NANTUCKET, MA – The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) will launch two new program series and the second Wampanoag Day this summer. New programming includes a Summer Site Series in July and a Sea Shanties: Maritime Music Series in August, created in partnership with Egan Maritime Institute. After a successful and well-received launch last summer, Wampanoag Day will return on August 10. These community offerings are FREE to all visitors.
“We are thrilled to introduce two new fun family program series to the Nantucket community and visitors this summer. The NHA also looks forward to welcoming back Darius Coombs and members of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, building off of previous programs and the excitement surrounding last year’s events. We are eager to continue collaborating with organizations and creating diverse programs that reflect a broader understanding of Nantucket history,” says Niles Parker, NHA Gosnell Executive Director.
The Summer Site Series invites families to engage with a different NHA Historic Site each Thursday to participate in history demonstrations, crafts, activities, and tours that bring the unique history of each site to life. Held every Thursday in July, from 11 am – 3 pm at the Old Mill (7/6), Oldest House (7/13), Old Jail (7/20), and Greater Light (7/27). The ReMain Nantucket Fund generously supports this program series.
The NHA will also launch Sea Shanties: Maritime Music Series in partnership with Egan Maritime Institute welcoming people of all ages to enjoy engaging and educational evenings of live maritime music performances outdoors, hosted by Bill Schustik. Guests are welcome to bring picnics, beach chairs and blankets, and four-legged friends to enjoy the show. Held on Thursdays at the Old Mill (8/17 and 8/31) and the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum (8/24 and 9/7) from 5:30-7 pm. Egan Maritime will provide free transportation for performances at the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum. This series is generously supported by the American Troubadour Project and a grant from the Nantucket Cultural District, a local agency that the Mass Cultural Council supports.
Wampanoag Day will return for its second year, inviting families to make traditional crafts and toys with Wampanoag artisans, examine tools and objects that were used in daily Wampanoag life, experience paddle rides on a mishoon (dug-out canoe), and participate in immersive cultural song and dance performances. Wampanoag Day will be held at Children’s Beach on Thursday, August 10, from 11 am – 3:30 pm. The musical performance will take place from 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
“We aim to bring the island’s rich history to life in engaging and accessible ways through these two brand new program series. The programs are designed to connect a broad audience, including both summer visitors and local year-round families, with Nantucket’s historic sites and traditional music forms,” says Jocelyn Wong, NHA Community Outreach Coordinator.
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