Tales of Edgartown: Whaling Port to Summer Resort

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.

THIS EVENING’S TALK: Whaling had sustained Edgartown for fifty years, but by 1870 the industry was dying. The success of Oak Bluffs showed the potential of a resort economy, but it took nearly fifty more years for Edgartown to fully embrace its new identity as a summer destination. Join MVM Research Librarian Bow Van Riper for a look at the town’s sometimes-rocky attempt to reinvent itself—from whaling port to seaside resort—and how that transformation shaped the community we know today.

Please note: We regret that the historic Cooke House is not ADA-compliant and cannot accommodate mobility aids.

Tickets: $30 per person; Season passes available

DETAILS


Date August 25, 2025
From 4:00 pm
To 5:00 pm
Type Weekly Event
Venue Cooke House & Legacy Gardens
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