PRESS RELEASE: Martha’s Vineyard Museum Commemorates 50 Years of Jaws with an Exclusive Exhibition and Programming

Press release: april 2025

Martha’s Vineyard Museum Commemorates 50 Years of Jaws with an Exclusive Exhibition and Programming

[VINEYARD HAVEN, MA] – April, 2025 – The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is thrilled to announce Jaws at 50: A Deeper Dive, a landmark exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws, one of the most
iconic films in cinematic history. Opening on May 24, 2025, and running through September 7,
2025, this exhibition invites visitors to explore how Martha’s Vineyard played a starring role in
the making of Stephen Spielberg’s film that captivated audiences worldwide.

Through rare photographs, oral histories, original artwork, and authentic movie props, the
Museum’s galleries will recount the transformation of Martha’s Vineyard into Amity Island,
highlight the contributions of Vineyarders both behind the scenes and on screen, and reflect on
the film’s enduring legacy.

“This exhibition tells the story of a movie that left an indelible mark on both the Island and the
history of cinema,” said Heather Seger, MVM Executive Director. “Fifty years later, Jaws continues
to fascinate, and we’re proud to honor the Vineyard’s role in shaping this legendary film.”

Exhibition Highlights:

Special Features:

Amity Homecoming Weekend: June 19-23, 2025

Additional Jaws events are being added all summer long and will be announced on the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s website. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition and event series will captivate film buffs, Island residents, and summer visitors alike, blending history, community, and art.

Additional Quotes from Museum Staff:

“We are excited to welcome Jaws fans from around the world to Martha’s Vineyard this summer. Jaws fans are a strong community, and Martha’s Vineyard has a strong community of Islanders who were involved in the film’s creation. The inspiration behind Amity Homecoming Weekend is to bring together the Jaws community from around the world together with the local Islanders’ community who were part of making the iconic film.” – Cathy Mayone, Managing Director
“There’s a special kind of magic in this exhibition—where movie history meets Island memory.” It’s a chance to see Jaws not just as a film, but as a moment shaped by this place and its people.” – Anna Barber, Curator of Exhibitions
“The impact of Jaws is indescribable…the more opportunities for people to gather and talk about it, the more that impact is revealed. Programming for Jaws is a blast because you are creating those ways to bond through storytelling.” – Laurel Redington, Director of Programming.
“Only a handful of films remain compelling after fifty years. Jaws is one of them. A lot of its power comes from the fact that it feels real, because it was shot in a real place, with real people in the background. And the best part is: It’s a place you can come visit, and experience first-hand.” – Bow Van Riper, Research Librarian

About Martha’s Vineyard Museum:
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their
connections to the Island and its diverse heritage. Through exhibitions, programs, and a vast
collection of artifacts, photographs, and oral histories, the Museum preserves and shares the
stories of Martha’s Vineyard—past and present. Located in Vineyard Haven, the Museum offers
year-round opportunities for learning and engagement for visitors of all ages. For more
information, visit mvmuseum.org.

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