News
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Dr. Nia Imara as Featured Guest for May Science Speaker
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host Dr. Nia Imara as a featured presenter for its Science Speaker Series next month. Her presentation, “Interconnected: A Journey Through Inner and Outer Space” will take place on May 24 at 7pm on Zoom. This event is free to all. How do art and science connect? As an astronomer and visual artist, it’s a question Dr. Nia Imara is often asked. Her astronomy research aims to illuminate how stars are born in vast “stellar nurseries”
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Dr. Gordon Jones as Featured Guest for May Science Speaker Series
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host Dr. Gordon Jones as a featured presenter for its Science Speaker Series next month. His presentation, “Lessons From A Bed of Nails: The Physics of Floating” will take place on May 10 at 7pm on Zoom. This event is free to all. Using child-friendly demonstrations, Dr. Jones will use a bed of nails, a vacuum bazooka, and a floating bowling ball to explain why our ears pop in airplanes and why heavy ships float. Gordon Jones is the
MMA Welcomes USS Nantucket Cmdr. Kari Yakubisin for Daffodil Weekend
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces a special visit and Daffodil Weekend programming in collaboration with USS Nantucket Cmdr. Kari Yakubisin and her Pre-commissioning unit (PCU Nantucket).On Friday, April 28 from 12-1PM, the MMA will host Cmdr. Yakubisin for a special edition “Nature Story Hour” at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, 7 Milk Street. Designed for the young explorer, during this session Cmdr. Yakubisin will read a themed book, assist in introducing you to one of
The Nantucket Historical Association Organizes Historic Bike Ride and Earth Day Celebration with Island Partners
The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) will host its first-ever Historic Bike Ride and Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The program will consist of a group bike ride featuring history talks, followed by a family-friendly Earth Day Celebration at the NHA’s Pony Field (10 Mill Street), free and open to all. “We are excited to offer this outdoor programming for islanders and visitors of all ages to enjoy the partnerships and educational resources that our island’s non-profits have to
Maria Mitchell Association Astronomy Intern Wins Prestigious Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Award
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) congratulates summer 2022 National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) intern, Anavi Uppal, on winning a prestigious Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Award at the winter American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting in Seattle, WA that took place January 8-12, 2023. At this 241st meeting of the AAS, Uppal presented her summer research on a poster entitled, “Using Astrometric Jitter to Find Recoiling AGN Candidates in
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Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Celebrates International Dark Skies Week April 15-22
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces it will celebrate the International Dark Skies Association’s (IDA) International Dark Sky week, slated for April 15-22, 2023. In honor of this event, the MMA will host a free public Stargazing Open Night at Loines Observatory, 59 Milk Street Extension, on Thursday, April 20, from 8-9pm. International Dark Sky Week was founded in 2003 by then-high school student, Jennifer Barlow, with the goals of reducing light pollution and raising awareness
Maria Mitchell Association Announces Astrophotography Program led by Charity Grace Mofsen
For the second summer in a row, the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces its astrophotography program, led by island photographer and MMA Artist in Residence, Charity Grace Mofsen, and MMA Telescope Engineer and Astronomer, Gary Walker. The astrophotography program will be offered twice this summer—one course for paid participants in July, with a portion of the registration fees funding a second, complimentary course in August/September for Nantucket High School students interested in photography and
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Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Dr. Jedediyah Williams as Featured Guest for Science Speaker Series
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host Dr. Jedediyah Williams as a featured presenter for its Science Speaker Series for the month of April. His presentation, “The Ethics of a STEM Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” will take place April 26 at 7pm on Zoom. This event is free to all. In his presentation, Dr. Williams will discuss the onus on educators, when handing over the tools of science and mathematics, for teaching their responsible use. Dr. Williams
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Dr. Amy Hinson as Featured Guest for Science Speaker Series
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host Dr. Amy Hinson as a featured presenter for its Science Speaker Series this month. Her presentation, “Where is the Science in Forensic Science?,” will take place March 29 at 7pm on Zoom. This event is free to all. In her presentation, Dr. Hinson will discuss the intersection of the understanding of scientific processes, facts, and how they help to solve crimes, as there is often much debate on where to find the actual science in
Artists Association of Nantucket and One Book One Island present: The Soul of the Ocean Exhibition. All island artists are invited to participate.
The Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN) and One Book One Island (OBOI) are pleased to announce the opening of Soul of the Ocean. This special exhibition will startwith a reception on Friday, March 24, 4–5:30 P.M. at the Visual Arts Center (VAC), 24 Amelia Drive. The exhibition will be on display through Friday, April 28, and is open Monday – Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. The genesis of the exhibition is derived from the acclaimed novel Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Announces “Oika for Earthlings” Workshop with Dr. Rich Blundell
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will offer the program “Oika for Earthlings” beginning March 1, 2023. The program is a five-part series of virtual workshops, led by the MMA scientist-in-residence, Dr. Rich Blundell. The program will dive into the principles and practices of “Oika,” which refers to the relational intelligence of nature that can be perceived and expressed through humans. During each session, participants will view and discuss short films on Oika topics, and
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Former NASA Astronaut as Featured Guest for Science Speaker Series
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host former NASA astronaut and US Navy Captain (Ret.), Daniel Bursch, as a featured presenter for its Science Speaker Series, which resumes this month. His presentation, "Six and a Half Months Off the Planet: Living and Working in Space," will take place February 22 at 7pm on Zoom. This event is free to all. In his presentation, Captain Bursch will talk about the challenges of living and working—and his hobby of creating miniature
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association and the National Science Foundation Fuel the Future STEM Workforce
Directors’ and Interns’ Representation at the American Astronomical Society MeetingOn the occasion of the 241st American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meeting, and the 175th anniversary of the discovery of Miss Mitchell’s Comet, key directors and interns from the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) of Nantucket Island, have journeyed to Seattle, WA to represent the MMA and present their work. Building on the legacy of Maria Mitchell, the first female American Astronomer, the Maria Mitchell Association offers
Nantucket Garden Club September 2022 Press Release
The Nantucket Garden Club would like to thank the generous homeowners, businesses and community for their wonderful support of our successful 2022 66th Annual Nantucket Garden Club House and Garden Tour. The proceeds from our Tour annually fund community grants and college scholarships for Nantucket High School graduates who studies align with our club mission. The Nantucket Garden Club is pleased to announce the 2022 community grant recipients: Housing Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Nantucket
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association to Host Annual Aquarium Release Day
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that its annual Aquarium Release Day will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, from 10am-12pm at the MMA Aquarium, 28 Washington Street. Join MMA staff for refreshments, games, and activities as they release this season’s Aquarium inhabitants back into the ocean. This event is free to the public, and a great opportunity to learn about the marine animals of Nantucket. The MMA Aquarium is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association to Host Annual Aquarium Release Day
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that its annual Aquarium Release Day will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, from 10am-12pm at the MMA Aquarium, 28 Washington Street. Join MMA staff for refreshments, games, and activities as they release this season’s Aquarium inhabitants back into the ocean. This event is free to the public, and a great opportunity to learn about the marine animals of Nantucket. The MMA Aquarium is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Fall Hours and Programs
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA), your portal to Nantucket’s Natural world, announces its schedule for another fall full of science education, research, and exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island through its award-wining programs, events, and properties.Fall Hours Updated hours for MMA properties are listed below. Aquarium (28 Washington Street): Friday-Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PMHinchman House Natural Science Museum (7 Milk Street): Friday-Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PMHistoric Mitchell
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Celebrates the 175th Anniversary of Maria Mitchell’s Comet Discovery
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces the upcoming 175th anniversary of Maria Mitchell’s discovery, a comet that was subsequently named C1847V1, on October 1. The MMA staff is marking this anniversary with a limited-edition baseball cap with the name of the comet, which will be available for purchase online, as well as a private party for donors and members at the Loines Observatory on the anniversary evening of Maria Mitchell’s discovery. On the evening of October 1, 1847, Maria
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Dr. Valerie Hall as Featured Guest for Science Speaker Series
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host Dr. Valerie Hall as a featured presenter as part of its Science Speaker Series. Dr. Hall’s lecture, “Scallops and Students: A Unique Approach to Marine Biology Research,” will take place September 28, 2022, from 7pm-8pm, both in-person and virtually via Zoom. This event is free to all. Dr. Hall has been a research associate with MMA since 2006. To kick off Nantucket’s recreational scalloping season, which begins October 1, Dr. Hall
Now Virtual: Maria Mitchell Women of Science Symposium
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association announces that its 2022 Maria Mitchell Women of Science Symposium (MMWSS), happening this month, is free and virtual. This program will take place September 22-23, 2022, and participants can register online at https://www.mmwss.org/registration#Registration. The MMWSS is meant to promote and support women and girls in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields while also providing hands-on, intimate spaces for attendees to come together
The Maria Mitchell Association's National Science Foundation-Research Experiences for Undergraduate (NSF-REU) Astronomy Interns to Present Research at Science Speaker Series
