Events

EXHIBITIONS

EVENTS

DIVE DEEPER INTO THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Discover the Island’s rich history and vibrant culture through engaging lectures, expert panels, hands-on family activities, and community gatherings. Whether you’re exploring the past, celebrating the present, or looking ahead to the future, our events offer something for everyone.

Hide Filters
  • DATE
    • Upcoming
  • TYPE
    • All
Show Filters
19 results

Jul. 26

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Della Hardman Day 20th Anniversary

Each summer, Della Hardman Day invites us to reflect on a life lived with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to community. This year’s gathering, held on Saturday, July 26 at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, marks the 20th anniversary and is more than a tribute—it’s a call to action to carry her legacy forward. Della Hardman was an artist, educator, writer, and tireless advocate for cultural understanding and social justice. Through her words and work, she challenged us to “savor the moment”—to be present, to be engaged, and to make a difference. On this special day, we come together not only to celebrate her enduring influence, but to be inspired by it. Her daughter, Andrea Taylor, a leader in civil rights, education, and public service, will share personal reflections on Della’s journey and vision. We are also honored to welcome Natalie Wambui, author of Extraordinary Kenyans Doing Extraordinary Things, whose powerful work shines a spotlight on global stories of excellence and purpose—echoing the very spirit of Della Hardman’s life. This hour of remembrance and renewal invites us to honor the past while shaping a more just, joyful, and connected future.

READ MORE

Jul. 29

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Power of Images: A Journey Into a World on the Edge of Change

Celebrate Legacy Week on the Vineyard with an inspiring evening honoring Glenda E. Jones, a 1968 Central State University graduate and visionary photographer. Her powerful images of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley tribes capture cultures on the brink of change, bridging generations and preserving heritage. The program opens on Tuesday, July 29th with remarks from Sheryl Wesley, founder of HBCU Legacy Week and a passionate advocate for preserving Black history and culture. Sheryl will also introduce students from Showtime/MTV’s Storytellers Lab —rising voices continuing the mission of authentic storytelling.

READ MORE

Jul. 30

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Jan Hulka

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Jan Hulka

READ MORE

Jul. 31

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

The House That Wouldn’t Let Go: The Story of Woogie and Mary

Join designer, preservationist, songwriter, storyteller, and part-time Island resident, Dawn Carroll for an unforgettable evening of music, memory, and rediscovered history, as she shares the powerful story of a house that once echoed with the footsteps of legends—and nearly vanished into silence. A story that started in Boston.

READ MORE

Aug. 4

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: Colonial Essentials: The Garden That Fed and Healed 

Spend your Monday evenings in the Legacy Gardens at the historic Cooke House, where local historians and storytellers bring Edgartown’s expansive past to life. Each week features a new speaker sharing a distinct chapter of Island history and culture. Enjoy light refreshments, meaningful conversation, and the experience of an outdoor summer lecture series.

READ MORE

Aug. 6

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Allie and Paryss

Join us for a special edition of our Global Rhythms Summer Concert Series—a Mid-Summer Celebration filled with vibrant music, wine, and seasonal bites. Experience the soul-stirring sounds of Allie and Paryss Hayden, the dynamic Oak Bluffs duo whose genre-defying blend of gospel, soul, rock, and R&B creates an unforgettable live performance. Their music is a celebration of culture, connection, and the power of sound to move and inspire. Enhancing the evening is a curated wine tasting paired with light bites, making this not just a concert, but a summer evening to savor. Celebrate the season, the rhythm, and the joy of gathering—Vineyard style.

READ MORE

Aug. 7

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Money, Mischief & Martha’s Vineyard: The Oodles of Rubles Scoop

Explore Martha’s Vineyard Real Estate like never before with Oodles of Rubles: The Russian Oligarch’s (Confidential) Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Real Estate. Join author Ivan Cox (aka Gerry Yukevitch) and illustrator Mark Stevens on Thursday, August 7, for an engaging talk about their humorous and insightful book. Through the eyes of a fictional Russian oligarch, Oodles of Rubles offers sharp anecdotes, personal reflections, and witty theories about the island’s real estate market, culture, and colorful residents.

READ MORE

Aug. 7

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Jaws: Stories Beneath the Full Moon

Join us Thursday, July 10th on the Museum's Lewis Lawn under the full moon for a one-of-a-kind evening that re-creates the iconic opening beach party scene from Jaws. With With Wayne Iacona who was a key crew member on JAWS, working behind the scenes to help bring Spielberg’s iconic thriller to life and Michael Haydn—the original acoustic guitarist from that unforgettable scene—strumming live tunes around a cozy faux campfire, this is your chance to step straight into movie magic.

