This catalog celebrates a quarter century of collection by the Friends of the Nantucket Historical Association. We have been blessed with inspired founders, a committed group of passionate members, and dedicated presidents and committee chairs, all of whose hard work and generosity have gone into acquiring the treasures that are presented in this volume. We all care deeply about preserving the magnificent legacy of fine art, decorative art, whaling and maritime memorabilia, and other artifacts from Nantucket’s past. On behalf of all Friends presidents, I would like to thank all Friends past and present for their devotion to this task. We are proud of the continuing legacy of Friends gifts that has been twenty-five years in the making, and take this moment to look back and commemorate this remarkable achievement.
The NHA preserves, interprets, and shares the diverse stories of Nantucket and its people with all audiences through its collections, properties, programs, and research.