Are you a history or art buff? If affirmative, you must visit Nantucket, which has plenty to love. Nantucket has been a top tourist destination for a long time, with its popularity shooting up in the last few years. Many people visit this island to enjoy the beaches and calm weather. But these are not the only things that Nantucket has to offer.

This island is home to many museums that preserve its history and show off its rich culture. The following are the famous museums in Nantucket that you should visit to expand your history and art knowledge.

The Nantucket Whaling Museum
For a long time, whaling was Nantucket’s primary economic activity, reaching its peak in the 18th century. However, it started to decline around the mid-19th century. While whaling is no more on the island, its memories are still alive, courtesy of the Nantucket Whaling Museum.

This establishment has been running since its inception in 1930 under the Nantucket Historical Association. Presently, this museum incorporates three points of interest; the original whaling museum, the 1847 Hadwen and Barney Oil and Candle Factory, and the 1971 Peter Foulger Museum.

Nantucket Whaling Museum sports permanent and rotating exhibits. They are in nine galleries with thousands of artifacts, artworks, and collectibles that showcase Nantucket’s timeline over four centuries.

A striking attraction at the Whaling Museum is the 46-foot sperm whale skeleton. It is a massive structure that you may take photos of, though for non-commercial purposes. Once done checking out the artifacts, you can head to the rooftop deck for an awe-inspiring view of Nantucket harbor.

Pass by the museum shop in the candle factory section to pick up some merchandise.

Museum of African American History
Nantucket’s Museum of African American History prides itself in being the largest museum in New England that acknowledges the contributions of African Americans. This establishment holds over 3000 items that give a deeper insight into African American history.

The historical collectibles are like a story-telling session, a story that begins in the African continent. It highlights critical events, like the arrival of the first ship in the Boston harbor with kidnapped Africans, setting the pace for the infamous slavery.

There is also a section that focuses on one of America’s biggest artistic exports, jazz music. Moreover, the museum holds occasional events, mostly exhibitions.

You can reserve a ticket to visit the museum or make a donation.

The Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum
Your next stop in your museum history and art appreciation tour should be the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum. Located at 49 Union Street, this establishment preserves Nantucket’s rich lightship basket-making culture and has been operating since 1997, its founding year.

The lightship baskets originated in the 19th century, with wood and rattan being their primary raw materials. Ash, pine, and oak were the common woods used to make the baskets.

The art was originally the work of Native Indians from the Wampanoag Nation. You learn about this information and more from this museum, looking at how the baskets developed over time.

The Lightship Basket Museum has a vast catalog featuring baskets, purses, pencil holders, and vases, all having the same distinct look. It is an excellent place to visit with your family, especially if you have curious kids, to appreciate Nantucket’s creations. Later, you can pass by the gift shop to get souvenirs.

Keep tabs on exhibitions and other events held at the museum for the best experience. Also, confirm its opening times as it is seasonal.

Jethro Coffin House
Situated on Sunset Hill Road, the Jethro Coffin House is like a time capsule, hinting at how things were in the 17th century. Built in 1686, the house is one of the oldest standing structures on the island.

This Early English Settler-style house was a wedding gift to Jethro Coffin and Mary Gardner. The two newlyweds came from prominent early Nantucket families with bad blood. The union helped subdue tensions between the Gardners and the Coffins.

While the house fell into despair in the 19th century, a Coffin family reunion regenerated interest in the structure, leading to its restoration.

Admission to the Jethro Coffin House is free, though it is open on select days of the week from 11 am to 4 pm.

You can check out the main hall, the parlor, the borning room, and the kitchen to know how the early settlers lived. You may also explore the bedrooms on the second floor and visit the kitchen garden reminiscent of the 1700s.

The Jethro Coffin House is also a venue for some private events. Talk to the person in charge of this establishment to know about any interesting events.

Signing Out
Nantucket has something for everyone: the museums and galleries can be your cup of tea if you are into history and art. Highlighted are some of the most famous museums on this island that you may want to explore.

The Historic Mitchell House, the Quaker Meeting House, and the Quidley and Company Fine Art Galleries are other establishments to explore. Always confirm the museum’s opening times to avoid disappointments, as some are seasonal.