Amity Homecoming Weekend
June 19-21, 2026
Amity Homecoming Weekend
Thank you for joining us for Amity Homecoming Weekend 2026!
This year’s celebration took place June 19–21, 2026. We’re grateful to everyone who attended talks, screenings, exhibitions, and special events honoring Jaws and Martha’s Vineyard’s role in film history.
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The following schedule is presented as an archive of the 2026 event.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
Let’s Talk JAWS Live!… LIVE! – This Time It’s REALLY Personal
11:00am–12:30pm
An exclusive, non-broadcast live episode of Let’s Talk JAWS with hosts Nate Jones and Michael Smith, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, fan insights, and lively conversation.
Jeffrey Kramer: On Jaws, Life, and the Island
1:00–2:00pm
A candid conversation with Jeffrey Kramer (Jaws’ Deputy Hendricks) on filming on Martha’s Vineyard, memories of the cast and crew, and the lasting impact of the film.
The Shark Is Still Working: A JAWS Documentary
3:00–5:00pm
A behind-the-scenes documentary exploring how Jaws went from a troubled Vineyard production to one of the most iconic films of all time, featuring rare footage and candid interviews with cast and crew.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
Jaws: A FINatic’s Breakdown of the Film
10:30am–12:00pm
Historian and lifelong fan Bow Van Riper takes a closer look at Jaws, unpacking its origins, structure, and enduring power through film clips and behind-the-scenes insight. From its literary roots to its unforgettable characters and revolutionary suspense, this session explores why the film still grips audiences nearly fifty years on.
Robert Shaw: The Man My Family Knew
1:00–2:00pm
Christopher Shaw Meyers, nephew of actor Robert Shaw, shares stories offering a compelling look behind the scenes of Hollywood’s golden era, including the making of Jaws, while exploring the life of one of cinema’s most complex and captivating figures.
Amity Aftershocks: The Enduring World of Jaws
3:00–4:00pm
Join author Michael A. Smith for a lively conversation on his book FINATICS: 50 Years of Jaws, exploring the film’s lasting impact and the devoted fan community that has kept its legacy alive. From behind-the-scenes stories to cultural ripple effects, this talk celebrates the enduring world of Jaws on Martha’s Vineyard and beyond.
Ultimate Jaws Fan Experience Sunset Cruise
5:00-8:00pm [SOLD OUT]
Climb aboard a wind-powered schooner for an evening exploring the real locations and stories behind Jaws. This immersive fan experience includes on-the-water views of filming sites, conversations with Island extras and historians, themed refreshments, and a commemorative swag bag.
Brought to you by the Vineyard Gazette Media Group
About Amity Homecoming Weekend
Amity Homecoming Weekend is the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s annual celebration of the Island’s role in the making and enduring legacy of Jaws. Through conversations, film screenings, exhibitions, and special guests, the weekend brings together filmmakers, historians, cast members, and fans from around the world to celebrate one of cinema’s most iconic films.
Event Photos by Ray Ewing; Footer Photos by Jackie Baer
