Nantucket Preservation Trust

04/06/2026

There's a new house marker at 34 York Street! The house was built c. 1836 for James Ross, Jr. James was recorded as a mariner when he purchased a lot of vacant land for $40 in 1836, but by the 1850s he operated a boarding house on Silver Street. James' younger sister Eunice is better known to Nantucket history. A standout student at Nantucket's African School, in 1840 Eunice passed the entrance exam for Nantucket High School, but was barred from enrolling, sparking a years-long fight to integrate Nantucket's public schools.

The second photo shows 34 York Street in the 1890s. Manuel S. Santos, an Azorean immigrant to Nantucket, purchased 34 York Street from the Ross family in 1892, and it is most likely members of the Santos family shown in the photo, courtesy of .

03/20/2026

The end of March means the end of scalloping season on Nantucket, and for decades, scallopers have opened their catch at 4 Old North Wharf. A preservation easement recorded today on the shanty means that this humble but important structure, the last 19th century building that remains an active part of the island’s working waterfront, will be preserved forever.
The Mitchell Andrews Fish House was built c. 1847 and has been in near-continuous maritime use since then. The easement will preserve not only its architectural features, but also that maritime usage. It’s preserving the building and an important part of Nantucket’s cultural heritage, and we applaud owner Ginger Andrews for her foresight!

12/19/2025

House moving on Nantucket is in the news! NPT recently spoke with about the island's history of house moving and how the practice can be part of our resilient future. Click to read the article: https://www.boston.com/real-estate/real-estate/2025/12/17/nantucket-house-moving-season-erosion-climate-change-preservation/

Image: a house move on Cliff Road earlier this year.

11/25/2025

📣 Big news! Nantucket Preservation Trust is thrilled to announce we have received the generous donation of the historic home at 10 Sherburne Turnpike from donors who wish to remain anonymous.

Built c. 1930, 10 Sherburne Turnpike is the first property to be owned by NPT. The architectural design of the house is attributed to Helene Clayton Hindley. She and her husband Charles Thomas Hindley were its first owners. The house is a remarkably well preserved example of a Colonial Revival summer home, and it retains historic character defining details on both the exterior and interior, features which are protected forever by a preservation easement recently recorded with the 'Sconset Trust.

"We are profoundly grateful to the donors of the Hindley House," said NPT Executive Director Mary Bergman. "It is extremely gratifying to know NPT's work resonates with the stewards of the Hindley House, who have taken thoughtful care of the property for decades. We look forward to being its next steward."

To read more on our website: https://nantucketpreservation.org/10-sherburne-turnpike-donated-to-nantucket-preservation-trust-11318/

09/26/2025

Last night we celebrated our 19th annual Preservation Awards! Our awards recognize individuals and organizations that advance the cause of preservation on Nantucket and are designed to show that a building or landscape can be sensitively updated while preserving its historic integrity. Congratulations to this year's winners!

Stewardship Award: the Brock family cottage, "Sandune," in Pocomo; the Everett family "Shack" at Smooth Hummocks; the Haffenreffer/Rowland family "Shack" in Madequecham; the Schmidt family cottage in Pocomo.

Historical Renovation Award: Greg and Amy Rowland, 3 Pawguvet Lane

Landscape & Garden Award: Nantucket Land Bank, Easton Street Rain Garden

Traditional Building Methods Award: Adam Zanelli, Nantucket Heritage Painting

Read more about each award winner on our website: https://nantucketpreservation.org/2025-nantucket-preservation-trust-award-winners-11276/

08/29/2025

We love to see preservation in the national press, and today's issue of the Wall Street Journal features the story of Whitney Lucks and Karl Schneider's recent restoration of their c. 1740 Nantucket home.

The project won NPT's Michelle Elzay Architectural Preservation Award in 2021, and we're thrilled to see Whitney and Karl's preservation-minded vision and the work of island craftspeople and designers in the spotlight. Read the article (unlocked!) at this link:

An Ohio couple took on a complex project that sought to restore original features and honor the home’s history.

08/01/2025

You can read about 7 Starbuck Court, the c. 1807 candlehouse converted into a residence in the mid-20th century, in the August issue of , but you can also tour inside the house at the August Fête next Thursday, 8/7! The house is one of the best examples of adaptive reuse on island and won NPT'S Michelle Elzay Architectural Preservation Award in 2023.

Tickets are almost sold out, so don't miss your chance to tour this unique home, and others in the Mill Street neighborhood, at the August Fête! Get your tickets today: https://nantucketpreservation.org/events/august-fete/

07/07/2025

Our 20th annual August Fête is just one month away!

Join us on Thursday, August 7 for an unforgettable evening of historic house tours and a beautiful tented reception with delicious hearty hors d'oeuvres and libations from , a raw bar by , live music from The Shep Cats, and our Sense of Place Auction featuring Karen Keane of Bonhams Skinner and Antiques Roadshow, all to benefit Nantucket Preservation Trust.

Visit our website for more event information and to purchase tickets or become a Leadership supporter. We hope to celebrate with you on August 7! https://nantucketpreservation.org/events/august-fete/

Thank you to Harbor Asset Private Wealth for their underwriting support of the 2025 Fête.

07/02/2025

It's rose season in 'Sconset! 🌹 A Nantucket Preservation Trust walking tour is a great way to take in the beauty of the blooms while learning about the history of the village and its rose covered cottages. Tours are offered Thursdays at 3 PM, and there's still a few spots available on tomorrow's tour! Advance registration is required; visit our website for more information and to sign up! https://nantucketpreservation.org/events/walking-tour/

06/11/2025

We're excited to welcome award-winning interior designer Marshall Watson to Nantucket for our 2025 Summer Lecture & Luncheon on Tuesday, July 22! Marshall will present "Defining Elegance through the Classic Worlds of Interior Design, Architecture, and Gardening," followed by a delicious three course luncheon at the Ballroom at the White Elephant Village.

Visit our website for full event information and to purchase tickets: https://nantucketpreservation.org/events/summer-lecture/

06/02/2025

Happy June! Nantucket Preservation Trust walking tours start for the season this week and run until October 9. On our tours you might learn that the Italianate style house at 73 Main Street was built for genealogist, suffragist, and abolitionist Eliza Starbuck Barney (1802-89) in 1873, or hear about the history of the 'Sconset cottage shown in slide 2, which was owned by Eliza and her husband Nathaniel Barney (1792-1869) between 1832 and 1858.

Main Street tours are Tuesdays at 3 PM, and 'Sconset tours are Thursdays at 3 PM. Advance registration is required; visit our website for more information and to sign up for a tour! https://nantucketpreservation.org/events/walking-tour/