The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is excited to continue NHA University this month, starting with a new semester focusing on Archaeology and Paleontology. NHA University will continue to run as a bi-weekly e-newsletter with a corresponding paid virtual lecture that will remain free to NHA members.
The series kicks off on Tuesday, January 5, with a webinar exploring the archaeological collections at the NHA and the corresponding multi-year preservation and public education initiative with Mary Lynne Rainey, Principal Senior Archaeologist at RGA, Inc. and Karl Wietzel, NHA Collections Specialist. Their presentation will provide an overview of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant priorities, canvas the origins and types of cultural materials represented in the NHA archaeology collections, and report on the initial priorities for this multi-year endeavor. Subsequent lectures will explore the indigenous community of present-day Nantucket Sound; the role of Black women in nineteenth-century family and community life on Nantucket; and the deep past of whales.
The NHA is also launching a new free webinar series exploring the histories of its various properties. This idea stemmed from the very successful History of the Oldest House webinar that was held during autumn of 2020. The series starts on Thursday, January 14 with the History of the Macy-Christian House, followed by The History of the Old Mill on Thursday, February 11.
To learn more and view the NHA’s online webinar schedule for the winter, visit here.
The NHA’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history of Nantucket through its programs, collections, and properties, to promote the island’s significance and foster an appreciation of it among all audiences.