Lesson Plans

The NHA strives to create highly effective educational programs that can serve diverse audiences. As a part of these mission-supported activities, the NHA began an initiative in 2013 to create web-accessible lesson plans that can assist educators in introducing their students to aspects of Nantucket history and the collections of the NHA.

Each lesson plan is printer-friendly and provides all of the materials that an educator will need to complete the lesson as well as detailed procedures and information regarding adherence to Massachusetts and national standards.

Please review the NHA’s Copyright and Use policy before using these materials.

The Art of Scrimshaw

The Art of Scrimshaw

Grades K-2:
Through this lesson, students will explore the art of scrimshaw.More Read more from The Art of Scrimshaw

History Alive! Comparing Whale Biology

Comparing Sperm Whales and Right Whales

Grades K-2:
This lesson compares and contrasts the anatomy and biology of sperm whales and right whales.More Read more from Comparing Sperm Whales and Right Whales

Nantucket Wampanoag

Nantucket Wampanoag

Grades 3-5:
This lesson addresses the similarities and differences between Nantucket Wampanoag and Wampanoag people of mainland New England.More Read more from Nantucket Wampanoag

Sailing Through Math

Sailing Through Math

Grades 3-5:
This lesson explores a whaling voyage through math.More Read more from Sailing Through Math

If Artifacts Could Talk

If Artifacts Could Talk: Quakerism on Nantucket

Grades 6-8:
Students will explore Quakerism and its influence on NantucketMore Read more from If Artifacts Could Talk: Quakerism on Nantucket

The Voyage of the Nauticon

The Voyage of the Nauticon: A Mapping Activity

Grades 6-8:
This lesson helps students visualize the geographic reach of Nantucket whalers.More Read more from The Voyage of the Nauticon: A Mapping Activity

The end of an Era

The End of an Era: Nantucket’s Whaling Decline

Grades 9-12:
Students will explore the decline of Nantucket’s whaling industry.More Read more from The End of an Era: Nantucket’s Whaling Decline

A Soldiers Civil War

A Soldier’s Civil War

Grades 9-12:
Students will investigate how primary sources are used to enhance our understanding of the past.More Read more from A Soldier’s Civil War

The Nantucket Historical Association preserves and interprets the history of Nantucket through its programs, collections, and properties, in order to promote the island’s significance and foster an appreciation of it among all audiences.