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CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
The Saltzman Cabinet of Curiosities
Ferry Tales
In this exhibit, learn about the ferries that have gotten us here — from Abraham Chase’s sail ferry in the 18th century, to the elegance and grandeur of the White Fleet of propeller steamers of the 1920s, to the much beloved Islander which served the Vineyard for over 50 years. The exhibition features ship models, memorabilia, reproductions of historical documents and photographs, and a timeline that traces the history of ferry service to the Island from the 1700s to today.
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The Adele H. Waggaman Community Gallery
Generations
A Legacy of Art and Culture
Centered around an extraordinary wampum belt made by Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal elder Donald Widdiss, this exhibition explores three generations of Widdiss family artists. Featuring wampum art, pottery, personal stories, and more, we invite visitors to reflect on the broader themes of tradition, artistry, and cultural identity.
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The Hollinshead, Cox, and Fleischner Galleries
Human/Nature: Art and Conservation on Martha’s Vineyard
This exhibition invites visitors to explore the Island's sacred and protected open spaces, each with its own unique story to tell. Through the work of Island artists, visitors will be immersed in these landscapes and their histories, providing a deeper understanding of the Island’s natural environment and the ongoing efforts to safeguard it.
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The Grain Family Gallery
The Secret Life of Seaweed
This immersive exhibition dives deep into the ways in which seaweed has played an important role in Vineyard life for centuries. From farming to cuisine, art to conservation, explore the history and future of these enigmatic organisms!
READ MORECOLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS
Woven Bag
Contemporary Wampanoag artists and artisans help us picture the world of their ancestors, the first inhabitants of this Island, by making objects using old and new materials while drawing on old and new techniques.
Mary Norton Sampler
Mary H. Norton made this sampler in Holmes Hole (now Vineyard Haven) when she was around 12 years old.
Jagging Wheel
Though most familiar in the form of whales’ teeth carved with pictures of ships, scrimshaw was an extremely varied art.
Chappy
Mary Drake Coles learned to paint during childhood summers on Martha’s Vineyard, in her teens in Provincetown, and later at Smith College, in Paris, Majorca, Haiti, and New York.
Zeb Tilton Portrait
Benton found inspiration on Martha’s Vineyard from his first visits to the Island in the 1920s until his death in 1975.
Dancing Dolls (Brinquinho)
Mary Paiva Drouin, the daughter of a first-generation Portuguese immigrant family, recalls how her family’s cherished “dancing dolls” in traditional Portuguese dress were paraded through the streets of Oak Bluffs during the Holy Ghost Festival.
Brickman’s Shirt
One of the earliest Jewish families to settle here, the Brickmans operated a shoe business on Main Street in Vineyard Haven that became Brickman’s department store.
Dial Telephone Service Comes to Aquinnah
This photograph, staged in May 1955 to celebrate the introduction of dial telephone service in Chilmark and Gay Head, captures the tension between tradition and modernity.
Gislaine Portrait
In 2017, the Museum exhibited photographer Mila Lowe’s “Local Immigrants Project.” Lowe undertook the project to document the wide diversity of recent immigrants to the Island.
Luce Dressing Box
Captain Richard G. Luce presented this box to his daughter, Abbie Bradford Luce, upon returning from one of his many long voyages.
Life Preserver
Life preserver from the City of Columbus, which crashed on the underwater rocks of Devil’s Bridge in January 1884 when a gash was torn in the hull and seawater rushed into the steamer.
Priscilla Pearl Necklaces
Manufactured in Hyannis at the Priscilla Laboratory, these glass and herring scale “pearls” were named “Priscilla Pearls” and sold around the country through mail order and at Lina Call’s Priscilla Pearl Shop in Edgartown.
Violin
Owned by E. Gale Huntington, this violin was possibly carried around Cape Horn on a voyage by Menemsha fisherman Lyman Cottle.
Monohansett
Monohansett (1862), depicted in this painting by J. P. Winegar, was the first reliable steam ferry to serve Martha’s Vineyard.
Fall River Line Advertisement
Palatial “night boats” like Plymouth connected New York and Martha’s Vineyard.
