The 2025 Stargazer Gala
Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 6pm
Saddle up for a Night at the MM Ranch and embark on a Wild West adventure—Nantucket style!
Savor a fireside feast crafted by Island Kitchen, sip on ranch water and smooth whiskey sours, and enjoy an evening of stargazing on the Nantucket frontier. Kick up your boots and dance the night away at our honky-tonk,
featuring live music by country music sensation, the Ben Allen Band.
Our Stargazer Gala is a truly special evening, with all proceeds directly supporting our 650 annual public programs
and summer Internship Program. These initiatives inspire a lifelong passion for science by engaging learners of all ages in education, research, and hands-on exploration of Nantucket's sky, land, and sea.
Secure your table package and tickets today before this unforgettable adventure rides off into the sunset. Yee haw!
This is one night you won’t want to miss!
THE 2025 STARGAZER GALA
Established in 2002, the Stargazer Gala is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the MMA! Your contribution to our gala helps us support our Summer Internship Program. This initiative has allowed us to host 900+ interns since it began in 1914. These interns continue the legacy of Maria Mitchell and her unwavering passion for creating opportunities for all to develop a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island.
The Stargazer Gala is made possible thanks to our sponsors, attendees, and supporters like you!
Join Us Under the Stars for a 'Night at the MM Ranch'
This year's Stargazer Gala location will be revealed soon...hint the location is somewhere on the Nantucket Frontier.
We hope you'll join us on July 24, 2025, to celebrate the Maria Mitchell Association's summer Internship Program and support our commitment to our role in scientific education, lifelong learning, and the preservation of Maria Mitchell’s legacy.
Check out our 2025 Sponsorship Brochure
Click the button below to purchase sponsorships and tickets.
How to Participate in the 2025 Auction
With both an online and in-person auction, you'll have ample opportunity to make an impact at the Maria Mitchell Association.
We invite all to participate in our online auction, which features unique experiences and fabulous packages.
Click here to pre-register for our online auction.
Interested in donating an item or experience? Please email Development Director , Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchell.org.
Support the MMA Today!
Unable to join us this year? There are plenty of other opportunities to support the Maria Mitchell Association year-round.
From corporate sponsorships to individual gifts, your support allows us to continue our mission and is a vital part of our success!
Click the link below to learn more.
For more information about the Stargazer Gala, including sponsorships and donations, please contact Amy Young by email at ayoung@mariamitchell.org
or call at 508.228.9198.
Please see bottom of this page for frequently asked questions.
2025 Stargazer Gala Committee
Committee Co-Chairs
Tanya Forman
Elizabeth Markel
Rebecca Becker
Jenny Benzie
Brooke Buppert
Tessa Cressman
Amy Guidi
Jamie Gries
Missy Griffiths
Linda Holliday
Keely Irwin
Kyle and Doug Karp
Debi Lilly and Mike Springer
Heather Merrill
Katie Norton
Peter Sutters
Jessica Torre
Janel Trivelas
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Saddle up for a Night at the MM Ranch and embark on a Wild West adventure—Nantucket style!
Savor a fireside feast crafted by Island Kitchen, sip on ranch water and smooth whiskey sours, and enjoy an evening of stargazing on the Nantucket frontier. Kick up your boots and dance the night away at our honky-tonk, featuring live music by country music sensation,
the Ben Allen Band.
Our Stargazer Gala is a truly special evening, with all proceeds directly supporting our 650 annual public programs and summer Internship Program. These initiatives inspire a lifelong passion for science by engaging learners of all ages in education, research, and hands-on exploration of Nantucket's
sky, land, and sea.
Secure your table package and tickets today before this unforgettable adventure rides off into the sunset.
Yee haw!
This is one night you won't want to miss!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where can I purchase single tickets and sponsorship packages?
-
I'd like to pay by check, where should it be addressed to?
Checks can be addressed to the following:
Maria Mitchell Association
4 Vestal Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
*Please include a note that indicates the number of tickets or sponsorship level you wish to purchase. Additionally, please include your contact email and guests names.
-
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please contact MMA Development Director, Amy Young, for any questions regarding the Stargazer Gala at
ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-228-9198.
-
Where is the event?
The 2025 Stargazer Gala is hosted at a secret location on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6pm.
Leading up to the event guests will receive emails from the Maria Mitchell Association that details the time, location, and additional important event information.
Please check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event.
If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your registered guest's name and contact email.
-
I've registered, now what?
After registering for the Stargazer Gala, you'll be placed on our Stargazing Gala email list.
Leading up to the event, we'll be sending out details including the event address, arrival times, auction items, and even a fun mood board.
Please periodically check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event.
If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your guest contact email.
-
Is there a theme for the 2025 Stargazer Gala?
