The Crunch Panel: Memories from the Demolition Derby Days

The Crunch Panel: Memories from the Demolition Derby Days

From 1979 to 1982, demolition derbies in Gay Head (now Aquinnah) brought together neighbors, families, and friends during a complex moment in the town’s history. With cars bearing names like The Crusher, Bumper King, and The Wrecking Ball, these loud, thrilling gatherings created memories that have endured for decades.

Join the Martha’s Vineyard Museum for The Crunch Panel, moderated by Oral History Curator Indaia Whitcombe, as Islanders who experienced these unforgettable events share stories of the cars, the characters, and the chaos that defined the era. Through recollections marked by humor, nostalgia, and the occasional crash, this conversation explores how a community found connection in something uniquely Island.

NEW: Join us at 4pm at First Light Cafe in our Linnemann Pavilion to purchase drinks, light bites, and mix with Museum staff and fellow attendees before the program!

MVM Members: $15; Non-Members: $25

DETAILS


Date April 9, 2026
From 5:00 pm
To 6:00 pm
Type Talk
Venue Martha’s Vineyard Museum
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