“Enchanted Isle” Poster
This 1934 travel poster promoted the Vineyard as a playground of the rich and stylish.
Islander
Islander, which operated from 1950-2007, revolutionized ferry service to the Vineyard.
Island Queen Advertisement
Summer “excursion boats” like the Island Queen carried day tourists to Oak Bluffs.
Provincetown-Boston Airlines Timetable
Provincetown-Boston Airline was the Island’s leading air carrier for 40 years.
Islander and Island Home
Islander (1950) passes her successor Island Home (2007) in Vineyard Haven Harbor.
Satinet Sample
Hard-wearing satinet cloth: the West Tisbury woolen mill’s signature product.
Vanderhoops at Aquinnah Circle
Harrison and Selina Vanderhoop selling Wampanoag crafts at Aquinnah Circle.
King’s Paint Mill
Clay pigments from King’s Paint Mill in Chilmark tinted the houses of southern New England.
Bricks on Pier
The signature product of the Roaring Brook brickyard awaits shipment to the mainland.
Erford Burt Bass Boat
One of Erford Burt’s signature “bass boats” in the basin at Burt’s Boatyard on the Lagoon.
Model of the SS Drottingholm
Van Ryper offered its customers affordable “models of ships on which you’ve sailed.”
Dairy Cooperative Bottle
Martha’s Vineyard Cooperative Dairy helped the Island’s small farmers, but could not compete with mainland producers.
Chilmark Chocolates Sign
Chilmark Chocolates was known for its delicious product, and its community spirit.
Black Dog Catalog
The Black Dog began as a year-round restaurant, but became a lifestyle brand.
Harpoon
The ancestors of the Wampanoag people who live here now fished using harpoons such as this one, which was found along the shore in Aquinnah.
Joseph Belain Portrait
Over the course of 20 whaling voyages, Aquinnah-born Joseph Belain (1848-1926), served as harpooner, second mate, first mate, and twice as a replacement master.
Whale and Porpoise Oil Samples
Beginning in the mid-19th century and ending in the 1940s, William F. Nye Company of New Bedford refined and processed whale and porpoise oil for various purposes.
Nomansland Codfish Box
Salted and dried cod was sold to Fischer Brothers of Vineyard Haven, who packaged it in wooden boxes like this one and sold it locally as well as shipping it to New Bedford and Providence.
Eel Pot
Before the 20th century, eels were caught and eaten in great numbers by islanders, who captured them in the fall and winter using pots like this one.
Menemsha Swordfishing Fleet
Equipped by a tall mast for lookouts and a long narrow platform for the harpooner jutting out from the bow, “Sword boats” supplied a market in which swordfish was seen as a delicacy.
“Dorothy and Everett” Weathervane
Using the vessels he knew as inspiration, local fisherman Jimmy Morgan made weathervanes and sold them in his small shop in Menemsha to supplement his income.
Photograph of Fishermen
Fishermen could once make a good living selling the fish they caught in net traps along the northwest shore of the Vineyard.
Chart of Holmes Hole
This view of Holmes Hole (now Vineyard Haven) harbor in 1781 looks familiar at first glance, but a closer look reveals unfamiliar features.
The Harbor of Holmes Hole
Twelve years before this chart was drawn in 1847, the citizens of Holmes Hole blocked Bass Creek with a worn-out schooner filled with rocks, making way for Water Street and Union Wharf.
Martha’s Vineyard Railroad Train on the Beach
The Martha’s Vineyard Railroad operated from 1872 to 1896, carrying passengers from the Oak Bluffs steamer wharf to the outskirts of Edgartown, then to Katama.
1938 Beach Road Flooding
This photograph, looking down Beach Road toward Five Corners, was taken during the 1938 Hurricane.
Bathhouse Debris on Oak Bluffs Steamer Wharf
Bathhouses were a fixture of Oak Bluffs — a monument to the social customs of a bygone era — until September 1944, when the Great Atlantic Hurricane struck the Island.
Bunker on South Beach
This concrete structure, used to train World War II naval aviators, originally stood in the dunes behind the beach; by the late 1960s or early 1970s, it stood at the water’s edge.
