Events

Jul. 21

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: The Pond People of Pohogonot

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.

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51 School Street 
Edgartown, MA 02539

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Jul. 22

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Shark Smarts: Understanding Our Ocean Friends

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!

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 22

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Jaws vs. Reality: The Truth About Great White Sharks

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.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 23

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Sol Y Canto

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Sol Y Canto

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 24

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

From the Campground to the Copeland District: An Architectural History of Oak Bluffs

Join us on Thursday, July 24, for an extensively illustrated presentation that begins with a review of the distinctive features of Campground cottages and highlights several stylistic variants developed by architect Perez Mason and others in the 1860s. Mr. W. Douglas Thompson will illustrate how these designs were replicated and expanded in the Copeland District—the section of Oak Bluffs between Circuit Avenue and Nantucket Sound. He will also describe a radically new cottage type developed in the Copeland District during the 1870s under the supervision of E. P. Carpenter.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 25

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Revelations in Stone: Hitchcock on the Vineyard [ONLINE ONLY]

Join us on Friday, July 25th for a live, online only program with author and biographer Robert T. McMaster for a fascinating talk about the 200th anniversary of Edward Hitchcock’s groundbreaking 1824 geological study of Martha’s Vineyard. McMaster will explore how Hitchcock’s work sparked a scientific revolution in understanding the forces that shaped the Vineyard, Cape Cod, and beyond. Drawing from Hitchcock’s unpublished writings and illustrated with historical and contemporary images, this engaging talk reveals the island's pivotal role in the history of American science.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 25

8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

New Moon Naked Eye Stargazing

Join us under the stars for a night of celestial wonder during the darkest skies of the month! On Friday, July 25th, the Museum invites you and your family to experience the magic of the New Moon—where the absence of moonlight reveals the night sky in its full, unfiltered brilliance. Expert guide, Mark Alan Lovewell, will lead you through a captivating tour of the stars and constellations visible to the naked eye. Learn how to spot planets, trace ancient star patterns, and hear the myths and science behind the summer sky. Whether you're a budding astronomer or simply curious about what sparkles above, this evening promises something for everyone.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Jul. 26

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Della Hardman Day 20th Anniversary

Each summer, Della Hardman Day invites us to reflect on a life lived with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to community. This year’s gathering, held on Saturday, July 26 at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, marks the 20th anniversary and is more than a tribute—it’s a call to action to carry her legacy forward. Della Hardman was an artist, educator, writer, and tireless advocate for cultural understanding and social justice. Through her words and work, she challenged us to “savor the moment”—to be present, to be engaged, and to make a difference. On this special day, we come together not only to celebrate her enduring influence, but to be inspired by it. Her daughter, Andrea Taylor, a leader in civil rights, education, and public service, will share personal reflections on Della’s journey and vision. We are also honored to welcome Natalie Wambui, author of Extraordinary Kenyans Doing Extraordinary Things, whose powerful work shines a spotlight on global stories of excellence and purpose—echoing the very spirit of Della Hardman’s life. This hour of remembrance and renewal invites us to honor the past while shaping a more just, joyful, and connected future.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Jul. 29

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Power of Images: A Journey Into a World on the Edge of Change

Celebrate Legacy Week on the Vineyard with an inspiring evening honoring Glenda E. Jones, a 1968 Central State University graduate and visionary photographer. Her powerful images of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley tribes capture cultures on the brink of change, bridging generations and preserving heritage. The program opens on Tuesday, July 29th with remarks from Sheryl Wesley, founder of HBCU Legacy Week and a passionate advocate for preserving Black history and culture. Sheryl will also introduce students from Showtime/MTV’s Storytellers Lab —rising voices continuing the mission of authentic storytelling.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 30

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Jan Hulka

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Jan Hulka

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 31

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

The House That Wouldn’t Let Go: The Story of Woogie and Mary

Join designer, preservationist, songwriter, storyteller, and part-time Island resident, Dawn Carroll for an unforgettable evening of music, memory, and rediscovered history, as she shares the powerful story of a house that once echoed with the footsteps of legends—and nearly vanished into silence. A story that started in Boston.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Aug. 4

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: Colonial Essentials: The Garden That Fed and Healed 

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.