READ MORE

Aug. 9

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

The Maritime Voice of Martha’s Vineyard: An E. Gale Huntington Tribute

Gather ‘round for an evening of stories, songs, and celebration on Saturday, August 9, honoring E. Gale Huntington—founder, folklorist, historian, and cherished storyteller of Martha’s Vineyard’s maritime heritage. Best known for Songs the Whalemen Sang and The Gam, Gale also played a key role in early Vineyard archaeology and historical preservation.

READ MORE

Aug. 10

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

142 Years of Legacy: Phoebe Ballou, Lois Mailou Jones

Step back in time at Doherty Hall on Sunday, August 10, for a captivating island story, shared from a new perspective. Laurence Holland, a summer resident of Oak Bluffs for over seven decades and now a permanent resident of Edgartown, unveils rare family photographs and powerful tales of his enduring connection to Martha's Vineyard. Journey back to 1883 with his second great-grandmother, Phoebe-Ann Moseley Adams Ballou, who arrived in Cottage City as a domestic and, against all odds, made history in 1913 as one of the first African American women to own property on the island. Her unwavering spirit was instrumental in shaping Oak Bluffs into the cherished summer haven it is for Black families. Her fortitude lives on through her granddaughter, the renowned artist Lois Mailou Jones, who found endless inspiration in her Vineyard summers. Today, Phoebe's descendants continue to enrich the island, carrying forward a remarkable heritage of resilience, creativity, and community.

READ MORE

Aug. 11

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: Beyond the 527 Feet: Peter Wells’ Story of the Chappy Ferry 

Spend your Monday evenings in the Legacy Gardens at the historic Cooke House, where local historians and storytellers bring Edgartown’s expansive past to life. Each week features a new speaker sharing a distinct chapter of Island history and culture. Enjoy light refreshments, meaningful conversation, and the experience of an outdoor summer lecture series.

READ MORE

Aug. 12

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Jaws Deep Dive: A FINatic’s Look at a Classic Film-Abridged

Back by Popular Demand! This special abridged version of the fan-favorite class from the JAWS 50th Homecoming Weekend features historian and Jaws expert A. Bowdoin Van Riper in an engaging deep dive into what makes Jaws a cinematic masterpiece. Using film clips and stills, Van Riper explores the source material, plot, characters, setting, and masterful use of suspense that have cemented the film's iconic status. A must-see for any Jaws FINatic!

READ MORE

Aug. 13

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Molly & Mark

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Molly & Mark

READ MORE

Aug. 14

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Ancient Blue: A Hands-On Indigo Workshop for All Ages

Join us on Thursday, August 14th for a hands-on exploration of one of the world’s oldest and most beloved natural dyes. Led by environmental steward Rebecca Gilbert and artist Emily Auchincloss, this workshop invites participants to discover the beauty and sustainability of indigo dyeing through earth-friendly, traditional techniques. Held in the serene setting of the Cooke House in Edgartown, the experience goes beyond craft—it’s a chance to connect with the natural world, learn an ancient art form, and create something meaningful with your own hands. All participants will leave with two unique, hand-dyed bandanas and a deeper appreciation for natural color, slow process, and creative connection.

READ MORE

Aug. 18

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: The Way We Wore: Island Textiles & Fashion, 1642–1850 

Spend your Monday evenings in the Legacy Gardens at the historic Cooke House, where local historians and storytellers bring Edgartown’s expansive past to life. Each week features a new speaker sharing a distinct chapter of Island history and culture. Enjoy light refreshments, meaningful conversation, and the experience of an outdoor summer lecture series.

READ MORE

Aug. 19

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

The Farmer and The Shark

On Tuesday, August 19th, don’t miss this exclusive special screening of The Farmer & the Shark, the gripping documentary that unveils the hidden story behind Martha’s Vineyard legend Craig Kingsbury and his extraordinary influence on Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. Stay for a rare and fascinating discussion with award-winning filmmaker John Campopiano, veteran producer Rick DiGregorio, Jaws historian Jim Beller, and Craig Kingsbury’s daughter, Kristen Kingsbury Henshaw, as they share never-before-heard stories and behind-the-scenes details about this iconic film’s local heartbeat.

READ MORE

Aug. 20

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Peter Halperin and the Group Therapy Band

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Peter Halperin and the Group Therapy Band

READ MORE

Aug. 25

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: Whaling Port to Summer Resort

Spend your Monday evenings in the Legacy Gardens at the historic Cooke House, where local historians and storytellers bring Edgartown’s expansive past to life. Each week features a new speaker sharing a distinct chapter of Island history and culture. Enjoy light refreshments, meaningful conversation, and the experience of an outdoor summer lecture series.

READ MORE

Aug. 27

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Jim Thomas Spirituals Choir

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Jim Thomas Spirituals Choir

READ MORE