Moving the Gay Head Light
The brick tower of the current Gay Head Light was built in 1856, and by the early twenty-first century, erosion had left it dangerously close to the edge of the cliffs.
EVENTS
The Martha’s Vineyard Murders Series with Raemi Ray
Join us for an exciting evening with Raemi Ray, author of the Martha’s Vineyard Murder series. Inspired by summers in Edgartown and her travels around the world, Raemi’s novels blend the charm of island life with gripping, suspense-filled stories. Her work draws from real-life events, weaving local and national headlines into thrilling narratives. The first three books in the six-part series will be available for purchase in the Museum Shop, with an opportunity to have them signed. Don’t miss this chance to meet the author, hear insights about her creative process, and immerse yourself in the intrigue of her captivating tales.
Storytime at the Museum
Storytime is back! Eloise “Weezie” Welz and MV Museum Educators will lead an exciting storytime experience in Hands-On History. Join us to listen, learn, and have fun, each Saturday morning in November.
Veterans Among Us
Join us on Monday, November 25th for a talk with Island Veterans led by Vets Tom Bennett, Associate Executive Director at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services who is coming up on 55 years serving the community at MVCS, and Bob Tankard, Veterans Outreach Coordinator for MVCS and winner of the 2024 Art Buchwald Award for Outstanding Community Service. Those who have served will share their branch of service, their duty (MOS), impactful events they experienced in the service, and what their experiences have taught them about life. There is so much to discover about our Veterans and how we can support them.
Storytime at the Museum
Storytime is back! Eloise “Weezie” Welz and MV Museum Educators will lead an exciting storytime experience in Hands-On History. Join us to listen, learn, and have fun, each Saturday morning in November.
Remembering: The Art of Quahog Maintenance
Come for a deep dive into the Wampanoag connection with the Quahog as Elder, Donald Widdiss talks with us about Quahog shell significance, Artistic expression as a spiritual practice, Cultural preservation and continuity, Connection to ancestors and place, and Art as a reflection of history and understanding.
You will get to see the wampum belt created by Donald Widdiss, featured in the MV Museum exhibit, which is a contemporary piece that honors this traditional craft while also expressing the artist’s unique perspective and cultural connection.
The Everlasting Beauty of Sea Salt
Join us for a talk with Heidi Feldman, owner of Down Island Farm Foods – MV Sea Salt – New England Salt Works. Heidi and her husband, Curtis Friedman, are devoted to local, renewable resources, fresh food that is produced sustainably, and reviving the tradition of making sea salt on Martha’s Vineyard. Learn the process of making sea salt, taste some of their salts, discover ways it can be beneficial to our health like in helping muscles recover and prevent muscle pains, spasms, and cramps, and more. As a companion to our Secret Life of Seaweed Exhibition, you will have an opportunity to spend a little time in the exhibit at the end. The beauty of sea salt is everlasting, and this experience will coax you into appreciating it on a deeper level.
Winter’s Glow: Seasonal Celebrations from Around the World
Join us on Thursday, December 5 for a special panel discussion celebrating the rich diversity of winter traditions observed by Islanders from various cultural backgrounds. The evening will begin with an Indigenous experience shared by Linda Coombs, followed by storytelling about Diwali and Lohri with Uma Datta, Hanukkah and the Jewish “festival of daughters” (Chag HaBanot) with Rabbi Caryn Broitman, Bodhi Day with Barbara Dacey, Winter Solstice with Rebecca Gilbert, and Kwanzaa with Freedom Cartwright. We’ll also explore Christmas traditions and a traditional Brazilian Christmas. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa, and cookies provided by Gina Stanley with your ticket. Come connect and celebrate the season’s warmth and diversity with us!
Shivi Datta: Recovery During Holidays
Join us on Friday, December 6, for an inspiring lunch lecture with Shivi Datta, the Community Engagement Coordinator and a Recovery Coach at the Red House Peer Recovery Support Center of Martha’s Vineyard. Shivi will share valuable insights to help us navigate the winter and holiday season while staying on the path of recovery. A native of the Island with a deep commitment to her community, Shivi is a trained chef who has worked in several local restaurants and hosted her own “Indian Nights.” Her journey in recovery has inspired her to create a vibrant and supportive social calendar for the Island’s recovery community. Discover what the Red House offers, learn about alcohol-free events and activities, and share your ideas for future opportunities.