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51 School Street 
Edgartown, MA 02539

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Aug. 6

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Allie and Paryss

Join us for a special edition of our Global Rhythms Summer Concert Series—a Mid-Summer Celebration filled with vibrant music, wine, and seasonal bites. Experience the soul-stirring sounds of Allie and Paryss Hayden, the dynamic Oak Bluffs duo whose genre-defying blend of gospel, soul, rock, and R&B creates an unforgettable live performance. Their music is a celebration of culture, connection, and the power of sound to move and inspire. Enhancing the evening is a curated wine tasting paired with light bites, making this not just a concert, but a summer evening to savor. Celebrate the season, the rhythm, and the joy of gathering—Vineyard style.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Aug. 7

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Jaws: Stories Beneath the Full Moon

Join us Thursday, July 10th on the Museum's Lewis Lawn under the full moon for a one-of-a-kind evening that re-creates the iconic opening beach party scene from Jaws. With With Wayne Iacona who was a key crew member on JAWS, working behind the scenes to help bring Spielberg’s iconic thriller to life and Michael Haydn—the original acoustic guitarist from that unforgettable scene—strumming live tunes around a cozy faux campfire, this is your chance to step straight into movie magic.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Aug. 10

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

142 Years of Legacy: Phoebe Ballou, Lois Mailou Jones

Step back in time at Doherty Hall on Sunday, August 10, for a captivating island story, shared from a new perspective. Laurence Holland, a summer resident of Oak Bluffs for over seven decades and now a permanent resident of Edgartown, unveils rare family photographs and powerful tales of his enduring connection to Martha's Vineyard. Journey back to 1883 with his second great-grandmother, Phoebe-Ann Moseley Adams Ballou, who arrived in Cottage City as a domestic and, against all odds, made history in 1913 as one of the first African American women to own property on the island. Her unwavering spirit was instrumental in shaping Oak Bluffs into the cherished summer haven it is for Black families. Her fortitude lives on through her granddaughter, the renowned artist Lois Mailou Jones, who found endless inspiration in her Vineyard summers. Today, Phoebe's descendants continue to enrich the island, carrying forward a remarkable heritage of resilience, creativity, and community.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Aug. 11

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: Beyond the 527 Feet: Peter Wells’ Story of the Chappy Ferry 

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.

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51 School Street 
Edgartown, MA 02539

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Aug. 13

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Molly & Mark

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Molly & Mark

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Aug. 18

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: The Way We Wore: Island Textiles & Fashion, 1642–1850 

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.

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51 School Street 
Edgartown, MA 02539

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Aug. 19

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

The Farmer and The Shark

On Tuesday, August 19th, don’t miss this exclusive special screening of The Farmer & the Shark, the gripping documentary that unveils the hidden story behind Martha’s Vineyard legend Craig Kingsbury and his extraordinary influence on Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. Stay for a rare and fascinating discussion with award-winning filmmaker John Campopiano, veteran producer Rick DiGregorio, Jaws historian Jim Beller, and Craig Kingsbury’s daughter, Kristen Kingsbury Henshaw, as they share never-before-heard stories and behind-the-scenes details about this iconic film’s local heartbeat.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Aug. 20

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Peter Halperin and the Group Therapy Band

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Peter Halperin and the Group Therapy Band

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Aug. 25

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

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.

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51 School Street 
Edgartown, MA 02539

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Aug. 27

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Jim Thomas Spirituals Choir

Celebrate the vibrant cultures that shape our Island community through music and storytelling. Each week, world-class musicians take the stage to share not only their sound, but the personal and cultural stories behind it. Join us Wednesday evenings this summer for a series that moves to the beat of connection, tradition, and discovery. THIS EVENING'S PERFORMANCE: Jim Thomas Spirituals Choir

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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