Celebrated astronomer Maria Mitchell (1818-1889) was born at 1 Vestal Street, descending from some of Nantucket's first settlers. Her father, William, was an accomplished amateur astronomer and maritime chronometer expert who encouraged Mitchell in her scientific endeavors. In 1847, in a "sweep" of the sky from the rooftop of the Pacific National Bank, she was the first person ever to discover a telescopic comet, a major scientific event, and for her discovery she was awarded a gold medal by the King of Denmark. In 1848, she was the first woman admitted to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (no other women would be admitted for 100 years). In 1865, Mitchell became the first professor of astronomy for the newly established Vassar College, a post she would retain for over twenty years. Always an ardent advocate of women's rights, in 1875 she was made president of the Association for the Advancement of Women, and she has the posthumous honor of having a lunar crater and an asteroid named after her. In addition to her love of the stars, Mitchell was also an avid naturalist and bird lover.

This embroidered narrative portrays her close relationship with the entire natural world.