MV Museum’s 2nd Annual Winter Soiree
Celebrate the season in style at the 2nd Annual Winter Soiree! Join us on Saturday, December 7th for an enchanting evening filled with music, dancing, food, and festive spirits. Whether it’s a romantic date night, a gathering with friends and family, or an opportunity to meet new people, you’ll be welcomed into a winter wonderland. Enjoy live music by Jeremy Berlin and Rose Guerin, delicious bites from Gina Stanley and the First Light Café, and sip on signature cocktails and mocktails. Explore a special pop-up holiday exhibit, and each ticket holder will receive a gift. Plus, don’t miss out on door prizes and a raffle. It’s the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit!
Traditions, Superstitions and Mythology of the Horse
Join us on Tuesday, December 10 at 5 pm for a cozy evening of legend and lore with Sarah McKay, Executive Director of Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center. Sarah, a lifelong horse enthusiast, will share her insights on the fascinating impact of traditions, superstitions, and mythology on modern horsemanship. While horses and humans have coexisted for thousands of years, countless unique traditions and intriguing superstitions have developed along the way. Discover how horses have shaped mythology across cultures—far beyond the familiar unicorn. Don’t miss this engaging exploration of the timeless bond between horses and humans!
Sourcing Seaweed on Martha’s Vineyard
Dive into the world of seaweed with Dan and Greg Martino, founders of Cottage City Oysters! Join us on Thursday, December 12th for an engaging session where you’ll learn about the varieties of seaweed, its health benefits, cooking techniques, and its essential role in supporting ocean health. The Martino Brothers will introduce you to their innovative 3D farm system, a method that combines seaweed with oysters, blue mussels, and bay scallops to promote regenerative farming and enhance marine biodiversity. A portion of their farm is also dedicated to marine research, furthering our knowledge of sustainable aquaculture. You may even get a chance to taste some seaweed! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about eco-friendly ocean farming and its impact on our community.
Christmas at the Cooke House
Celebrate Christmas in Edgartown with a journey back in time at the historic Cooke House, located at 51 School Street. On December 14th, experience holiday traditions of the 1700s with period food, beverages (including cocoa and coffee), and live music from the era. Craft a special holiday decoration using natural materials, explore storyboards that capture Christmas celebrations of the past, and shop our pop-up gift shoppe for unique finds. Guests can also enter a raffle to win a Museum Gift Bag filled with treasures or try their hand at traditional games. Step into the past and enjoy a festive evening that brings history to life!
What You Might Not Know about Margot Datz
Join us on Tuesday, December 17th for an inspiring evening with celebrated artist Margot Datz as she reflects on her 53-year journey as a creative force. With a career full of twists, turns, and endless adventures, Margot will share stories, lessons, and insights gained along the way. Through imagery, imagination, and humor, she will invite us into her world, offering an experience that promises to expand and refresh the soul. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with one of the Island’s most beloved artists!
VISIT OUR CAMPUS
With an exciting slate of exhibits, guest speakers, and community events, there’s always something new to discover at MVM.
OPEN 10 – 4
TUESDAY – SUNDAY
YEAR-ROUND
100,000+
ITEMS IN
OUR COLLECTION
Explore maps, manuscripts, objects, photos, oral histories, and much more.
2,500
FEET FROM THE
FERRY DOCK
Our Vineyard Haven campus is just a 10-minute walk from the Steamship Authority terminal.
100
YEARS OF SERVING THE ISLAND COMMUNITY
We are committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing all facets of the Island’s story, from the familiar to the untold.
LEARN
We provide thought-provoking and engaging learning experiences for students of all ages.
RESEARCH
We bring the Island’s history and culture to life through research and resources that encourage curiosity and compassion.
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Your support empowers us to continue inspiring, educating, and strengthening our community.
“We believe in the mission and vision of the MV Museum. We want our grandchildren to love and appreciate this Island’s history, art, and culture as much as we do, so it is very important to us that the Museum continues to grow and thrive!”
BARBARA COUCH