On August 10th at 7pm, the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is hosting a live lecture by the MMA’s NSF-REU astronomy interns. They will present their individual research projects developed under the guidance of professional astronomers. Research topics include everything from unraveling the physics of stars and stellar explosions, to searching for galaxies in the early universe and understanding the nature of the elusive “dark matter” that pervades our universe. The REU interns will later present
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The Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket Land Council, and Sustainable Nantucket to Host the Third Annual Nantucket Green Crab Week
Join the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA), Nantucket Land Council (NLC), and Sustainable Nantucket (SN) for the third annual Nantucket Green Crab Week! The MMA, NLC, and SN will be offering fun daily events from August 8th to August 12th to learn about, and take action against, invasive European green crabs on Nantucket. European green crabs were first introduced to North America in the 1800s, likely traveling the ballast water of merchant ships from Europe. This invasive species is now abundant
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association to Mark the 204th Birthday of Maria Mitchell: America’s First Female Astronomer
Join the Maria Mitchell Association as it hosts Maria Mitchell’s 204th birthday, August 1st on Vestal Street. Maria Mitchell’s birthday celebration is a free event with astronomy activities, live animal displays, research demonstrations, live period-inspired music by Susan Berman, and free admission to the Maria Mitchell Association Vestal Street Museums! This afternoon of Maria Mitchell themed activities will be held Monday, August 1st from 1pm – 4pm on Vestal Street, with the lower portion of the street
Dr. Rich Blundell, Visiting Scientist at the Maria Mitchell Association, to Speak at the MMA’s Science Speaker Series
On July 26 at 7pm, the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is hosting a live lecture presented by MMA visiting scientist, Dr. Rich Blundell. His talk, “Earthling Theory: A Natural History of Story” is part of the MMA’s FREE Science Speaker Series and will be held both in-person and via Zoom. Through a series of narrative non-fiction vignettes on the lives of early-hominid mothers, Dr. Blundell will recount a creative course of human evolution. Blundell’s analysis of the geological, archaeological,
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MMA Hosts ''Shark Week''
Join the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) as it hosts its very own Shark Week! The MMA will be offering special Shark Week inspired events throughout the week of July 25th with visiting scientist, Caroline Collatos. Izzy Gaw, Natural Science Museum Director says, “We are so excited to share Caroline’s shark education expertise with Nantucket.” Collatos is a shark scientist and PhD student at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium and UMass Boston. Interested in
MMA & AAN to Host Community Collage Day
Join the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) and Artists Association of Nantucket this Saturday, July 16th, as we host Community Collage Day with artist-in-residence, Danny O’Connor. We will be collaging with our impressive 100 year collection of National Geographic Magazines. Maria Mitchell’s brother, Henry Mitchell, was one of the founders of National Geographic in 1888. Danny O’Connor says, “Collage is a super fun way to create spontaneously, it’s even more fun with a group of other curious
Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association's Biggest Event of the Season: The Stargazer Gala
Join the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) on August 4, 2022 for its annual fundraiser, The Stargazer Gala. Hosted at a private home overlooking Nantucket Sound, this not-to-be missed event showcases the beautiful land, sky, and sea of Nantucket Island. Joanna Roche, The Maria Mitchell Association’s Executive Director says, “We look forward to hosting the island community and sharing the vision for our future, and are grateful for the work of our Gala Committee and the generous support of our
MMA Launches New Astrophotography Program
Join Nantucket's own Charity Grace Mofsen and the MMA's Telescope Engineer and Astronomer, Gary Walker, for an exciting dive into the world of astrophotography. Astrophotography is the use of photography in astronomy – the photographing of celestial objects and phenomena. Besides being able to record the details of extended objects such as the Moon, Sun, and planets, modern astrophotography has the ability to image objects invisible to the human eye such as dim stars, nebulae, and galaxies. Classes will
Dr. J. Xavier Prochaska of the University of California, Santa Cruz to Speak as Featured Guest for the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association’s Science Speaker Series
On July 12 at 7pm, the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is hosting a live lecture presented by Dr. Xavier J. Prochaska of the University of California, Santa Cruz. His talk, “From the Stars to the Sea: Accelerating Discoveries in Science with Artificial Intelligence” is part of the MMA’s FREE Science Speaker Series and will be held both in-person and via Zoom. Advances in artificial intelligence are impacting many aspects of our daily lives – from movie and music selection to security and
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MMA Welcomes Danny O’Connor as its Artist in Residence
The Maria Mitchell Association is pleased to welcome Danny O’Connor as its artist in residence. Danny O will be working in collaboration with the MMA to create art pieces and organize programming during the coming months. Joanna Roche, The Maria Mitchell Association’s Executive Director says, “We look forward to welcoming Danny O at the MMA and can’t wait to see how the island and legacy of Maria Mitchell inspires his art.” As a mixed media artist, Danny O is often working in collaboration with others on
Maria Mitchell Women of Science Symposium: A Different Kind of Women in STEM Meeting
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association will host its second in-person Maria Mitchell Women of Science Symposium (MMWSS) at the Babson Executive Conference Center in Babson Park, MA from Thursday, September 22 to Saturday, September 24, 2022. The MMWSS is meant to promote and support women and girls in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields while also providing hands-on, intimate spaces for attendees to come together to create real-world solutions that can be taken back to
