Nantucket Bird Walk with Ginger Andrews

Explore Nantucket’s birdy landscapes and hidden nooks with local bird guide and Inquirer and Mirror columnist, Ginger Andrews. With so many varied habitats so close together, the Island is a great place to look and listen for birds. Our location out at sea makes for a fascinating mix of migratory species and year-round residents.

Dry humor—always useful in a foggy environment—natural and human history, unexpected rarities, and other stories fill out the picture. Children 8 and up are welcome with an adult guardian. Loner binoculars available. Wear sensible shoes, dress for the weather.

This program meets at the MMA 33 Washington Street property at 7:45 AM. This program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather and a ticket exchange issued for an alternative date. Pre-registration is required as this program occurs off-site.  Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.

COST:$30

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

May 24

8:00AM - 10:00AM



Sundays

June 8 - August 24

7:45AM - 10:00AM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email programs@mariamitchell.org

Bug Bonanza

What insects and small creatures live in the grasses, flowers, and trees of Nantucket? Find out as you adventure with MMA Natural Science Museum staff to collect insects like a scientist and learn about the incredible traits and behaviors of all the creates we catch and release. We will also identify the insects, and then release these spiders, ants, and other insects back to their habitat!

Participants must have their own transportation to participate in this program. This program is designed to be interesting for both adults and children ages 4 and up. This program meets at Mill Hill Park, off Prospect Street, please turn into the driveway with the sign that says “Historic Cemetery” and directly on your right is the Mill Hill Park parking lot.

All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program.  Pre-registration is required as this program occurs off-site. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.

COST:$20

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

June  - August 31

2:00PM - 3:00PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email ekermani@mariamitchell.org



Marine Ecology Field Tripp

What sea creatures live in the Nantucket Harbor? Find out as you help to collect, identify, and release fish, crabs, shrimp, and other marine creatures with our huge seine net. The Harbor is filled with interesting animals that will amaze you in their shapes, colors, and habits. 

This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 10 and older. This program meets at the Hither Creek Beach Access (near 25 Massachusetts Ave. / 41.273923, -70.207293 / Beach Access #52). Overflow parking is located at 6 Massachusetts Avenue.

All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required as this program meets off site. Registration closes 1 hour before the start time of the program. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.

COST:$35

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

June 9 - August 31

8:30AM - 10AM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email cnorman@mariamitchell.org



Earth Story Walk & Talk

Carl Sagan once wrote, "The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena." While that may be true in terms of physical size, the Earth's 4.6 billion-year history is anything but boring. Join the MMA's Scientist-In-Residence, Dr. Rich Blundell on a journey through the extraordinary story of planet Earth. Along the way we will stop to explore the major thresholds of geologic time and also reconsider how the events and processes of deep time have led to our current global state of existence. By considering the broader scales of the Earth's story we will gain new insights to interpret the science in more meaningful ways.

This program is designed to be interesting for inquisitive adults. This program meets at rotating locations which will be shared in advance of the occurrence. Pre-registration is required for this event. In the case of inclement weather, we will hold the event indoors at the Maria Mitchell Association Research Center at 2 Vestal Street. Registration closes 12 hours before the start time of the program.

COST:$25

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

June 20

July 18

August 15

September 12

10AM - 11:30AM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email rblundell@mariamitchell.org

Marine Storytime

Enjoy this program designed for the young aquatic in your family! During each session, a MMA educator will read a marine or science themed book, introduce you to one of the MMA's animal friends, and will finish up with an activity related to the story. This is a reoccurring program, but the specific focus and materials provided will change each week.

This program is designed to be interesting for children ages 3 and older. This program meets at the MMA Aquarium at 32 Washington Street, Nantucket MA. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Program begins promptly at start time.

COST:$20

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

June 9 - August 30

9:15AM - 10AM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email cnorman@mariamitchell.org



"Look Up!" at Loines Observatory

Join our astronomers for an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky. Get a chance to view the moon, planets, stars, nebulae, and even distant galaxies through the MMA’s telescopes! Learn more about the constellations, phases of the moon, the planets, and why eclipses happen.

