Research Center Update: We Have Heat!

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • December 11, 2017

And a lot more!


Once things were worked out concerning the HVAC system and the HVAC room, things have now started to really move in the Research Center.  The HVAC system has not been easy – trying to fit a system that is needed for our collections inside of an existing building and not causing harm to historic fabric has been working in pretzel fashion – and fabricating a system in a pretzel fashion – and we owe a lot to Kevin Wiggin and his team for that.  Thank you!


The carpenter, Matt Anderson, and his team came in to complete the furnace and basement doors and to get the accessible bathroom back up and ready.  We have reused all the historic fabric – from baseboards and trim boards – to widening the old bathroom door.  And, Matt was able to save the lath from the walls in the bathroom where new updated plumbing lines had to go in due to code.  He re-installed the lath and then Pen Austin and her team came in and replastered the walls with lime plaster – just as they were!  Now we await the rest of the bathroom, some more cabinetry related items, and painting, as well as cleaning and coating the floors.

Returning original lath to bathroom wall.

Lime plaster being prepared.

We are getting close – stay tuned!

JNLF

Recent Posts

Keep Calm and Bird On: October 2026

October 1, 2026
“If you don’t look, you don’t see. You have to go and look.” -Edith Andrews

Celebrating Maria’s Discovery of a Comet – October 1, 1847

By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • October 1, 2026
10mo 1, 1847. {October 1, 1847} This evening at half past ten Maria discovered a telescopic comet five degrees above Polaris. Persuaded that no nebulae could occupy that position unnoticed it scarcely needed the evidence of motion to give it the character of a comet. From the journals of William Mitchell, father of Maria. One hundred and seventy-nine years later! JNLF

Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association to Host Annual Aquarium Release Day Saturday, October 10

September 30, 2026
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that its annual Aquarium Release Day will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10am - 12pm at the MMA Aquarium at 32 Washington Street. A sensory-friendly half hour will be offered from 9:30 – 10am. Join MMA staff to help the staff release this season’s Aquarium inhabitants back into the ocean. This community 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, Chelsea Petrik, as well as her team of dedicated college interns and volunteers, explore the shores of Nantucket to 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. The animals are studied and cared for at the Aquarium so that the MMA can help people to learn more about these important marine organisms. Roughly seventy different species are featured at the Aquarium throughout the season. Local fishermen also provide the Aquarium with species they come across in their nets and at the end of their lines. Pre-registration is encouraged. Register at the link below: https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/2025-Aquarium-Release-Day-10Oct2026 The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. 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. ###
Show More