Events

Jul. 1

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Hurricanes and Martha’s Vineyard: A History and Forecast

Join Kevin R. Loughlin, MD for a fascinating look at the history of hurricanes that have impacted Martha’s Vineyard—from the devastating Great Hurricane of 1938 to more recent storms like Bob and Edouard. He’ll explore the science behind hurricane formation, advances in forecasting, and how climate change is affecting storm frequency and intensity. With an active 2025 season predicted, this timely presentation is not to be missed.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 2

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Misfits of Avalon

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: Misfits of Avalon

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 5

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Exhibition Opening Reception for Mermaid Farm: Beauty & Struggle

Join us on Saturday, July 5th as we celebrate the opening of a beautifully curated exhibition called Mermaid Farm: Beauty & Struggle by seasonal visitor Lexi Van Valkenburgh. This exhibition explores the past and present of farming on Martha’s Vineyard. Once predominantly agricultural, the Island has seen much of its farmland lost to development. Through a series of photographs taken by Van Valkenburgh at Mermaid Farm—one of only two remaining dairy farms—the exhibit traces the Island’s agricultural history and tells the story of a family deeply rooted in the land.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Jul. 7

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: An Everyday Life Tour of the Cooke House 

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. 8

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

The Heroic Life and Times of a Vineyard Whaleman

It all began with an old envelope and a hunch. Join author Paul Magid on Tuesday, July 8th, as he shares the captivating story behind his new book, Pursuing the Leviathan, and the unexpected journey that began right here in the Martha’s Vineyard Museum Library.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 9

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Global Rhythms: Ehud Ettun

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: Ehud Ettun

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 10

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 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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Jul. 11

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Jaws and the White Shark: 50 Years of Impact and Discovery with Dr. Greg Skomal 

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.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 13

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Discover Inner Peace: A Book Talk on Refining the Mind 

Summertime on Martha’s Vineyard offers a chance to slow down and reflect. Join us for an uplifting and inclusive book talk on Refining the Mind: The Transformative Process of Buddhism by Lama Jigme Rinpoche. On Sunday, July 13, everyone is welcome—regardless of background or beliefs—to explore practical tools like mindfulness, kindness, and compassion that can help cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 14

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tales of Edgartown: The Vineyard and the World: A Common Humanity 

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. 16

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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Jul. 17

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Unplugged with Fred Mollin: Hits, Humor & Humanity

Join us on Thursday, July 17th for a rare and intimate evening with Fred Mollin—the quietly legendary producer, arranger, and composer behind some of the most beloved music in film, television, and popular culture over the last four decades.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 18

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

The Whimsical World of Margot Datz

Join us on Friday, July 18th, for an intimate, joy-splashed evening with reluctant grown-up Margot Datz as she shares tales from her extraordinary artistic journey—stories as colorful and unexpected as the murals she brings to life. With a heart full of humor and hands dipped in myth and magic, she’ll take you from the shores of Martha’s Vineyard to the edges of the imagination.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 19

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Decoding Climate History from Whaling Logs

Historians and climate scientists are uncovering new insights into historical weather and climate change by examining a surprising source: ship logbooks from 19th-century American whaling voyages. In this talk on Saturday, July 19th, Dr. Timothy Walker, Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and Dr. Caroline Ummenhofer, oceanographer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, will present their collaborative research using these logbooks—many of which are stored in New England archives including the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Nantucket Historical Association, and Falmouth Historical Society.

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151 Lagoon Pond Road 
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

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Jul. 20

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

An Evening of Wine, Cheese & Island History at the Thomas Cooke House & Legacy Gardens

Wine and cheese are natural partners, and when paired thoughtfully, they enhance each other's flavors in delightful ways. What better place to explore these perfect pairings than an Island said to be named for the wild grapes that once grew here?Join us on Sunday, July 20th for an evening of al fresco wine and cheese at the Thomas Cooke House and Legacy Gardens.

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51 School Street 
Edgartown, MA 02539

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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 Tuesday, 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. 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. 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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