This community-centered stargazing program is designed to be engaging and interactive for Nantucket students, educators, and families of all ages but with a special focus on young adults and students of K-12 grades learning about the Nantucket night sky.

This program will take place at the Maria Mitchell Association’s Loines Observatory located at 59 Milk Street Extension. Registration is required for this program which begins promptly at event time. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. In the event of inclement weather (rain or thunderstorm threat), the event will be cancelled. Please check our website on the day of the event for updates on weather related cancellations, we will post by 5pm if the event will be cancelled.

COST:  $10

Free to Nantucket Island Residents

DATES:

Friday

May 9th



9PM - 10PM

For school group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email programs@mariamitchell.org  for more information.

Full Moon Nature Walk

Join Joanna Roche on a peaceful one hour walk (up to 2 miles on uneven terrain) under the light of the full Moon. Discover the legends and narratives of the past and present. Enjoy the tranquility of the quiet night sky and learn about our Moon's current themes and its important symbolism.

Our complimentary under the moon experience meets at a rotating location, you will be emailed with the walk location on the day of the program. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program.

Pre-registration is required as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be cancelled and participants notified via email. This walk is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 8 and older. Dress for the current weather conditions and bring your flashlights or headlamps! 

COST: $10

Free to Nantucket Island Residents

DATES:

June 11, Strawberry Moon

9:00 PM - 10:00PM

July 10, Buck Moon

9:00 PM - 10:00PM

August 8, Sturgeon Moon

8:30PM - 9:30PM

For inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email info@mariamitchell.org

Night at the Aquarium

Join MMA aquarists for an evening at the MMA Aquarium. Your Aquarium After-Dark adventure begins as you enter the Aquarium after public operating hours and are greeted by an ambassador. You’ll learn about the eating habits of some of the Aquarium’s residents. Discover what the sharks and some of your favorite fishy friends do when the sun falls below the horizon and the moon fills the sky in a magical twilight reveal.

Learn about animal nocturnal super powers – like enhanced night vision or sleeping with half their brain awake! Plus, you’ll get to meet an animal ambassador and learn how they are perfectly adapted for their adventures after dark. Every Night at the Aquarium program will specifically focus on a dedicated scientific topic! Each event is open to visitors of all ages.

This program meets at the MMA Aquarium located at 32 Washington Street, Nantucket. This program is appropriate for adults and children ages 5 and older. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required for this program. Registration deadline: 4pm, the day of the program. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.

COST: $20

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

Thursdays

June 17

July 1, 15, & 29

August 12, 26

8:00PM - 9:00PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email cnorman@mariamitchell.org

Night at the Museum

Join MMA naturalists for an evening at the Hinhcman House Natural Science Museum. Together we will tap into our curious nature to uncover more secrets of the natural world, learn amazing natural history facts, see museum specimens up close, experience our specimen touch table, see live specimen prep, and hang out in our activity room featuring various arts & crafts activities!. Every Night at the Museum, this program will specifically focus on a dedicated scientific topic! Each event is open to visitors of all ages.

This program meets at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum located at 7 Milk Street, Nantucket. This program is appropriate for adults and children ages 5 and older. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required for this program. Registration deadline: 4pm, the day of the program. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.

COST: $20

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

Tuesdays

June 9 - August 30

8:00PM - 9:00PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email ekermani@mariamitchell.org

Nighttime Marine Ecology Field Trip

Nantucket Harbor teems with exciting marine life at night that is not visible in the day. Join our aquarium staff to learn about the fish, squid, crabs, and other creatures that come out to feed, at night, in the shallow harbor waters. 

This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 10 and older. Nighttime Marine Ecology meets at the Maria Mitchell Aquarium at 32 Washington Street, Nantucket MA.

