Looking East

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • February 7, 2022

Or west, if you are considering it’s the west side of the Mitchell House. In the setting sun the week of January 24. I love how the sun has such a warm glow on the House. For the most part, that would be the same setting sun that Maria saw on the side of the House ̶ save for the telephone pole – you can make out its shape there. Sort of right in the middle and running up into the attic window.


You can also see some of the “debris” from work we are doing. First – the Mitchell House chimney is being reparged on the rear. Pen Austin, an island mason who specializes in historic masonry, plaster and paint treatments is conducting that work which was grant funded. She has given this chimney some TLC over the years and is now adding layer upon layer of lime mortar to the chimney. While this is not historically accurate (by 1790s standards when the House was built), it was done to the chimney starting in the late nineteenth century and thus it stays that way – and helps protect it at this point. The chimney was rebuilt at some point – probably in the later part of the nineteenth century – but below the roofline it is completely the 1790 chimney. Believe it or not, that’s not a common thing as when chimneys were rebuilt, a lot of the time they would be rebuilt in the attic spaces (below the roof/ridgeline), too.


The second area is the wood in the yard and the staging. This is for the mason, Wayne Morris, who is working on the conservation of the Maria Mitchell Vestal Street    Observatory – also grant funded and this time via a Community Preservation Act grant. He’s completed some work where you see the support on the roof and if it was a better, closer photograph, you could make out the area of the last “parapet” closest to the Mitchell House where he has done some investigating. He will need to re-build those.  He has been investigating how the slabs was installed so that he knows how to pull them (they are made of concrete) without damaging them. On that particular one, he found a wood shim. Not unusual, but it was completely rotted and crumbled because it had gotten wet over the last 100 years as water found its way in. That shim will be going away and if something is needed, a steel piece will go in – it doesn’t rot and it doesn’t rust! And it’s the acceptable thing to do in such conservation work here.


JNLF

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April 15, 2025
NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is proud to announce its 2025 Marine Science Research and Mentoring Program for students grades eight through twelve. In collaboration with the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation (GHYCF), the Nantucket Shellfish Association (NSA), and the Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery (ToN BPSH), the Marine Science Research and Mentoring Program is an immersive two-week marine science program for students passionate about marine science and environmental stewardship. This summer, the program will include various interactive activities with an extraordinary opportunity to engage in real-world Nantucket Bay Scallop science research, gain hands-on experience in field studies, and work alongside expert mentors in a dynamic scientific environment all while giving students a comprehensive understanding of marine biology and environmental science. Instituted in 2016 by Dr. Valerie Hall, the program will continue this summer with a special emphasis on the impact of climate change on the timing of bay scallop reproduction and larval development and include a special focus on economic impact of the last remaining wild fishery. The program will offer a unique blend of professional guidance, scientific exploration, and academic career development. Participants will have the chance to contribute to ongoing Nantucket Bay Scallop research, assist in data collection, and learn about marine ecosystems and conservation strategies. As part of their mentoring experience, students will be paired with expert mentors, receiving personalized support and academic advice. For more details on the program and application instructions, visit the Maria Mitchell Association website. Program Dates and Application Process: The Marine Science Research and Mentoring Program will run across five, two-week sessions during the summer of 2025. The sessions are as follows: • Session I: June 16 - June 27 • Session II: June 30 - July 11 • Session III: July 14 - July 25 • Session IV: July 28 - August 8 • Session V: August 11 - August 22 Each session runs Monday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm, with extended hours on Fridays from 9am to 3pm. For Session II, the hours will be adjusted to Monday through Thursday, 9am to 1:30pm, with a special Friday schedule on Thursday July 3rd from 9am to 3pm to accommodate the July 4th holiday. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and students are encouraged to apply early for their preferred session.  To register, visit the MMA’s registration page here . Scholarship Opportunities: Through generous grants from the Nantucket Shellfish Association (NSA) and the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation (GHYCF), the Marine Science Research and Mentor program has available varying scholarships for Nantucket. These scholarships are intended to assist with program costs, ensuring that more local students have the opportunity to gain experience in marine science and research. History of the Bay Scallop Research and Mentor Program: Founded by Director Emeritus, Dr. Valerie Hall and since its inception in 2016, the program’s predominant focus has been on population, ecology, and reproductive biology of the Nantucket Bay scallop (Argopecten irradians). The program has since served over sixty students since 2016, ranging in age from eleven to twenty-two. Students participate in all aspects of ongoing research, as well as designing and carrying out their own independent projects, and enhancing both their scientific method, written, and oral communication skills. Support and Sponsors: This exciting program is made possible through the generous support of both paid and in-kind sponsors, including the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation, the Nantucket Shellfish Association, the Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department, local businesses, and individual donors who are committed to advancing marine science education and conservation on Nantucket. 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. ###
By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger April 14, 2025
After having a very dry fall and even early winter, we are now making up for it with a LOT of rain. They say April showers bring May flowers but I am starting to wonder. We have been in a drought – less severe than the rest of our New England friends but still, a drought. I do like rain – particularly when I can be nicely cozied up with a good book and a cup of tea – and oh, a few good cookies or some tea bread makes it even more perfect! Another thing I like is the sound of it. Living in a timber frame home – and working in a timber frame historic house, I get the benefits of hearing the rain on the roof (and hopefully no sounds of drips!). Another unique sound is the one that rain makes on the dome of the Maria Mitchell Vestal Street Observatory that I am sharing with you in this video piece (that’s not heating or some sort of mechanical item running – that’s the rain). Enjoy! JNLF
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