Maria Mitchell Association Logo

Fading August Sun

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • August 28, 2023

It’s coming. Fall. You can already feel it in the air. There is – I know but believe me – a crispness once the humidity falls back some. The light is changing too – not just getting darker earlier but the quality of the light.


This is one of my favorite views of the Mitchell House. Built in 1790, not much has changed about the view – except for the abutting 1908 Observatory with its 1922 Astronomical Study that replaced a house in 1906. The light has fallen the same across portions of this side of the House since Maria Mitchell lived there (1818-1836) and even before – and afterwards. You see this side of the House as you make your way east down Vestal Street. A large blank shingled wall – because who put windows in a stair hall back then? Not many – too expensive and it was utilitarian – getting you from the first floor to the second – you didn’t need a window! You had one at the bottom of the stair facing it – that was all the light you needed. Not many houses still have this – people keep adding in windows in such spaces believing they were once there – they were not. So take a look around as you walk, see if you can find more – it will alert you that there lies the stairway – and you can likely see it from the front window that helps to illuminate that front staircase from the foot of the stairs and the front of the house.


JNLF

Recent Posts

April 1, 2025
NANTUCKET, MA—In celebration of 2025 International Dark Sky Week, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Lights, and the Maria Mitchell Association invite the community to an unforgettable evening of stargazing at Altar Rock in the Middle Moors. This free, family-friendly event, set for April 23, 2025, provides a rare opportunity to experience Nantucket at night and gain a deeper appreciation for the environmental significance of dark skies and how to preserve them.  Guided by expert stargazers, attendees will explore the night sky — all its constellations and celestial wonders — in a pristine, low-light environment. This collaborative community event presents an ideal opportunity to connect with nature, engage with like-minded individuals, and be inspired by the beauty of the night. Advance registration is strongly encouraged for weather-related updates. Event Details: • Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Rain/Cloud Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 • Time: 8:00PM – 9:30PM • Location: Altar Rock, Middle Moors, Nantucket • Parking: Free parking will be available along Altar Rock Road, with volunteers on hand to guide attendees to the event site. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. • Registration link: http://support.nantucketconservation.org/site/Calendar?id=101941&view=Detail • Open to all ages. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, children must be accompanied by at least one adult. • Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for current weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear, as the event will involve a short walk up to Altar Rock. For added comfort, we recommend bringing blankets or chairs. About International Dark Sky Week: International Dark Sky Week is a global initiative of DarkSky International to celebrate the dark and natural night sky, raise awareness about light pollution, and promote the use of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting during the week of the new moon in April each year. About the Nantucket Conservation Foundation: The Nantucket Conservation Foundation owns, protects, and stewards over 9,000 acres of land and coastal shoreline, conserves Nantucket’s rare and significant natural resources, and engages in impactful ecological research to inform resource management and further our knowledge of Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and species. Through conservation, education, and stewardship, the Foundation aims to maintain Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and natural beauty for future generations. About Nantucket Lights: Nantucket Lights is an all-volunteer citizen advocacy group committed to preserving and protecting Nantucket’s nighttime environment and heritage of dark skies by raising awareness about light pollution on the island and advocating for environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. About the Maria Mitchell Association: The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages. ###
April 1, 2025
“If you don’t look, you don’t see. You have to go and look.” -Edith Andrews
By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger March 24, 2025
I have posted this during Women’s History Month before but because it is March and Women’s History Month, I think it’s worth repeating. It’s clever and helps to tell an important story in women’s history while giving it a bit of a 21 st century twist. It comes via the National Women’s History Project. http://soomopublishing.com/suffrage/ JNLF
Show More
Share by: