The Maria Mitchell Association

The Maria Mitchell Association Nantucket Observatories, Science Museums, Aquarium + Research Center | Building on the legacy of Maria Mitchell — American Astronomer + Educator
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The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

THIS WEEKEND ON NANTUCKET
06/23/2026

THIS WEEKEND ON NANTUCKET

06/22/2026

Tonight’s stargazing is canceled due to inclement weather.

THIS WEEK ON NANTUCKET
06/21/2026

THIS WEEK ON NANTUCKET

THE NATURE OF NANTUCKET | EPISODE No. 305This week, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with K...
06/19/2026

THE NATURE OF NANTUCKET | EPISODE No. 305

This week, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Kevin Venardos, founder and ringmaster of the acclaimed Venardos Circus, to preview the MMA’s Stargazer Gala: A Night at the Circus on Thursday, July 23. Kevin shares the story behind his Broadway-style production and what audiences can expect from an evening filled with world-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and unforgettable entertainment. They also discuss how the event supports the MMA’s mission of education and discovery, as well as six additional public performances on Nantucket from July 24-26. Tickets for both the Stargazer Gala and all Venardos Circus performances are available through the Maria Mitchell Association website.

Tune in on Apple or Spotify!

Apple link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nantucket/id1603111080?i=1000773109172

EVENING ART: PAINT WITH NIKOLINE BOHRSpend an evening creating at the MMA Natural Science Museum. Artist and Treasure Hu...
06/17/2026

EVENING ART: PAINT WITH NIKOLINE BOHR

Spend an evening creating at the MMA Natural Science Museum. Artist and Treasure Hunter Nikoline Bohr leads participants through foundational painting techniques with step by step instruction and live demonstration, working on pieces inspired by Nantucket’s iconic lighthouses and the museum’s resident animal ambassadors.

No experience necessary. First time with a paintbrush or seasoned painter, this relaxed program welcomes creativity and observation at your own pace. Leave with a finished piece to take home.

Thursdays 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 7 Milk Street
Adults, $45 per participant
Materials provided.
Pre-registration required, closing at 3 PM the day before.

THIS WEEK AT THE MMATo learn more about and register for our offerings, please visit mariamitchell.org.The MMA is proud ...
06/14/2026

THIS WEEK AT THE MMA

To learn more about and register for our offerings, please visit mariamitchell.org.

The MMA is proud to observe Juneteenth. Maria Mitchell built her career when women and Black scientists were systematically excluded from the institutions that defined “real” science, and she spent her life arguing that talent and rigor, not birthright or gatekept access, should determine who gets to look at the stars. Juneteenth marks the moment that principle was forced, however belatedly, onto the nation’s legal and moral ledger: that freedom and full participation in American life shouldn’t depend on the circumstances of one’s birth.

Mitchell was active in Nantucket’s anti-slavery circles, so the emancipation Juneteenth commemorates wasn’t an abstraction to her. And her broader legacy, opening doors at Vassar, mentoring women scientists, insisting that observation and merit override prejudice, runs along the same moral line: that exclusion based on who someone is, rather than what they can do or contribute, is both unjust and a waste of human potential. A day that celebrates the dismantling of one of the largest such exclusions in American history fits squarely within what she spent her life fighting for, and the legacy we are deeply proud to carry forward as an organization.

THE NATURE OF NANTUCKET EPISODE No 304This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits...
06/11/2026

THE NATURE OF NANTUCKET EPISODE No 304

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Chelsea Petrik, the MMA's new Aquarium Manager, to learn more about her background and what brought her to Nantucket. Chelsea shares her origin story, including where she grew up, how she developed a passion for marine science, and the experiences that led her into the field. The two also discuss Chelsea's vision for the aquarium this summer, her current research project, and the valuable contributions of the MMA's summer interns. It's a great opportunity to get to know one of the newest members of the MMA team and hear about the exciting work happening at the aquarium this season.

SCIENCE SPEAKER SERIES | THE SCIENCE OF MONEY On Wednesday, June 17, from 7 to 8pm, join financial expert Rich Sotell, C...
06/11/2026

SCIENCE SPEAKER SERIES | THE SCIENCE OF MONEY

On Wednesday, June 17, from 7 to 8pm, join financial expert Rich Sotell, CFP, for a conversation that goes beyond the basics. What is money, really, and why does it hold value? From the psychology of spending to the mathematics of investing and inflation, Sotell will explore the scientific principles shaping the financial systems we navigate every day.

Sotell brings five decades of experience in the financial industry and has been recognized by the Financial Times as a Top 401 Retirement Advisor.

Free and open to the community. Pre-registration required via our calendar.

The Science Speaker Series is generously sponsored by Bank of America.

Address

4 Vestal Street
Nantucket, MA
02554

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

(508) 228-9198

Website

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