Why Give
Help cultivate a life-long passion for science.
For over a century, the Maria Mitchell Association has educated and inspired the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards.
Just as our namesake, Maria Mitchell, we have mentored and launched countless students into their careers in the sciences and we have sparked an interest in the natural world for tens of thousands of families who have participated in our award-winning programs.
When you make a contribution, those funds have an immediate impact on our museums, observatories, aquarium, research, mentorship programs, animals, exhibits, collections, and our award-winning STEM programing.
Toni McKerrow
“I took my first class at the Maria Mitchell Association when I was a child in the mid 1950’s. I loved collecting butterflies and insects with nets: learning how to identify and preserve them. We also went out on foot, or on bicycles to collect different wildflower species, which we also identified and mounted in books to dry.
I’ve had the pleasure of watching my children and grandchildren participate in the Discovery Classes and visit the Aquarium and Natural Science Museum each summer to see what’s new. As citizen scientists, we’ve helped horseshoe crab counts, scallop research, tended our active barn owl box, and never tired of stargazing at Loines Observatory.
From our experiences and knowledge gained through the MMA, we’ve come to an even deeper appreciation of the natural and unique beauty of Nantucket, and the importance of preserving it for future generations.”
–Toni McKerrow (MMA Student, Volunteer, and Board Member 1994-Present)
Jay Chittidi
"The Maria Mitchell Association first helped me enter the world of astronomy research in the summer of 2018, when I worked with the organization as a summer REU student. I was surrounded by other young astronomers, alongside whom I was able to cultivate my curiosity for the universe and learn valuable research skills.
In the fall of 2019, I was able to return to the Maria Mitchell Association to work with Dr. Regina Jorgenson for a year-long fellowship in which I used cutting-edge data from both here on Earth and in orbit in space to study a new astronomical phenomenon known as fast radio bursts. This unique opportunity allowed me to connect with a global team of astronomers studying this topic, and paved the way for me to pursue a graduate degree in astronomy today.
During my year on Nantucket, I became a member of the island community, made life-long friendships, and was given the chance to learn and grow unlike any other period in my life and it was thanks to the support from the Maria Mitchell Association."
–Jay Chittidi (MMA NSF-REU intern 2018, MMO Research Fellow 2019)
Amy and Brett Harsch
"Our son is a lover of all things nature and animal-related, so we became frequent visitors to the Maria Mitchell Association’s Aquarium as soon as he could walk. When he became old enough for summer camp, Maria Mitchell Association’s summer Discovery Camp program was a perfect fit. He loved exploring different parts of the island, learning about Nantucket’s flora and fauna, and seining to find sea creatures.
The MMA team taught him about invasive green crabs and he has made it his mission to visit the pier at Children’s Beach nearly every day to try to rid the area of green crabs. He caught 66 green crabs in one afternoon in August 2019!
When COVID prevented the Maria Mitchell Association from offering summer camp in 2020, their family programs gave us a chance to learn and to explore some of our son’s favorite spots from camp together. Thanks to the team at the MMA, we have a deep appreciation of Nantucket’s environment and the importance of its preservation."
–Amy and Brett Harsch (MMA Members)
Katherine Rhode, Ph.D.
“If not for my experience at the Maria Mitchell Association, I might never have become an astronomer. In 1989, I was an undergraduate student majoring in physics. I had a professor who encouraged me to apply for a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) position offered by the National Science Foundation. The professor urged me to apply at the MMA and I was thrilled to be accepted. This was my first experience with astronomy research and at the end of the summer, I had the opportunity to present my results at an astronomy conference at Harvard.
After finishing my Bachelor’s degree, I went to work for NASA and then ultimately, returned to school to receive a Masters degree and earn a Ph.D. in Astronomy from Yale University. A few years ago, I returned to the MMA to give a public lecture and to mentor current REU students; I realized I had come full circle in my life!
I am passionate about the mission of the MMA and its rich legacy of public outreach and science education.”
–Katherine Rhode, Ph.D. (MMA REU intern 1989 and Honorary Board Member)