In Memoriam: Ned Symes

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • June 14, 2021


He had a twinkle in his eye, always. And, a large, wonderful smile that created crinkles around his eyes when that smile appeared. It made him light up. You felt it. It made you happy. And when he laughed, he threw back his head and out came a loud laugh tinged with a southern accent. 


I always knew when there was a summer board meeting or a committee meeting because right outside the MMA Science Library – now Research Center – I would see a bike. That bike belonged to Ned who had cycled over from his house on the Cliff for the meeting.  It sat out in the middle of the lawn, without a care in the world, without worry of being driven off by someone else, awaiting the end of the meeting. I would know that the meeting was over because I would either see the bike missing or hear Ned open the gate and wheel out his bike as I was working in the Mitchell House. It was sort of like a rite of summer – Ned and his bike at a MMA meeting.


He firmly believed in the MMA and its mission and he could be very pointed in expressing concern or when he took issue with something. He was fairly tall, and when he extended his long arm and pointed his finger to tap down on the table in front of him, you knew he meant business.  It wasn’t so much as a tap either, it had a lot of strength behind it as he pushed firmly down. He was a gentle person so you knew he had a concern or point to make when he did that and, that you should listen. He was thoughtful and dedicated. 


I wish that I had known him better. He gave so incredibly and generously of his time and he supported so many organizations. He believed in giving back. And his dedication is something that we should all aspire to. 


The last time I saw Ned, it was on Main Street about two years ago. I was finishing up installing the 200th birthday Hingham Bank window display for the anniversary of Maria Mitchell’s birth. I looked up and saw Ned and Merrielou and went to say hello. I think Merrielou had told him who I was and as I drew near, he reached out his hand to hold mine. The action caught me and I struggled to keep a big smile on my face for him. Because, while the discussion was between Merrielou and myself due to what was robbing him of his ability to speak and to remember, he was a part of the conversation, connected to us both by our hands. It is something that I have always remembered. Something that always makes me choke up. That even though language and memory may be gone, the power of touch is just as important, maybe even more so.


The step, however small, which is in advance of the world, shows the greatness of the person, whether that step be taken with brain, with heart, or with hands. – Maria Mitchell


JNLF

Recent Posts

At Long Last!

By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • June 9, 2025
After several yes’s and then several no’s, not going to have time, we have indeed received the final layer of asphalt on Vestal Street. This goes back to last March and April when we finally had our sewer and waterlines replaced. While I am all about preservation, 1903 piping is a bit old and tired and filled with tree roots to make the passage of sewer sludge quick and easy. While we still await some fixes to curbing – we have our original concrete curbs from 1946/1947 when Vestal Street was first paved – it was dirt until then! – some of them have been buried by time and just need some suavity to pull them up and get them back where they go. Thank you to the Town, N&M, and Victor Braden for completing the work thus far. But, with the paving completed, we may possible begin the replacement of some of our picket fencing and we have permission to restore our fences to what originally existed along the street in the 1920s and earlier – the rail was a rolled, thick top – and we are excited to use some grant funding to make that happen. Stay tuned! JNLF

Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Darren Humphreys of Travel Sommelier for June Science Speaker Series

June 6, 2025
NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host Darren Humphreys, founder and CEO of Travel Sommelier , for an inspiring conversation about the science of transformative travel. Discover how his award-winning boutique travel company crafts seamless, one-of-a-kind itineraries to some of the world’s most captivating destinations—each experience tailored with precision, passion, and purpose. After a successful career on Wall Street, Humphreys followed his true calling and founded Travel Sommelier, fueled by a deep-rooted wanderlust and a desire to share the power of meaningful travel. He takes pride in curating journeys that do more than check boxes—they change lives. Humphreys strongly believes in having fun along the way and finds gratitude in finding close friendships among his trusted partners and curious clients. Having explored over ninety countries across every continent, Humphreys continues to find magic in every destination—immersing himself in new cultures, complex histories, and unforgettable culinary and wine experiences. From introducing travelers to his native South Africa to uncovering hidden gems around the globe, he invites you to see the world through a richer, more personal lens. Join him and his team as they reveal the thoughtful process behind Travel Sommelier’s approach—and prepare to be inspired. When Humphreys is not traveling, he resides in Duxbury, a seaside town in Massachusetts with his wife Caitlin, his two energetic boys, and his sweet black lab. This presentation is free and held on Zoom. Pre-registration is required. Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please follow the link below: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZodpUFoVT-2uqVG4U_TqjQ#/registration 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 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. ###

A Graceful Lady

By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • June 3, 2025
We have finally gotten out of significant drought status into mild drought. I would say we had nothing to do with it, but with climate change, we do. However, I appreciate Mother Nature’s recent gifts though these days they come hard, fast, and extreme. I always say that the May rains create a “whoomph factor.” With each rain, it seems the leaves grow over night to a new stage, of the underbrush does, of the plants in your garden. Its several “whoomphs” over the month as it rains. One “whoomph” brought about the Pink Lady Slippers. They seem a bit early this year – I usually look for them in early June – but on a walk the other morning at 6AM with our Siberian Husky, I decided to look at two places – one along the street behind where an old pine tree, now dead and gone, was located, and along our driveway in the scrub oak. And low and behold, they were there – one at the pine tree stump and two in our driveway. These are endangered in many places, including here on island. These are all plants that Maria Mitchell would have found in abundance depending on where she was walking on the island. Unfortunately with overdevelopment and someone thinking, “Oh what a lovely flower, I will take it home,” and over mowing along roads, these are quickly disappearing along with other plants like the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus, Pearly Everlasting, Sea Lavender – the list goes on and its depressing. So please, make yourself aware, and try and find ways to avoid mowing or digging these up. Mow AROUND them instead. Leave their areas undisturbed. They are not just lovely to look at; they are important parts of our ecosystem.  JNLF
Show More