted to Monday through Thursday, 9am to 1:30pm, with a special Friday schedule on Thursday July 3rd from 9am to 3pm to accommodate the July 4th holiday. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and students are encouraged to apply early for their preferred session.  To register, visit the MMA’s registration page here . Scholarship Opportunities: Through generous grants from the Nantucket Shellfish Association (NSA) and the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation (GHYCF), the Marine Science Research and Mentor program has available varying scholarships for Nantucket. These scholarships are intended to assist with program costs, ensuring that more local students have the opportunity to gain experience in marine science and research. History of the Bay Scallop Research and Mentor Program: Founded by Director Emeritus, Dr. Valerie Hall and since its inception in 2016, the program’s predominant focus has been on population, ecology, and reproductive biology of the Nantucket Bay scallop (Argopecten irradians). The program has since served over sixty students since 2016, ranging in age from eleven to twenty-two. Students participate in all aspects of ongoing research, as well as designing and carrying out their own independent projects, and enhancing both their scientific method, written, and oral communication skills. Support and Sponsors: This exciting program is made possible through the generous support of both paid and in-kind sponsors, including the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation, the Nantucket Shellfish Association, the Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department, local businesses, and individual donors who are committed to advancing marine science education and conservation on Nantucket. About the Maria Mitchell Association: The Maria Mitchell Association 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 female 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. ###
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