Amity Homecoming Weekend
June 19-23, 2025
Amity Homecoming Weekend: “This weekend… swallow you whole.”
AMITY HOMECOMING WEEKEND
Martha’s Vineyard Museum proudly presents Amity Homecoming Weekend, a five-day celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of Jaws. Join us from June 19–23 for an unforgettable lineup of exclusive talks, special guests, live events, and behind-the-scenes insights into the making of this iconic film.
The weekend will feature renowned cast and crew members, historians, and film experts, all gathering on the Island that brought Amity to life. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the legacy of Jaws where it all began.
Weekend Schedule
Events, dates and guests are subject to change.
Parking Advisory: Parking at the Museum is extremely limited and should be reserved for guests with limited mobility or those who require it. We strongly encourage attendees to walk from the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority ferry terminal, the VTA bus stop, or downtown—just a 10-minute walk away. Ample bike parking is also available for those arriving on two wheels! Thank you for helping us keep access open for those who need it most.
June 19 – LET’S TALK JAWS LIVE!…LIVE! (2PM)
Be part of the live audience for Let’s Talk Jaws Live! as Nate Jones, Michael Smith, and Janie Jones Clark take their popular YouTube show on the road with special guests.
June 20 – Jaws Deep Dive: A FINatic’s Look at a Classic Film (9:30AM – 12:30PM)
Historian and Jaws expert Bow Van Riper takes fans on an in-depth exploration of what makes Jaws a masterpiece. Using film clips and stills, this session dives into the source material, plot, characters, setting, and suspense that have made the film an enduring classic. A must-see for any Jaws FINatic!
June 21 – Growing Up with ‘Uncle Quint’: Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond (1 PM)
Author Christopher Shaw Myers, nephew of Robert “Quint” Shaw, shares stories about growing up with his legendary uncle and behind-the-scenes insights on Jaws, from filming his iconic death scene to his thoughts on Spielberg.
June 21 – Wendy Benchley: Half Century Reflections From Jaws to Ocean Conservation (4 PM)
Renowned ocean advocate Wendy Benchley shares stories from the Jaws set to her global conservation efforts, highlighting groundbreaking marine research and the fight to protect sharks and our seas.
June 22 – Meet Joe Alves: Jaws and Beyond (11 AM)
Legendary Production Designer Joe Alves (Jaws, Close Encounters) joins biographer Dennis L. Prince to discuss his groundbreaking career and his iconic work on Jaws. Book signing to follow.
June 22 – On the Job with Deputy Hendricks (2 PM)
Join Emmy Award-winning actor Jeffrey Kramer (Deputy Hendricks) for behind-the-scenes stories from Jaws, including cut scenes, on-set moments, and life in Amity. Bring your questions and prepare to laugh!
June 22 – Reunion Day
In collaboration with the Vineyard Gazette Media Group, join us for a day-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jaws. The event will feature movie memorabilia, live performances, and meet-and-greets with Island residents who participated in the film’s production. Attendees will also receive a complimentary copy of the Jaws at 50: Commemorative Anniversary Magazine, filled with rarely seen photos from the film shoot.
June 23 – Museum Open to the Public
A rare Monday opening! Explore the Museum, including Jaws at 50: A Deeper Dive, featuring the Museum’s exclusive behind-the-scenes artifacts and stories.
June 23 – Orca Model: FINatic Send-off with Cort Corino (11 AM)
Cort Corino shares how he recreated a full-scale version of the cabin inside the Orca, using only movie props, screenshots, and meticulous research. Hear about his three-year journey and the challenges of bringing Amity’s most famous boat back to life.
Make sure to visit our signature exhibition, Jaws at 50: A Deeper Dive, which brings together rare memorabilia, production artifacts, and never-before-seen insights into how Martha’s Vineyard became Amity Island. Premiering on May 24, 2025. Learn more here.
Stay Updated on Amity Homecoming Weekend
Follow our official Facebook event page for the latest updates, including guest announcements, schedule updates, behind-the-scenes content, and important Amity Homecoming Weekend information. Join the conversation and stay informed as we count down to this unforgettable celebration.
Help Us Name the Menu!
Are you a Jaws fan with a killer sense of humor? First Light Café is cooking up a summer menu with a twist—and we want you to help name the dishes. Think punny, playful, and Jaws-inspired. No need to invent the food itself—just the names!
Up to five winners will each receive a $25 gift card to First Light Café and bragging rights all summer long.
Photos by Jackie Baer
