Time Capsule

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • April 13, 2015

We continue to move forward with the work on the exterior of the MMA Science Library – soon to become the EcologyLab/Classroom and a state-of-the-art natural science collections storage facility – and planning for the interior. The roofer was back to complete some minor work on the original roof tiles from the 1930s and the carpenter is now getting ready to work on the gutters and downspouts. The engineer was here to assess the drainage around the building – we seem to collect a lot of water as we are at the bottom of the slight incline on Vestal Street. The plan is to find better ways to get water away from the building.

 

The carpenter also worked on re-shingling a small area on the south side of the building where water had been leaking from a gutter – now repaired – and that was also heavily shaded by some hedge that has now been removed to allow that area to breathe. Happily, the only rotted part was the shingles which were doing their job. Once the shingles were stripped away, the original circa 1830 sheathing boards were revealed as you see here. A time capsule in a way because these boards are part of the original William Mitchell schoolhouse. In 1919, the MMA was given the building by a Mitchell family member. The building was picked up, rotated, and put on a new foundation to serve as the MMA Science Library. Some minor alterations were made as the building had sat vacant for a few years but it was moved intact to where you see it today.


I like to think that William Mitchell may have run his hands over these sheathing boards as he thought about the new school he was going to open. In Nantucket fashion however, when he taught in this building it was on Howard Street. Once he no longer owned it, it sort of followed him – coming to live on Vestal Street around the late 1830s or so. Later it became the West Introductory School – a public school.


The other interesting point to make is the holes in the sheathing boards. You don’t see many holes do you? That means that the shingles currently on it are likely only the second ones put on! And the only ones to be put on with tar paper! Now that is really exciting.


JNLF

Recent Posts

Keep Calm and Bird On: October 2026

October 1, 2026
“If you don’t look, you don’t see. You have to go and look.” -Edith Andrews

Celebrating Maria’s Discovery of a Comet – October 1, 1847

By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • October 1, 2026
10mo 1, 1847. {October 1, 1847} This evening at half past ten Maria discovered a telescopic comet five degrees above Polaris. Persuaded that no nebulae could occupy that position unnoticed it scarcely needed the evidence of motion to give it the character of a comet. From the journals of William Mitchell, father of Maria. One hundred and seventy-nine years later! JNLF

Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association to Host Annual Aquarium Release Day Saturday, October 10

September 30, 2026
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that its annual Aquarium Release Day will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10am - 12pm at the MMA Aquarium at 32 Washington Street. A sensory-friendly half hour will be offered from 9:30 – 10am. Join MMA staff to help the staff release this season’s Aquarium inhabitants back into the ocean. This community event is FREE to the public and a great opportunity to learn and celebrate the marine life that lives in the waters of Nantucket Island. The MMA Aquarium is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of biodiversity in our unique marine ecosystems found here on Nantucket. Each summer, the MMA Aquarium Manager, Chelsea Petrik, as well as her team of dedicated college interns and volunteers, explore the shores of Nantucket to find and document an assortment of over 7,500 individual marine animals, most of which are recorded and released. They snorkel, seine, and beachcomb to collect over 300 different marine animals. The animals are studied and cared for at the Aquarium so that the MMA can help people to learn more about these important marine organisms. Roughly seventy different species are featured at the Aquarium throughout the season. Local fishermen also provide the Aquarium with species they come across in their nets and at the end of their lines. Pre-registration is encouraged. Register at the link below: https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/2025-Aquarium-Release-Day-10Oct2026 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. ###
Show More