Historic Nantucket, July 1980, Vol. 28 No. 1

A Substantial Heritage THE IMPORTANCE OF the whaling tradition to Nantucket has to be evaluated from time to time so that its true significance may never be ignored. In recent years many of our historical assets are being buried under the mantle of that illusionary process called "progress", and we are in danger of this blight spreading. There is a marked tendency to push aside traditions for the sake of expediency. The role of the developer, and the realtor bulk large on the scene. What constitutes an advantage in financial gain becomes a destructive element in the protection of our true assets — our historical heritage.

An awareness of these assets is, of course, necessary, but of equal importance is the protection of each of them. With every elective office comes the responsibility of safeguarding the trust which accompanies the office. The average citizen expects those who represent him to serve in the best interests of Nantucket, and this, in a larger degree, means the safeguarding of our heritage.

Nantucket has a substantial heritage. In a great measure this is derived from the whaling industry, that seafaring enterprise which has given the Island a remarkable record for accomplishment throughout two centuries. Whaling built this Town; whaling created a race of people who became world famous; whaling and Quakerism developed a tradition that has been the admiration of historians.

Just as with the American boast of individual freedom, our Nan­ tucket heritage requires the protection that eternal vigilance may provide.

The Town has the Historic Districts Act as one form of safeguard but this needs constant attention; the Island deserves a similar kind of legal defense to shield the outlying land from the developers. The sweep of the land is an historical asset, and belongs to all visitors who seek the in­ triguing visual pictures of our American past; and, as a part of our heritage, must be preserved.

The Nantucket Whaling Museum is of extraordinary value in that it provides a vivid glimpse of this Island's substantial heritage.