Whaling Museum
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'11, '12
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"AMAZING Discovery Room for Young Children!"
This museum was great. Located right off the main drag in Nantucket, it is very easy to walk to from the port.
Be sure to head up to the 3rd floor - you will find an outdoor panoramic view of the island.
The Whaling Museum has more than whaling info - it provides a very concise overview of the history of Nantucket in general. From the Native Americans to the early settlers and yes, the whalers, there is ample information on everything.
Wind your way through interesting displays and artifacts. We found several museum employees on hand throughout the building who were ready to answer any questions that we had. There were also several movies and talks held at designated times/places throughout the day. We did not sit in on any of these - Lily was a bit cranky and past her nap time at that point.
The true saving grace to this museum (if you're there with children) is the Discovery Room. WOW!! Books, drawing supplies, crafts, puppets, murals, exploration stations - UNBELIEVABLE resource. Lily acted like she was in heaven and, to be honest, my husband and I really enjoyed a few minutes to relax while she was kept completely engaged by the activities in that room. It was bright, cheery and extremely well thought out - a definite treasure!
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"Fun with the Family"
Nantucket in its heyday was the whaling capital of the world. Visit the Whaling Museum to see a vivid explanation of the phrase “Nantucket sleigh ride.” That’s what happens when your harpoon gets stuck in a whale’s back, and the whale decides to take you and your companions for a ride through the waves. Start your visit with one of the three daily lectures before touring the Whaling Museum. Don’t miss the 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, rooftop observation deck, and the restored spermacti candle factory. A staffed children’s discovery room offers hands-on learning interactive opportunities, plus projects and crafts. Ask for the family guide when you arrive at the Whaling Museum. The historical properties consist of:
• Hadwen House, 96 Main Street—Built in 1845, symbol of the wealth accumulated during Nantucket’s era as the “Whaling Capital of the World.” Set aside a half hour for the guided tour.
• Jethro Coffin House, 16 Sunset Hill Road—Oldest surviving home in Nantucket (1686). Allow thirty minutes for the guided tour. Don’t overlook the self-guided period kitchen garden in the back.
• Old Mill, Prospect Street—Oldest operating mill in the country (built in 1746). Corn-grinding demonstrations are held, weather permitting (the mill is winddriven). Guided tour lasts for half an hour.
• Old Gaol, 15 R Vestal Street—Set aside fifteen minutes for the self-guided, textpaneled tour and a good twenty minutes to find it (you are now being challenged to do it in less time!). Defunct jail built in 1806. Last resident prisoner in 1933.
• Quaker Meetinghouse, 7 Fair Street—This is the first museum acquired by the Nantucket Historical Association. Early Quaker meetinghouse built in 1838. Brochure on-site will be your guide (budget twenty minutes).
• Fire Hose Cart House, 8 Gardner Street—Rare firefighting equipment on display. Self-guided tour (taking about fifteen minutes) of the last firehouse on Nantucket Island dating back to the mid-1800s.
All properties are open in season Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m. mid-May to mid-October.
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