Youth & Family Programs

As a part of its mission to foster appreciation of Nantucket’s historic significance, the NHA presents annual family programs at the Whaling Museum and beyond. Want to learn more about the island?


Winter Discovery Days and Spring Vacation Days

Every winter, the NHA offers free after-school programming in the Whaling Museum’s Discovery Room. Winter and Spring Vacation Days is the NHA’s answer to the year-round community’s need for fun during the dreary days of winter. Kids ages 4-12 can enjoy a different craft activity each afternoon in the Discovery Room.ican-American History on Nantucket


The goal is to deliver an engaging, artifact-based program that inspires curiosity and creativity while fostering an appreciation of Nantucket’s history and its many community resources. Activities are aimed at children aged 4-12, though all ages are welcome to participate in the fun. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the whole family is encouraged to actively participate in the fun.

Hands-on History

Every afternoon in July and August, the NHA welcomes families into the Discovery Room for Hands-on History, an artifact-based craft program. Hands-On History offers children and their companions the opportunity to create take-home souvenirs inspired by artifacts in the NHA’s collections. Each craft is designed to encourage participants to explore the Whaling Museum and discover the historical significance of the artifacts housed within.

Activities are aimed at children aged 3-11, though all ages are welcome to participate in the fun. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the whole family is encouraged to actively participate in the fun.

Crafts are offered on a weekly schedule.


For more information, contact the Department of Education at
(508) 228-1894, ext. 123 or via email at education@nha.org.

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.

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