NANTUCKET, MA – The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is thrilled to be opening a new exhibition, Cape Verde in Our Soul, at the Whaling Museum this July.
People of the Cape Verde archipelago and their descendants have been part of the story of Nantucket since the early nineteenth century. This exhibition presents the experiences of members of the Nantucket Cape Verdean community and their reminiscences about family, heritage, and island life. Expanding on the 2021 display Shoulders Upon Which We Stand, this year’s presentation will feature historic photos, mementos, and a mini-theater presenting short films based on recently conducted oral histories.
“We are excited to dive into the Cape Verde–Nantucket connection even further and grow upon what was developed last year. Exploring these diverse stories of our community is vital to the NHA’s mission, so I look forward to continuing this strong partnership with the island’s Cape Verdean community for years to come,” says NHA Gosnell Executive Director Niles Parker.
This exhibit is a collaboration between members of the Nantucket Cape Verdean community and the NHA. The NHA thanks all involved for generously sharing their ideas, insights, and inspirations. Including a special thanks to Mary and Al Novissimo for producing the exhibition, Frances Karttunen for her research and guidance, and to those who shared their stories: Kenneth DeLuze, Dominic Duarte, Kezia Duarte, Mary Fernandes, Anthony “Rocky” Fox, Viola Cabral Howard, Leslie Gomes Preston, Edmund “Rookie” Ramos, Pauline Cabral Singleton, Theran Singleton, and Claudia Stanley.
“Participating in planning this exhibition has been a labor of love all around. Everyone interviewed was immensely kind in sharing Cape Verdean experiences. And we got to share Cape Verdean food (jag!) too. What a treat! There is something uniquely moving in every interview, and those moments have been captured in the short films visitors can view in the exhibition’s intimate theater. Nantucket’s Cape Verdeans have created a permanent record at the NHA of themselves, their families, and their contributions to Nantucket,” says Frances Karttunen.
A special exhibition celebration will be held at the Whaling Museum on Tuesday, July 5, (also the Cape Verde Independence Day holiday) at 5 pm for NHA members and participants in the exhibition. RSVP to membership@nha.org
The exhibition will be open for all visitors to explore at the Whaling Museum starting Wednesday, July 6.
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Photo credit: James L. Stanfield for National Geographic, June 1970.