Join historian Norah Van Riper on Saturday, May 17, for a journey into Martha’s Vineyard’s culinary past. What did Islanders eat before the days of refrigeration and take-out? Discover the rich and often surprising food traditions that sustained the Island’s early inhabitants—long before industrial advances reshaped how and what we eat.
Join us on Saturday, May 10th, as we open the Museum’s Rose Styron Garden for the season. The awakening of spring on the island offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature’s healing bounty through a Spring Medicinal Tea Party. More than just a social gathering, this event is a chance to delve into the world of local medicinal herbs, guided by the knowledge of Taylor Smalley, a member of the Herring Pond Wampanoag tribe.
Get ready for an entertaining and unforgettable conversation with Jackie Clason. Her life has been nothing short of astonishing—ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1972 and given the name “True Friendship of the Heart,” known as “Crash Clason” during her wild Demolition Derby days, and earning a Homeopathy degree from NYU, funded by none other than Laurance Rockefeller. Over the years, Jackie has become a cherished figure on the island, known for her healing touch in homeopathy and massage, guided by a spirit that’s curious, bold, and beautifully unconventional. Buckle up for the ride on Thursday, May 1st as Laurel Redington and Jackie Clason sit down for this wild conversation.
Join MVM Chief Curator Bonnie Stacy in conversation with Dr. Jessica B. Harris, celebrated culinary historian and author, as they discuss Harris’s new book Braided Heritage.
Join Kristen Smith, Community Engagement Manager at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, for an interactive program that busts myths and uncovers the truth about sharks! Through a fun true-or-false activity, young participants will explore shark biology, behavior, and the latest local research happening right here in Massachusetts. A perfect program for curious kids and budding marine biologists alike!
How much of Jaws is fact—and how much is fiction? Join Kristen Smith, Community Engagement Manager for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, for a fascinating look at how Jaws shaped public perception of white sharks and the myths it left behind. This program will explore current research and conservation efforts—including tracking technology and data collection—that are deepening our understanding of these apex predators and reshaping how we protect them. Come separate science from cinema, and walk away with a more informed view of one of the ocean’s most misunderstood species.
Join us in welcoming renowned marine biologist Dr. Greg Skomal back to Martha’s Vineyard, where he once served as lead scientist for the Massachusetts Fisheries’ Island station. With nearly four decades of shark research under his belt, Dr. Skomal is a respected explorer, author, and authority on the white shark. In this special 50th anniversary program on Friday, July 11th, he’ll examine how Jaws shaped public perception of the species—and reveal how our understanding of white sharks has evolved over the past half-century.
Everyone knows whaling was central to the Island’s past—but how much do you really know about its lasting impact? Join MVM Research Librarian Bow Van Riper for a four-week deep dive into the history of whaling and the many ways it shaped (and continues to shape) life on Martha’s Vineyard. Each themed session stands alone, but together they offer a layered look at a vanished industry and its enduring legacy.
Everyone knows whaling was central to the Island’s past—but how much do you really know about its lasting impact? Join MVM Research Librarian Bow Van Riper for a four-week deep dive into the history of whaling and the many ways it shaped (and continues to shape) life on Martha’s Vineyard. Each themed session stands alone, but together they offer a layered look at a vanished industry and its enduring legacy.
Everyone knows whaling was central to the Island’s past—but how much do you really know about its lasting impact? Join MVM Research Librarian Bow Van Riper for a four-week deep dive into the history of whaling and the many ways it shaped (and continues to shape) life on Martha’s Vineyard. Each themed session stands alone, but together they offer a layered look at a vanished industry and its enduring legacy.
