Events

EXHIBITIONS

EVENTS

DIVE DEEPER INTO THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Discover the Island’s rich history and vibrant culture through engaging lectures, expert panels, hands-on family activities, and community gatherings. Whether you’re exploring the past, celebrating the present, or looking ahead to the future, our events offer something for everyone.

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49 results

May. 1

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

The Astonishing Life of Jackie Clason

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.

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May. 3

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Artist Talk: Austin Bryant & Where They Still Remain

Join us on Saturday, May 3 for an evening with photographer and writer Austin Bryant as he shares insights into his ongoing project, Where They Still Remain, currently on view in the Waggaman Community Gallery.

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May. 4

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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May. 7

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

A Whaling History of the Vineyard

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.

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May. 10

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

A Spring Medicinal Tea Party

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.

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May. 11

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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May. 13

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Salt Spray on the Rails [ONLINE ONLY]

Join us on Tuesday, May 13th for a live, online only reprise of a talk first given in March 2024. If you missed it then, or want to hear it again, now’s your chance! Once there was a railroad on Martha’s Vineyard. It was built on dreams and sand, and it linked the steamer wharf in Oak Bluffs to a resort development on the shores of Katama Bay....

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May. 14

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

A Whaling History of the Vineyard: Whaling as a Business

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.

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May. 17

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Hearth-Cooked Island History: Seasonal Eating Before 1850

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.

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May. 18

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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May. 21

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

A Whaling History of the Vineyard: Whaling as a Career

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.

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May. 25

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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May. 28

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

A Whaling History of the Vineyard: Whaling as a Memory

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.

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Jun. 1

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Jun. 8

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Jun. 15

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Jun. 19

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

[SOLD OUT] LET’S TALK JAWS LIVE!…LIVE!

[SOLD OUT] Join Nate Jones, Michael Smith, and Janie Jones Clark from the popular Let’s Talk Jaws Live! YouTube show, along with their special guests* Joe Alves, Jeffrey Kramer, and Dennis Prince, as they kick off the monumental 50th anniversary of Jaws and an exciting weekend ahead. Five years in the making, this knowledgeable crew is bringing their show on the road for a special presentation before a live audience on Martha's Vineyard—no computer screen glare required!

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Jun. 20

9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Jaws Deep Dive: A FINatic’s Look at a Classic Film

Join historian, film scholar, and lifelong Jaws fan A. Bowdoin “Bow” Van Riper on Friday, June 20th, at 9:30am for an in-depth, fan-focused exploration of the film’s brilliance. Through carefully selected clips and stills, this program breaks down the elements that make Jaws a masterpiece.

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Jun. 21

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Growing Up with ‘Uncle Quint’: Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond

Join us on Saturday, June 21 at 1 PM for an entertaining and playfully provocative talk with author Christopher Shaw Myers, nephew of Robert “Quint” Shaw. Chris will share unforgettable stories about growing up with his legendary uncle—along with some fascinating behind-the-scenes insights about Jaws!

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Jun. 21

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Wendy Benchley: Half Century Reflections From Jaws to Ocean Conservation

Join Wendy Benchley on June 21 at 4 PM for a compelling conversation about her lifelong dedication to ocean conservation. A renowned global voice for protecting sharks and safeguarding our seas, Wendy’s five decades of scuba diving experience have fueled her efforts to advance marine policies and protect the world’s oceans.

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Jun. 22

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Jun. 22

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Reunion

Join us on the Museum’s waterfront lawn overlooking Lagoon Pond for Reunion Day, a community celebration of Jaws at Amity Homecoming Weekend with The Vineyard Gazette. This all-day festival on Sunday, June 22 brings together fans, Islanders, and those who were part of the film for a one-of-a-kind gathering filled with Jaws nostalgia.

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Jun. 22

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

[SOLD OUT] Meet Joe Alves: Jaws and Beyond

Join us on June 22 at 11 AM for an exclusive conversation with legendary Production Designer Joe Alves (Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and more) and biographer Dennis L. Prince, author of Joe Alves: Adventures in Film Design.In this intimate setting at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Alves will share insights from his remarkable 40-year career in film and television design, with a special focus on his work on Jaws in celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary. A book signing will follow the discussion.

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Jun. 22

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

[SOLD OUT]On the Job with Deputy Hendricks

Step back into Jaws with Emmy Award-winning actor Jeffrey Kramer, best known as Deputy Hendricks. Join us on Sunday, June 22nd for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to be on set during the making of the iconic film.

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Jun. 23

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Orca Model: FINatic Send-off with Cort Corino

Join Cort Corino on Monday, June 23, as he shares the incredible story behind his full-scale Orca model replica—a project that started as a spontaneous idea and turned into a three-year passion project, culminating on Martha’s Vineyard for the Jaws 50th Anniversary.

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Jun. 24

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine

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.

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Jun. 28

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Evening of Discovery

Join us on Saturday, June 28th for the 26th Annual Evening of Discovery, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s signature summer gala and largest annual fundraising event. Held under the open sky on the Museum’s stunning Lewis Lawn overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor, this special evening features festive food and drinks, lively auctions, and exclusive access to our latest exhibitions.

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Jun. 29

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Jul. 6

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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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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Jul. 13

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Jul. 20

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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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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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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Jul. 26

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Where are the Grapes? An Exploration of Wine & Cheese on Martha’s Vineyard 

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 Saturday, July 26th for an evening of al fresco wine and cheese at the Thomas Cooke House and Legacy Gardens.

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Jul. 27

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Aug. 3

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Aug. 10

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Aug. 17

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Aug. 24

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Aug. 31

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Sep. 7

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Sep. 14

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Sep. 21

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

READ MORE

Sep. 28

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Oct. 5

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Oct. 12

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Oct. 19

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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Oct. 26

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday B-Side Brunch

Sunday B Side Brunch happens every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM in the First Light Café, featuring delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Soak in the friendly atmosphere and stunning views while enjoying a classic, soulful vinyl DJ set by Vincent Patricola, with occasional special guests.

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