March 14, 2008
The NHA hosts Women of Nantucket Festival
NANTUCKET: The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is pleased to be holding a Women of Nantucket Festival on Saturday, March 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street. Free for NHA members, or with museum admission.
It is common knowledge that for generations women from across the globe helped to make our country what it is today; they helped to improve our communities, played a vital role in achieving justice, and worked tirelessly for equal rights for all citizens. Join us to find out how island women shared in this role as we celebrate the contribution of women, past and present, to Nantucket’s culture.
Learn about the many “Marys,” listen to the stories of other notable Nantucketers—such as Eliza Ann Chase McCleave, Susan Veeder, and Keziah Folger Coffin—and meet contemporary women of Nantucket. Events throughout the afternoon will include the music of Susan Berman, art, history, and island culture.
A Women’s History Tour—Nantucket’s Extraordinary Women—will also be offered, focusing on their lives through the NHA’s collection of portraits, photographs, letters, journals, clothing, and souvenirs that enhance our understanding of their unique contributions throughout history.
As William Oliver Stevens wrote in Nantucket: The Far-Away Island: “Indeed, it is probable that no other community in America of the size of Nantucket has ever given the country so many extraordinary women.” Heralding as far back as Nantucket’s whaling heyday, island women continue to hold important positions in all walks of life: in business, law, politics, education, community service, medicine, and the arts. We invite you to join us and discover the profound differences Nantucket women made not only on Nantucket, but throughout the world.
The Whaling Museum is open Friday to Sunday from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. Please call 508-228-1894, ext. 0 with any questions.
