History Topics

Here we present brief articles on diverse areas of Nantucket history.

Illustration from the log of the Ship Washington, kept by Captain James G. Coffin, 1842-1844.

Whaling

From the late 1600s—when Nantucketers first gleaned the prized oil from small whales that washed ashore—into the next two centuries —when Nantucket whaleships would tra­verseMore Read more from Whaling

Native Peoples

Introduction The history of human interaction with Nantucket traces back approximately 12,000 years, pre-dating the time when rising seas turned...More Read more from Native Peoples

Black History

Explore articles and videos about Nantucket's Black History. The NHA is committed to expanding and sharing these stories. More Read more from Black History

Nantucket Women’s History

Nantucket has a long and proud history of empowering women. Mary Starbuck led the way in promoting the adoption of...More Read more from Nantucket Women’s History

Photo credit: James L. Stanfield, National Geographic, June 1970

Cape Verdean Heritage

Explore the history and the long association between Nantucket and the Cape Verde archipelago off the coast of Senegal and the community that's developed on Nantucket.More Read more from Cape Verdean Heritage

Rights and Race Exhibition, Hadwen House, May 26-December 2018.

People

History is quite simply the story of people and places. Herein is a diverse collection about the special people of Nantucket.More Read more from People

Artifacts

The Nantucket Historical Association has over 15,000 artifacts in its collection reflecting the variety of island life from the native Wampanoags and the earliest EuropeanMore Read more from Artifacts

Sketch of the Whaleship Essex and a sperm whale.

The Whaleship Essex

On November 20, 1820, an enraged sperm whale rammed and sank the Nantucket whaleship Essex in the middle of the...More Read more from The Whaleship Essex

Nantucket Lightship Baskets

There are four distinctive elements that define a Nantucket lightship basket. The basket is woven on a mold; the staves...More Read more from Nantucket Lightship Baskets

Watercolor "Moby Dick and Ahab " by Claus Hoie

Literature

This topic explores the special character of Nantucket Island as reflected in literature, from ship’s logs and journals, diaries, and music as well as it’sMore Read more from Literature

Map of Nantucket, 1772, drawn by Dr. James Taylor

Places

There are many not-very-well-known stories about the places on Nantucket. In these varied articles, you might discover some interesting facts about Nantucket you didn't know.More Read more from Places

NHA Curator preserving lightship basket.

Preservation

This topic offers some helpful suggestions on how to protect and preserve your own family heirlooms.More Read more from Preservation

Civil War Veterans

Nantucket and War

This topic explores the role of the island in war.More Read more from Nantucket and War

Nantucket Roots

Genealogy

This topic offers guidelines to help you trace your Nantucket heritage and build your family tree.More Read more from Genealogy

Photographic portrait of Elisha Pope Fearing Gardner, the poet of Poet's Corner

Fun Facts

Like any community, Nantucket has its unusual and sometimes quirky stories about events and happenings on the island.More Read more from Fun Facts

The NHA preserves, interprets, and shares the diverse stories of Nantucket and its people with all audiences through its collections, properties, programs, and research.

We use cookies to deliver our online services. Details and instructions on how to disable those cookies are set out in our Privacy Policy. By clicking I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies unless you have disabled them.

> >