Islands as Muse Opens

Exciting new research has revealed stories and artistic connections to the Elizabeth Islands that many visitors might not be aware of but will be fascinated to learn about.

This year’s special exhibition, Islands as Muse–Art from the Cuttyhunk Historical Society Collection, features—for the first time—many unseen works in the collection that will inspire all who visit Cuttyhunk.

Much has been written about an intriguing connection believed to have existed between William Shakespeare and ‘The Rock,’ the name given to Cuttyhunk by visiting sailors.

Scholars, laypeople, tourists, and alike, have investigated the similarities between the Island and the writings of Shakespeare’s The Tempest to make a connection.

It’s common knowledge that in 1602, an Englishman named Bartholomew Gosnold and a crew of roughly 32 men landed on a small island (one of the many), creating the legendary Elizabeth Islands chain, located between New England’s SouthCoast, and the Island of Martha’s Vineyard.

journey upon their return to England. Likely, having read of the adventure, it’s believed Shakespeare used Cuttyhunk as a muse when penning The Tempest, most notably when he details specifics to its geography and the likeness of its isolation, wild growth, and shrubbery. Moreover, many descriptions seem to imitate life on the Island, with the meeting of ‘Natives,’ giving credence to claims Cuttyhunk was the setting for work.

...it’s believed Shakespeare used Cuttyhunk as a muse when penning The Tempest, most notably when he details specifics to its geography and the likeness of its isolation, wild growth, and shrubbery.

Two centuries later, in 1858, Albert Bierstadt took Cuttyhunk as his muse in the dreamlike painting Gosnold on the Island of Cuttyhunk (New Bedford Whaling Museum collection), not to mention the countless artists, photographers, and writers who have also made Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeth Islands their muse.

Highly acclaimed American writer Robin Moore (1925-2008) summered at the family estate known as the Cuttyhunk Fishing Club. His legendary works include; The Green Berets (1965), The French Connections (1969), The Moscow Connection (1994) and (2003).

The 2023 season runs from Wednesday, June 28, through Tuesday, September 5, with free admission, although donations are appreciated. H

The excursion to the ‘New World’ was funded by Shakespeare’s patron, the Earl of Southampton, and included two classmates from the University of Cambridge, John Brereton and Gabriel Archer, each who wrote accounts of the

The Cuttyhunk Historical Museum’s Summer Hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact cuttyhunkhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Catch a fast, fun, safe trip to beautiful Cuttyhunk Island on boad the M/V Cuttyhunk!

WEATHER NOTE: IF SEVERE WEATHER IS PREDICTED, IT IS ADVISABLE TO CALL IN ADVANCE OF DEPARTURE FOR POSSIBLE SCHEDULING CHANGES.

SUMMER: JUNE 23 TO SEPTEMBER 4, 2023

Depart New Bedford *

*ADDITIONAL TRIPS LABOR DAY WEEKEND - MONDAY 4 AT 1:00 PM

**ADDITIONAL TRIPS LABOR DAY WEEKEND - MONDAY 4 AT 11:00 AM

Depart Cuttyhunk **