On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium, Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, Historic Mitchell House, Loines Observatory, and the Maria Mitchell Association Research Center will open for the summer season.
The Historic Mitchell House, located at 1 Vestal Street, will be open for tours Monday–Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 1 pm. Built in 1790, this traditional Quaker house was acquired by the Mitchell family in 1818. The home became a museum in 1903, after the Maria Mitchell Association’s (MMA) founders acquired the House in 1902 to preserve the legacy of one of Nantucket’s most celebrated daughters. The House contains many stunning artifacts from the Mitchells’ daily life in the nineteenth century, including many of Maria’s personal items such as beer mugs, opera glasses, and her Dollond telescope. The House is well known for the remarkably preserved example of faux-wood grain painting in the kitchen from the 1850s.
The MMA Aquarium and Sea Shop, located at 32 Washington Street, will be open Monday–Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 1 pm. Located on the waterfront of Nantucket Harbor, the MMA Aquarium displays local Nantucket species. Displays are consistently evolving and range from crabs and shellfish to fish and eels. All the hungry creatures at the aquarium are fed daily during the Maria Mitchell Association “Feeding Frenzy” program, where attendees learn about and observe the unique feeding behaviors of these animal ambassadors. All creatures in the MMA Aquarium are locally collected and are re-released into the wild at the end of the season during the annual “Release Day” event, scheduled for Saturday, October 11 for 2025.
The Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, located at 7 Milk Street, will be open Monday–Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 1 pm. An exciting space for inquisitive minds of all ages, the Natural Science Museum is a cross between a classic natural history museum, a small zoo, and a science center. It is a beloved place to learn about the plants, animals, and birds of Nantucket. All the hungry creatures at the Museum are fed daily during our “Ravenous Reptiles” program, where you learn about the unique adaptations of turtles, frogs, snakes, and more.
The Loines Observatory, located at 59 Milk Street Extension, will be open to the public for Stargazing Open Nights from 9:30-10:30PM Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through June 27. Beginning June 30 through August, two public sessions will be held each week on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 to 9:45 pm and 10 to 10:45 pm. On Wednesdays and Fridays, MMA will offer one nightly session from 9 to 10 pm. From August 6 through 29, one nightly session will be offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 to 10 pm. Check the MMA calendar for up-to-date information. All Open Night programs are weather dependent. When a special natural occurrence is forecast in the night sky – a meteor shower, a new comet, or a lunar eclipse – the Loines Observatory is the place to be. During Stargazing Open Nights, visitors can view a variety of astronomical objects in the night sky through MMA’s 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor and their modern 24-inch research telescope. MMA staff will lead constellation tours, and patrons can learn about the innovative research conducted by MMA astronomers and interns – a fantastic opportunity for astronomy-related questions to be asked and answered.
The Maria Mitchell Association Research Center, located at 2 Vestal Street, will host “Biological Collections Open Hours” by appointment only. At Open Hours, visitors can learn about the biological collections and their importance to science, in addition to examining different specimens during each session. From specimens of birds and mammals to insects and plants, you never know what will be on display! Appointments can be scheduled by emailing programs@mariamitchell.org.
MMA Property Passes can be purchased for the Aquarium, Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, and the Historic Mitchell House. A property pass includes admission to the three museum sites. The cost of a property pass is $15 for children and $25 for adults. Admission to Maria Mitchell Association properties and Open Nights is free to MMA Members and programs are discounted 20%.
The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. 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.