Editorial: Protecting Tradition is an Insurance

Protecting Tradition Is An Insurance For the Future

ON JULY 9, 1982 the Nantucket Historical Association will be observing the eighty-eighth anniversary of its founding in 1894. The growth of the Association is a matter of pride to its members and friends. From its original purpose of "collecting and preserving historical relics, documents, books, etc.," it has increased in both scope and purpose. Throughout the Town, the museums, historic houses, and memorials have helped many visitors to understand the unique place in American history that Nantucket has established.

Quite aside from these means for presenting Nantucket history, the Association is playing a leading role in preserving a tradition. The value of this Nantucket tradition increases with the passage of time. The story of our Island's past is becoming our chief attraction, and it looms greater on the horizon as the present leads to the future. As an asset, this seaport town's tradition has become far and away the most important feature of our daily lives.

But, among the hard facts to face, if we are to continue to preserve this asset, is the danger of those interests which seek to exploit the Island and the Town, either with the appropriation of the outlying land, housing developments, business practices which cheapen, and enterprises which tend to undermine. All these cut deeply into the vitally important Nantucket story-the tradition.

Many of our visitors come here because they are hoping to reclaim those aspects of America's seafaring tradition, an atmosphere of the past which they may see at first hand and doubly enjoy. This is that tradition: a spirit of the enterprise of maritime America. In our times the present is so immense, so filled with uncertainties, that it is not at all strange that glimpses into the past are invaluable in that they give a measure of hope in a world of unrest and conflict.

The Nantucket Historical Association is playing a major role in maintaining this priceless Nantucket tradition. As an organization devoted to its purpose, it needs and deserves the support of all to whom our tradition is a recognized force in the present scene, and a powerful guarantee for the Island's economy in the future.

-Edouard A. Stackpole

Leroy H. True, President, the Nantucket Historical Association