Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association to Host Annual Aquarium Release Day

September 23, 2025

NANTUCKET, MA— The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that its annual Aquarium Release Day will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10am - 12pm at the MMA Aquarium at 32 Washington Street. A sensory-friendly half hour will be offered from 9:30 – 1oam. Join MMA staff for refreshments and tie-dying as you help the staff release this season’s Aquarium inhabitants back into the ocean. This event is FREE to the public and a great opportunity to learn and celebrate the marine life that lives in the waters of Nantucket Island.


The MMA Aquarium is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of biodiversity in our unique marine ecosystems found here on Nantucket. Each summer, the MMA Aquarium Manager, Christina Norman, as well as her team of dedicated college interns and volunteers, explore the shores of Nantucket and find and document an assortment of over 7,500 individual marine animals, most of which are recorded and released. They snorkel, seine, and beachcomb to collect over 300 different marine animals. These animals are studied and cared for so that the MMA can help people to learn more about these important marine organisms while they are featured at the popular Washington Street Aquarium throughout the season. These marine animals represent roughly seventy different species collected by the MMA staff in tandem with local fishermen.



Pre-registration is encouraged. Register at the link below:


https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/2025-Aquarium-Release-Day


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.

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For Immediate Release

September 12, 2025

Contact: Christina Norman

cnorman@mariamitchell.org

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