Historic Sites

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION’S WHALING MUSEUM, 13 BROAD STREET

The Nantucket Whaling Museum and NHA historic properties depict the island’s transformation from a 17th-century farming community to whaling capital of the world, to a 20th-century art and resort colony. The Whaling Museum features a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton and top-quality exhibition halls. Visit www. NHA .org for information, hours and admission prices, or call 508-228-1894.

NHA’S OLD MILL, 50 PROSPECT STREET

America’s oldest continuously operating windmill retains original handcrafted wooden gears that harness the wind’s power to grind corn. Visit www.NHA.org for hours and info.

NHA’S OLDEST HOUSE & KITCHEN GARDEN, 16 SUNSET HILL

Sole surviving structure from the island’s original 17th-century English settlement. Visit www.NHA.org for hours and info.

NHA’S FIRE HOSE CART HOUSE, 8 GARDNER STREET

Built in 1886, this is the last remaining structure of its kind on island. Visit www.NHA.org for hours and info.

NHA’S QUAKER MEETING HOUSE & RESEARCH LIBRARY, 7 FAIR STREET

Constructed in 1838, this is one of the island’s last surviving Quaker Meeting Houses, open daily May 23-October 18. The NHA Research Library houses an array of books, letters, whaling log books, maps, genealogical materials and 100,000 manuscripts and photographs. Open year-round. www. NHA .org

NHA’S GREATER LIGHT, 8 HOWARD STREET

An 18th-century livestock barn transformed into an eclectic summer home in the 1930s by the Quaker Monaghan sisters. Visit wwwNHA.org for hours and info.

NHA’S HADWEN HOUSE, 96 MAIN STREET

The Hadwen House is a Greek Revival mansion built in 1846 by whaling merchant and silver retailer William Hadwen at the peak of Nantucket’s prosperity as the whaling capital of the world. The home is one of the most elaborate examples of Greek Revival architecture on the island. Open daily May 23-October 18. Visit www.NHA.org for hours and info.

NHA’S OLD GAOL, 15R VESTAL STREET

The Town’s House of Correction facility until 1933. Visit www.NHA.org for hours and info.

NHA’S THOMAS MACY HOUSE, 99 MAIN STREET

Built circa 1800, Eunice Coffin Macy and her husband, Thomas Macy, inherited this 18th- century home in 1832. It would establish the Macys as one of the leading families in the neighborhood. Visit www.NHA.org for hours and info.

AFRICAN MEETING HOUSE, 27 & 29 YORK STREET AT FIVE CORNERS

A National Historic Landmark built circa 1820s, one of the oldest Black church buildings in the nation functioned as a church, school for African children, and social center for the New Guinea community. Boston-Higginbotham House is adjacent. Call 617-725-0022 x440 or visit www.maah.org for information. Open June 1.

NANTUCKET ATHENEUM, 1 INDIA STREET

Established in 1834, and becoming a public library in 1900, the Atheneum serves as a cultural and educational hub for the island. Free library cards provide access to millions of books, films and other materials through its partnerships with other Cape and Island libraries. In addition to housing the stacks, the historic 1846 building also contains 19th century maritime art and artifacts and provides quiet space, free Wi-Fi, and public computers. The Atheneum also hosts more than 1,300 programs a year for all ages. Visit the calendar of events at www.nantucketatheneum.org.

EGAN MARITIME INSTITUTE: NANTUCKET SHIPWRECK & LIFESAVING MUSEUM, 158 POLPIS ROAD

The nation’s first museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the remarkable story of lifesaving, the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is located on beautiful Folger’s Marsh off of Polpis Road. Immerse yourself in the island’s shipwreck and rescue history with tales of grit and determination during a time of service and sacrifice that embodies the heroic people of Nantucket. Family-friendly programs, outdoor play areas for young patrons, and a scenic picnic area are open to all. Free seasonal van shuttle from Visitors Services on Federal Street. Visit www.eganmaritime.org for more information, or call (508) 228–1885. Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

Nantucket Island Map