Whaling Museum Report, by W. Ripley Nelson

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Whaling Museum Report

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

The fiscal year, May 29, 1971 to May 31, 1972 proved to be another outstanding year of progress for the museum from various viewpoints.

The Finback Whale Skeleton and the Whale Room

The foremost event of the season took place on May 29, 1971 upon the opening of the Whaling Museum's 1971-72 season when the new Whale Room addition to the museum - and the finback whale exhibit housed therein were opened to the public. The Whale Room addition and the acquisition of the finback whale skeleton and its restoration and assembly by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute scientist Andrew Konnerth, were described in the museum's annual report for the fiscal year 1970-71 published in the July 1971 issue of Historic Nantucket.

The construction of the whale house and the presentation and assembling of the whale skeleton were donations of Mr. Walter Beinecke, Jr., through the Nantucket Historical Trust. Public interest and comments, since the opening, more than justify the expense and work involved in completing this exhibit. It is particularly appropriate for, as stated in last year's report •'when Nantucketers first went whaling it was the right whale species which was attacked and taken. Thus, the finback, probably the most elusive of the right whale species, represents the origin of Nantucket whaling as an industry."

Narwhal Head

During the midsummer, through the cooperation of an interested Association member, we acquired another unusual item, the skull and tusk of a "narwhal" technically known as Monodon monoceros. It is described as a circumpolar Arctic Ocean animal which seldom strays to warm waters. The tusk is said undoubtedly to have been the source of the mythical unicorn horn. The tusk has been known for a considerable period of time and was highly valued during the Middle Ages. The skull and tusk were cured for exhibition by Mr. Andrew Konnerth of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute who also designed the exhibit case and wrote the technical description of the "narwhal" displayed with the exhibit. This exhibit was placed in the whale house where there was ample room for the display without interference with the finback whale skeleton exhibit. ,

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Admissions and Sales

Paid admissions for the 1971-1972 fiscal year totalled 36,107 persons of whom 30,026 were adults and. 6081 were children between 5 and 12 years of age. In addition, there were many visiting children under 5 years of age who are admitted free when accompanied by an adult paid admission. The record of paid admissions showed an increase of 3321 over the previous year's total. This produced a total of $33,462.,86 which showed an increase of $3470.26 over the previous season.

As in the past, special attention is being given to producing additional revenue from sales which includes diversification and additions to the various items for sale but still restricting them to items pertaining to whaling. This effort resulted in sales for the 1971-1972 fiscal year of $13,698.09, an increase over the previous year of $5217.29.

The museum was officially closed October 16, 1971 but a special schedule was approved by the Council for the museum to be open from October 16, 1971 through May 20, 1972. This schedule covered Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. which, on November 3, was changed to cover the hours of 2 to 5 p.m. so as to take care of the many weekend guests arriving Saturday noon. The museum also was open for the holiday weekend of November 26, 27, and December 27 through the 30th, then again January 1, 1972 through January 12. These openings have proved popular for weekends and holiday periods and are attracting more visitors to the island each year for the opening of the museum provides a real historical attraction for these visitors and attendance proves it is appreciated. Other Special Visitors

Wednesday and Thursday, February 9 and 10, 1972, the museum opened for a group from the Education Development Center at Cambridge, Mass. According to their letters of appreciation, they were very pleased and stimulated with the results of their research.

During the winter and spring the museum was opened for special visits of mainland and island groups of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Student groups from Nantucket gi-ammar and high schools, with accompanying teacher escorts, were also gladly received as the museum's contribution to the historical education of island school children. The Guest Registry Book

The guest registry book showed that all but two states of the Union, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands were represented this year. The two missing states were

WHALING MUSEUM REPORT

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South Dakota and Nevada. Last year all but two states, namely Montana and Idaho, and the District of Columbia were represented.

Registered visitors from foreign lands recorded 32 represented this year. Those represented were: Germany, Australia, Haiti, W. Indies; England, France, Canada, Japan, Israel, Belgium, Holland, Finland, Peru, South Wales, Egypt, Ireland, Italy, India, Sweden, Jamaica, W. Indies; Bahamas, Scotland, Portugal, Nova Scotia, Mexico, Switzerland, Colombia, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Brazil, Chile, Hungary, Taiwan.

Again we repeat the statement made for several years past, namely; "while Nantucketers still roam and visit foreign lands, here is outstanding proof of how the tables have turned with respect to people from all parts of the world visiting Nantucket."

Again it has been proven that domestic and foreign visitors are no longer limited to the short summer season but are recorded in increasing numbers during the off-season months, especially during holiday weekends. This is an important factor in the economy of Nantucket and places a real responsibility upon the Association to extend to all visitors, seasonal and off-season, a cordial welcome and considerate attention. This is the policy the Whaling Museum endeavors to carry out at all times. Personnel

As in past years the 1971-72 fiscal year staff served loyally and constructively in handling our many visitors. Spare moments were willingly devoted to improving the proper presentation and preservation of our many exhibits.

Our staff for the 1972-73 fiscal year will be as follows: Walter Lindquist will serve again as Manager. Mrs. Elizabeth Lindquist will again greet visitors at the reception desk and will supervise the scrimshaw room and the sales desk. Mrs. Reginald Hussey as Librarian will continue her constructive work. Mr. Clarence H. Swift will be head receptionist for Sanderson Hall, the Whale House, the South Seas Room, the Portrait Room, and the second floor hall exhibits. The balance of the staff will be Mrs. Elizabeth Yerxa, Mrs. Beatrice Killen, Mrs. Joan Gallagher, and Mr. Jesse Dunham.

Summary

The museum committee repeats its often made statement that it constantly bears in mind, that the Whaling^ Museum is the outstanding asset and earning power of the Association. Further, that our Whaling Museum is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the outstanding whaling museums of the world.