Maria Mitchell Association, an Update on The Good Neighbor Agreement

October 17, 2024

NANTUCKET, MA – The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) would like to update you on our position regarding the Good Neighbor Agreement. Based on Vineyard Wind’s failure to meet its obligations under the Good Neighbor Agreement, the Maria Mitchell Association has decided to exit the Agreement. We recently sent a letter to Vineyard Wind, the Town of Nantucket, and Nantucket Preservation Trust informing them of our decision.


This decision was not made lightly. For the past several years, as more information became available regarding additional wind turbine projects, the aggregate impact of the lighting from each turbine, and the recent blade failure, it became increasingly clear to us that the impact on our night skies and our island community was not something we could support. The consideration that we received as part of the agreement was intended to mitigate the effects of the wind farm development to our organization and its members, and we were required to participate as part of the Federal Chapter 106 process that affords protections to Nantucket Island because it is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. The impact of approximately 1300 windmills with marine navigation lights and aircraft warning lights would alter permanently the viewshed of Nantucket; with over 4000 visitors a year to the Loines Observatory and a National Science Foundation funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates program that funds astronomical research projects each year, those lights would have a detrimental effect on our work.


Our decision to exit the agreement is based on Vineyard Wind's actions and our commitment to protect the night skies, those that Maria Mitchell used to chart Venus and discover her comet and have allowed our astronomers to research the cosmos since 1902. We will continue to monitor future projects and if necessary, file comments during the environmental impact periods for stakeholder review, which is part of the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management permitting process.

The MMA incurred significant legal fees in our efforts to resolve this issue, your support is greatly appreciated: https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/AnnualUnsolicited


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.

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For Immediate Release

October 17, 2024

Contact: Joanna Roche

jroche@mariamitchell.org

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The Ancient Vine

By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • May 11, 2026
A repost – with my apologies – from last year. It started budding the week of April 30 this year. This is what our landscaper for the MMA calls it. “The ancient vine.” He tells the people who work for him not to touch the “ancient vine.” I have probably made him – and all of them – terrified of it. I am even terrified of it to some degree. I refer to the grape vine behind the Mitchell House that is supposed to be Peleg Mitchell Junior’s grape vine – Maria Mitchell’s uncle who inhabited the house from about 1836 to his death in 1882. It has two trunks but one died several years ago. Because of that, each year I try to root shoots. It’s fairly easy to do – when you cut back the vine in late fall/early winter. I have had success but not success protecting the shoots I baby all winter from bunnies and other critters once I plant them – try as I might. I started doing this when the one trunk died – I was PANICKED! The landscaper stays away because I have told him if anyone is going to accidentally harm or worse yet, kill, this grape vine it would be me so I only have myself to blame. So each November/December – once ALL the leaves have fallen off – I climb my ladder and quietly, carefully, and fearfully cut back the stems typically to two buds. I have been somewhat successful in spurring grape production – and these grapes attract some amazing birds in the fall. It takes me some time – and I pretty much hyperventilate the entire time – and then, I stare at it all winter. Passing under it multiple times a day to reach my office. Hoping, and yes, praying, it will come out in the spring. It’s a late budder so just recently the buds started to show themselves – thank goodness! – and I was rewarded today (May 5, 2025) with this wonderful hot pink color on the edges of the leaves as they are uncurling. JNLF

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By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • May 4, 2026
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By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • April 27, 2026
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