All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program.  Flashlights or headlamps will be provided, but it is recommended that you bring your own lighting. Pre-registration is required for this program. Registration deadline: 4pm, the day of the program. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away.

COST:$35

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

Alternating Tuesdays

June 9 - August 30

8:45PM - 10:00PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email cnorman@mariamitchell.org

Owl Prowl

Night-time has always had a mysterious appeal, which brings out a whole new cast of avian and other creatures. It requires patience, and a shift of consciousness from sight to hearing. Join the MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, as we listen for calls of a variety of nocturnal animals and birds. We will watch for owls as they begin their nightly activity. While an owl sighting is not guaranteed, you will certainly be able to observe several fascinating nocturnal animal species.

This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 8 and older. This program meets at the MMA Administrative Office at 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket MA. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program.  Flashlights or headlamps will be provided, but it is recommended that you bring your own lighting. Pre-registration is required for this program. Registration deadline: 4pm, the day of the program. Program begins promptly at start time and late arrivals may be turned away. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be cancelled and participants notified via email.

COST:$35

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

Alternating Tuesdays

June 9 - August 30

Times vary with sunset

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email

programs@mariamitchell.org

Open Night: Stargazing at Loines Observatory

Join our professional astronomers for Stargazing Open Nights at Loines Observatory. Get a chance to view an impressive tour of Nantucket’s night sky. The MMA will host varying time sessions of Open Night Stargazing from June 9 through August 30. Please see our calendar for days and times.

MMA staff will guide you in viewing astronomical objects through our historic 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor and our modern 24-inch research telescope. Get a chance to view the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and even other galaxies! Learn about the cutting-edge research being conducted by Maria Mitchell Observatory astronomers and interns and get all your astronomy questions answered!

This program is designed for all ages. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program. This program meets at the MMA Loines Observatory at 59 Milk Street, Nantucket MA. 

Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Program begins promptly at the event start time, please arrive 10 minutes before the program start time as late arrivals may be turned away. Please dress for the weather conditions at the event time, as this event takes place outside. This program is weather contingent and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather (rain or thunderstorm threat). Please check our website on the day of the event for updates on weather related cancellations, we will post by 5pm if the program will be cancelled. Members will see their discount at checkout in cart once logged into your online account.

COST: Adults $25, Youths $15

Members are free, discount in cart

DATES:

May 23

9:00PM - 10:00PM

June 9 - 20

Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

9:30PM - 10:30PM

June 23 - June 27

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

9:30PM - 10:30PM

June 30 - August 8

Mondays and Tuesdays

9:00PM - 9:45PM and 10:00PM - 10:45PM

August 11 - August 29

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

9:00PM - 10:00PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email programs@mariamitchell.org

Preserving the Monuments of Our Ancestors: How to Properly Clean Historic Gravestones

Join the curator of the Maria Mitchell House and the Prospect Hill Cemetery Association historian for a short talk about stone monuments and their conservation. The class will then move to the Prospect Hill Cemetery where participants will learn how to properly clean stone monuments. Class will be hands on so please wear appropriate clothing. 

Please note that this class is to teach others so that they can clean their family's stone monuments. One must speak with the sextant of a cemetery before doing this. One must not work on stones not belonging to their family unless it is through a special program that has been approved by the cemetery and other officials.

This program meets at the Maria Mitchell House 1 Vestal Street Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, programs will be cancelled and participants will be notified.

COST: $15

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

June 14

10AM - 12:00PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email jfinger@mariamitchell.org

Maria Mitchell and the Daring Daughters of Nantucket Island

Join the curator of the Maria Mitchell House and the Prospect Hill Cemetery Association historian for a short talk about stone monuments and their conservation. The class will then move to the Prospect Hill Cemetery where participants will learn how to properly clean stone monuments. Class will be hands on so please wear appropriate clothing. 

Please note that this class is to teach others so that they can clean their family's stone monuments. One must speak with the sextant of a cemetery before doing this. One must not work on stones not belonging to their family unless it is through a special program that has been approved by the cemetery and other officials.

This program meets at the Maria Mitchell House 1 Vestal Street Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, programs will be cancelled and participants will be notified.

COST: $15

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

May 3

June 21

September 5

10AM - 12:00PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email jfinger@mariamitchell.org

Family Sailors’ Valentines

A great time for you and your child to learn and create together! Join the curator of the Maria Mitchell House and create your own version of a sailors' valentine by decorating a small Shaker-style box or picture frame - something to be enjoyed and remembered for years to come. We provide all supplies - you bring your imagination and creativity! Adults must remain with their child for the entire duration of the program.



This paired program is designed for an adult and child ages 5 and older. This program meets at the MMA Hinchman House Natural Science Museum courtyard at 2 Vestal Street, Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is required as space is limited to 8 participants. 

COST PER PAIR:$55

Each Additional Child - $10

Members receive a 20% discount

DATES:

June 30

July 21

10AM - 11:30AM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email jfinger@mariamitchell.org

Four Centuries Domestic Architecture Tour

A unique and extremely popular collaborative walking tour with the MMA's Deputy Director & Curator of the Mitchell House, the Preservation Trust, and the Nantucket Historical Association that looks at the changes in domestic life over four centuries and how it shaped homes, buildings, neighborhoods, and land use. Tour includes brief visits inside each building visited.

This program meets at the Oldest House, 16 Sunset Hill Lane Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. In the event of inclement weather, programs will be cancelled and participants will be notified.

COST: $25

DATES:

May 10

June 7

September 6

October 4

10AM - 12PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email jfinger@mariamitchell.org

May Learning Lab: Introducing Beautiful Futures with Dr. Richard Blundell

This Summer, The Beautiful Futures Lab (BFL) is coming to the Maria Mitchell Association as a series of month-long journeys of exploration guided by MMA's Scientist-In-Residence, Dr. Rich Blundell. The BFL represents a scientifically informed, spiritually inspired, and culturally creative response to the spectrum of crises threatening the flourishing of life on Earth. Dr. Blundell will introduce how this unprecedented constellation of maladies known as the "metacrisis" – ecological breakdown, economic instability, political polarization, and technological disruption – isn't just a series of problems to solve but an evolutionary invitation to remember our fundamental nature as Earthlings.

In this talk, Dr. Blundell will introduce the BFL as a living laboratory for exploring how these converging challenges are actually guiding us toward a more mature way of thinking, feeling, being, and identifying with the living Earth. Join us in cultivating a scientifically grounded philosophy of belonging that transforms anxiety into agency and offers genuine hope grounded in remembering our inextricable entanglement with the creative life force of nature.

COST:$20

Members are free, discount in cart

DATES:

May 9

7:00PM - 8:00PM

May 22

8:00 PM - 9:00PM

For inquiries inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email email: rblundell@mariamitchell.org

Birding 101: A Two Part Exploration of the Unique Avian Life of Nantucket

What is the allure of birding? We have always looked to birds to tell us what is happening in the world around us but there are almost as many ways to enjoy birds as there are birders. Join MMA's Field Ornithologist Ginger Andrews for a two part workshop to find your own unique birding style, with tips and suggestions to find and identify Nantucket's varied avian life. 

This program convenes at the MMA Research Center parking area at 2/4 Vestal St. at 2:45 PM. This workshop is a 2 part series but you may register for individual events. The time of the field trip will be solidified during the Friday afternoon session. Children 8 and up are welcome with an adult guardian. Loaner binoculars are available for use. Wear sensible shoes and dress for the weather at the time of the program.

This program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather and a ticket exchange issued for an alternative date. Pre-registration is recommended as programs do fill up but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.

Part 1: Introduction to Birding

Part 2: Birding Field Trip

COST: $30

DATES:

Part I, May 9

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Part II, May 10

10:00 AM - 12:00PM

For private group inquiries: Call 508.228.9198 or email email: programs@mariamitchell.org