Book your unique Nantucket experience with the Maria Mitchell Association today.
Scalloping Field Trip
Join the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium Manager, Christina Norman, on a Private Scalloping adventure! We will collect and observe Nantucket bay scallops and learn all about their biology and the many challenges they face. Waders and hand nets will be provided! This trip requires a valid shellfish permit in order to take home bay scallops. For more information on obtaining an individual shellfish permit, visit the Town of Nantucket website: https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/2304/Recreational-Shellfish-Permit.
Each individual must have their own permit if you are keeping scallops - one permit does not cover a group.
This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 10 and older.
Private Scalloping Field Trips meet at one of multiple locations in Nantucket Harbor to account for changing scallop availability. Registrants will be notified of the exact location via email before the day of the program. The location may change closer to the program date in accordance to scallop trends - participants will be notified of all location changes.
All registered children must be accompanied by a registered adult to participate in this program.
The MMA cannot make any guarantees regarding the number of scallops caught. The purpose of this program is to experience scalloping in a sustainable, educational setting while learning about Nantucket bay scallops and their ecological, financial, and cultural importance.
The smallest pair of waders we have is an adult size 7. If you have a youth participant who wishes to attend the program, you must provide them with their own waders.
OFFERED:
Seasonally at your convenience in alignment with tides and local shell-fishing laws.
COST:$750
This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests. This program lasts about 2 hours.
Members receive a 20% discount
To schedule a
Private Scalloping Field Trip, please contact Christina Norman at (508) 228-9198 or email
cnorman@mariamitchell.org
Bird Walks
Birds are an important part of Nantucket’s ecosystem and the island is known as an excellent birding spot. Join MMA Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, and head out to some of the best birding areas in and around town! Location is flexible and we can accommodate your birding interests! Bird walks are 2 hours in length. Guests are responsible for arranging transportation to the program location.
OFFERED:
Year-round, Wednesdays-Saturdays at your convenience.
COST: $150
This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 5 guests. This program lasts about 2 hours and the location is determined at the time of booking.
Members receive a 20% discount
To schedule a Private Bird Walk, please call
(508) 228-9198 or email info@mariamitchell.org.
Stargazing
Enjoy an evening under the stars at the famed Loines Observatory. When the stars take over for the night, a professional astronomer will guide your guests through a private constellation tour and let them peer at distant celestial bodies through our telescopes. It’s a magical evening that makes for great memories.
This program is appropriate for all ages and can be customized for the group. Booking recommended at least two weeks in advance. Program is weather-permitting and we recommend booking a rain date, usually for the following night.
OFFERED:
Year-round at your convenience.
COST:
$2,500 June - September
$1,000 October - May
This flat-rate program can accommodate up to 25 guests. Suggested program length is 1 - 1.5 hours.
To schedule a Private Stargazing event, please call (508) 228-9198 or email programs@mariamitchell.org
Daring Daughters Walking Tour
Join the curator of the Mitchell House for a private walking tour concerning the lives of Maria Mitchell and Nantucket’s famous and infamous women, as well as the lesser known women of our island. Learn why whaling, Quakerism, and the isolation of an island afforded these women opportunities that women elsewhere in America at the time were not afforded.
OFFERED:
Year-round at your convenience.
COST:$150
This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests. This program lasts about 2 hours.
Members receive a 20% discount
To schedule a Private Daring Daughters Walking Tour, please contact Jascin Finger at (508) 228-2896 or email jfinger@mariamitchell.org.
Ravenous Reptiles
Join MMA staff on a private tour as they feed the hungry animals at the Natural Science Museum! Learn about the unique adaptations of turtles, frogs, snakes, and more at the MMA Natural Science Museum! You will get to learn about and interact with several of the MMA Natural Science Museum educational animals. This is a great way to learn about native and non-native species up-close, especially if you love animals.
At least one adult must sign up with children. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 4 and older.
OFFERED:
Year-round at your convenience.
Cost:$250
This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests. This program lasts about 1 hour and convenes at the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, 7 Milk Street, Nantucket MA.
Members receive a 20% discount
To schedule a Private Ravenous Reptiles program, please call (508) 228-9198 or email ekermani@mariamitchell.org
Marine Ecology Field Trip
What sea creatures live around Nantucket? Find out as you help collect, identify, and release fish, crabs, shrimp, and other marine creatures with our huge seine net. The harbor is filled with interesting animals that will amaze you with their shapes, colors, and behaviors! This program is part of a long-term research project and is interesting for adults and children alike.
Participants must have their own transportation to travel to the chosen location. At least one adult must sign up with children. This program is designed to be interesting for adults and children ages 8 and older.
OFFERED
May-October, at your convenience.
Cost:$350
This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests. This program lasts 1.5 hours and the location is determined at the time of booking.
Members receive a 20% discount
To schedule a Private Marine Ecology Field Trip, please call (508) 228-9198 or email cnorman@mariamitchell.org