Yes! This year's Stargazer Gala is A Night at the MM Ranch inspired by Maria's visits to the western Frontier to view eclipses, with an emphasis on exploration, cowboys, and the wild west.
We're excited to celebrate the legacy of Maria Mitchell, continue the mission of the MMA, and dance to live country music under the incredible Nantucket night sky.
Come wearing your best dancing boots be ready to raise your paddle in support the MMA's Summer Internship Program!
-
How do I register for the auction?
We will host both in-person and online auctions for the 2025 Stargazer Gala.
Online Auction
We welcome all supporters of the MMA to participate in our online auction.
Please click here to register and participate in our online auction.
Online bidding opens July 22, 2025, and closes July 29, 2025.
In-Person Auction
Guest will recieve a paddle number upon arrival which will be used during our event programming.
Items presented during the event programming are exclusively available to ticketed guests of the 2025 Stargazer Gala.
-
Parking
Valet parking is provided for the convenience of our guests. Upon arrival, you'll be directed by our valet parking team.
We ask that guests carpool when possible.
For accessibility questions, please contact Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-288-9198
-
Is my ticket tax deductible?
Yes, a single $750 ticket purchased for the 2025 Stargazer Gala is tax deductible up to $550.
Click here to view sponsorships' tax-deductible amounts.
A formal acknowledgment letter, which will include the tax-deductible portion of your donation, will be sent to the address provided during the registration process.
In accordance with IRS regulations, the tax-deductible portion of your contribution to the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (Tax ID# 04-2129139) is limited to the excess of the contribution over the value of the goods and services we provided to you.
Acknowledgment letters should be retained in your records to substantiate any charitable income tax deduction claimed in connection with this gift.
-
Are tickets and sponsorships refundable?
Tickets and sponsorships are non-refundable.
If you cannot make it to the event, please contact Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchell.org
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where can I purchase single tickets and sponsorship packages?
Please click HERE to purchase single tickets or sponsorship packages.
-
I'd like to pay by check, where should it be addressed to?
Checks can be addressed to the following:
Maria Mitchell Association
4 Vestal Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
*Please include a note that indicates the number of tickets or sponsorship level you wish to purchase. Additionally, please include your contact email and guests names.
-
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Development Director, Amy Young, for any questions regarding the Stargazer Gala at
ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-228-9198.
-
Where is the event?
The 2025 Stargazer Gala is hosted at the MM Ranch (location to be revealed soon) on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Leading up to the event guests will receive emails from the Maria Mitchell Association that details the time, location, and additional important event information.
Please check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event.
If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your registered guest's name and contact email.
-
I've registered, now what?
After registering for the Stargazer Gala, you'll be placed on our Stargazing Gala email list.
Leading up to the event, we'll be sending out details including the event address, arrival times, auction items, and even a fun mood board.
Please periodically check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event.
If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your guest contact email.
-
Is there a theme for the 2025 Stargazer Gala?
Yes! This year's Stargazer Gala is A Night at the MM Ranch inspired by Maria's visits to the western Frontier to view eclipses, with an emphasis on exploration, cowboys, and the wild west.
We're excited to celebrate the legacy of Maria Mitchell, continue the mission of the MMA, and dance to live country music under the incredible Nantucket night sky.
Come wearing your best dancing boots be ready to raise your paddle in support the MMA's Summer Internship Program!
-
How do I register for the auction?
We will host both in-person and online auctions for the 2025 Stargazer Gala.
Online Auction
We welcome all supporters of the MMA to participate in our online auction.
Please click here to register and participate in our online auction.
Online bidding opens July 22, 2025, and closes July 29, 2025.
In-Person Auction
Guest will recieve a paddle number upon arrival which will be used during our event programming.
Items presented during the event programming are exclusively available to ticketed guests of the 2025 Stargazer Gala.
-
Parking
Valet parking is provided for the convenience of our guests. Upon arrival, you'll be directed by our valet parking team.
We ask that guests carpool when possible.
For accessibility questions, please contact Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-288-9198
-
Is my ticket tax deductible?
Yes, a single $750 ticket purchased for the 2024 Stargazer Gala is tax deductible up to $600.
Click here to view sponsorships' tax-deductible amounts.
A formal acknowledgment letter, which will include the tax-deductible portion of your donation, will be sent to the address provided during the registration process.
In accordance with IRS regulations, the tax-deductible portion of your contribution to the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (Tax ID# 04-2129139) is limited to the excess of the contribution over the value of the goods and services we provided to you.
Acknowledgment letters should be retained in your records to substantiate any charitable income tax deduction claimed in connection with this gift.
-
Are tickets and sponsorships refundable?
Tickets and sponsorships are non-refundable.
If you cannot make it to the event, please contact Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchell.org