2 minute read

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) 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 American 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 MMA 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.

Aquarium

Located on the shoreline of Nantucket Harbor, the Aquarium is an excellent place to learn about the amazing sea life around the island. Visitors can get a feel—literally—for local marine life at the most popular aquarium activity, the touch tank! The Aquarium also features a large circle tank, which is home to larger animals like baby sharks and horseshoe crabs, as well as individual aquarium rooms which house more than fifty animals.

Hinchman House Natural Science Museum

Open year-round, the MMA’s Natural Science Museum is a cross between a classic natural history museum, a zoo, and a science center. Museum exhibits include a live animal room, rotating specimen displays, and hands-on activity areas. The mission of the MMA Natural Science department is to document the species that live on Nantucket and provide opportunities for visitors to learn about them.

Historic Mitchell House

Visit the Mitchell House to take a trip back in time and learn about America’s first female astronomer. Built in 1790, this typical Quaker house was acquired by the Mitchell family in 1816. The home became a museum in 1903 when the MMA’s founders acquired the house to preserve the legacy of one of Nantucket’s most illustrious daughters. Guided tours are available mid-June through the end of August each season. The Mitchell House also hosts programs for adults, children, and families focusing on the Mitchell family’s daily life and their contributions to Nantucket history.

Loines Observatory

When something special is happening in the night sky—a passing comet, a lunar eclipse, or a visible pass of the International Space Station—the Loines Observatory is the place to be. The two domes of the Loines Observatory house a beautifully refurbished antique 8-inch Alvan Clark telescope and a 24-inch research telescope. Visitors can unravel the mysteries of the night sky with our friendly and knowledgeable astronomy team during stargazing nights, or book a customized, private event to spend the evening under the stars with friends and family.

Research Center

The Research Center is home to the MMA’s herbarium, entomological, ornithological, mammalian, and geologic collections which have been collected on Nantucket—and continue to be—for over a century. Visitors can explore these unique collections of the island’s diverse ecosystems during scheduled Open Hours or by appointment. In addition to serving as repository for these important collections, the Research Center functions as a laboratory and classroom space to be used by the MMA, island scientists and researchers, school groups, and researchers and scientists from off-island.

This article is from: