Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Halloween 2023 Program Offerings

October 27, 2023

NANTUCKET, MA — The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces it will offer Halloween-themed programming and activities that include “H’Owl Prowl,” Spooky Science: Potion Making, and Hinchman House Halloween Hocus.


H’Owl Prowl is offered Thursday, October 26 from 5:30pm to 6:45pm, and will meet at 2 Vestal Street. You will join the MMA's Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, as we listen for calls of a variety of nocturnal animals and birds during our special spooky edition Owl Prowl program highlighting Alfred Wallace and his dabbles in the spirit world. Alfred Wallace was a British Naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and illustrator who extensively researched the paranormal realm and was committed to materialist, reductionist cosmologies.


Night-time has always had a mysterious appeal, which brings out a whole new cast of avian and other creatures. It requires patience, and a shift of consciousness from sight to hearing. We will watch for owls as they begin their nightly activity. While an owl sighting is not guaranteed, you will certainly be able to observe several fascinating nocturnal animal species.


This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 8 and older. At least one adult must sign up with children. This program will be cancelled in the event of rain and refunds issued.


Cost per participant: $30


Pre-registration is required. Register at the link below:

https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/HOwl-Prowl-Halloween-Owl-Prowl


Spooky Science: Potion Making will be offered Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29 from 11am to 12pm at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, 7 Milk Street. Join the MMA's naturalists on a “spooktacular” exploration into the world of science! For Halloween weekend, we will create bubbly and colorful chemical potions though a series of hands-on science experiments.


This program is appropriate for adults and children ages 5 and older. All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program.


Cost per participant: $20


Pre-registration is recommended. Register at the link below:

https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/Spooky-Science-Potion-Making


Hinchman House Halloween Hocus will be offered Tuesday, October 31 from 2pm to 4pm at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, 7 Milk Street. Come to the top of town before the annual Halloween parade for some festive and spooky fun! Activities include potion making, turtle encounters, spooky activities, and treats.


This event is free to the public. No registration is required


The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. 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 23, 2023

Contact: Molly Mosscrop, Marketing Director

mmosscrop@mariamitchell.org

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Top O’ the Ridge!

By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • June 29, 2026
In April and early May, at long last, the Mitchell House roof was replaced. (I noted this in an earlier blog.) I had also noted that the roofwalk, given the condition it was in and its location – sitting on the ridge – had to be replaced. They had thought they could jack it up – as they have done with other walks – but the Blizzard of February 2026 that was ALL wind (83 MPH winds – read Category 1 Hurricane) and no real snow, made the walk impossible to treat in such a manner (read: crumble). So, after much discussion, review by our preservation easement holder, and permits, as well as some fundraising, we are replacing the roofwalk. The prior walk was not the original. The original blew off in a gale in the late nineteenth century, replaced at some point in the 1930s, and likely replaced again in the 1960s or 1970s. Then, since that time, it was heavily repaired. Its framing members were notched to accept the ridge boards (read: peak) of the roof and I think that may have been an original way to construct a walk. Makes perfect sense – and gives the walk more support and a lower profile. It was after all about putting out chimney fires and preventing roof fires. People copied what worked – and there have been a few others noted to be built in this manner still. It presents an issue though – because if you need to work on the ridge board or close to it – you cannot get to it easily – I guess you may be able to access it to some extent by lifting the deck boards of the walk. The new Mitchell House roofwalk will sit about six inches above the ridge – which will also allow air to circulate better over the ridge and the shakes in that area. That is the only thing that will really be different. It is protected by a preservation easement – as part of the Mitchell House’s easement – and frankly, even if we did not have an easement, we would not want it to look any different. So keep your eyes to the skies at 1 Vestal as we work to re-build the walk. With a special thank you to Barber and Sons and Lydon and Sons. JNLF

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By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • June 22, 2026
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By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • June 15, 2026
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