What’s New in Mitchell House? Peleg Jr.’s China!

Kelly Bernatzky • July 9, 2018

We have some new artifacts over here at the Mitchell House! We recently acquired Peleg Mitchell Junior’s (Maria Mitchell’s uncle) blue and white Ridgway china set as a generous gift from his descendants. All in all, there are thirty-seven pieces in this set and they have gone on quite the journey!


Based on their color and pattern, we believe the china dates to around the 1830s. According to the family, the china originally belonged to Mary Ann Whippey, who was Peleg Mitchell Jr’s first wife. The china stayed with the Mitchell family, even after Mary’s death in 1836. In fact, the china came to the Mitchell House in 1837 when Maria’s father sold the house to his youngest brother, Peleg Jr, so Maria’s family could move to the apartment above the Pacific Bank. Peleg Jr had recently married again to another Mary (just to keep things confusing), known by the full name of Mary Swain Russell. After Peleg Jr died, Mary Russell still spent the summers here on Nantucket, but the rest of the year she spent time in Philadelphia visiting her daughter, Lydia. At some point, the china made its way down to Philly and later to Gladwyne, PA, with Lydia’s daughter (Mary and Peleg Jr’s granddaughter). The china continued moving with the family’s descendants, some of it going to Delaware and the rest of it taking a trip to Vermont. Now, it’s all back together at its original home – the Mitchell House!

The china we have is the Asiatic Palaces pattern, which was produced by Ridgway Potteries. In the full image, you can see a scene that takes place along a river, with the focus on two people standing by an ornate gate and a large pagoda. In the background, there is a bridge, a boat, and some other pagoda-style buildings along the riverbank.

But if you look closely at our set, you might notice that the small ladle (below) and one of the plates (above) have a different blue and white pattern, as if trying to blend in with the rest. The plate still says Asiatic Palaces on the bottom, but instead of focusing on the people by the pagoda, this plate’s scene is a close-up of the bridge and the boat. The small ladle, on the other hand, has nothing to do with Asiatic Palaces and is actually a completely different pattern! Though still blue and white, this ladle has an image of a windmill. According to the family, this ladle has been used with the rest of this set for as long as they can remember!

Now, in addition to these two pieces with totally different designs, if you look reaaaally closely at the rest of the set, you might notice that the pagodas are different shapes and the people are wearing different clothing or standing in different places from piece to piece. This seems a bit unusual for transfer-ware, which is not hand-painted and is usually mass-produced.


You might also be wondering why there is a ruler in the pictures of the up-close china. That’s because these are the photos we took to put into our records as we process and accession each item. These pictures provide a great opportunity for you to catch a glimpse into what we’re working on behind-the-scenes at Mitchell House!

Stop by to check out this china set on display in the Mitchell House pantry!


Kelly Bernatzky, Mitchell House Intern 2018,  Vassar College 2019

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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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