NANTUCKET, MA – The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is pleased to announce the beginning of a project to make significant investments in its portfolio of Historic Properties and other facilities over the next 24 months. With grant funding and the support of its donors, the NHA is undertaking improvements across its campus that will cost over $2 million in total.
This project is core to the NHA’s mission and consistent with objectives in its strategic plan. It includes investments that will be both visible and invisible to the public, collectively supporting and enhancing the portfolio’s attractiveness, safety, security, access, and ease of use. Much of the work requires approvals from the Nantucket Historic District Commission (HDC), whose employees have offered constructive oversight and guidance.
Components of the project include the replacement of the Whaling Museum’s Candle Factory slate roof and installation of a new interior handicap lift; new fencing at the Thomas Macy House; exterior restoration of masonry and windows; sewer updates at the Research Library and Quaker Meeting House, and security/fire protection and sewer updates at the Hadwen House.
The sewer system updates at the Research Library will require the removal of the large sycamore maple tree in the front of the Quaker Meeting House. The NHA came to this conclusion after two expert arborists determined the tree to be a hazard and in poor health with a limited lifespan due to severe root decay. To memorialize the loss of this tree, the NHA will plant a new tree in its place.
Susan Blount, chair of the NHA’s Housing and Properties Committee, commented, “The NHA is grateful to its loyal contributors, its generous grant funders, and members of the HDC staff who have enabled us to take on this initiative to enhance the stewardship of our properties and preserve the island’s heritage for future generations.”
The NHA looks forward to sharing updates about its work over the next two years and plans to increase access to many of its historic properties for the community and visitors alike to enjoy throughout the 2022 season.
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