1. Whaling Museum
Operated by the Nantucket Historical Association, the Whaling Museum is the island’s most well-known museum. It explores Nantucket’s past as a major 18th- and 19th-century whaling port. Highlights include a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, scrimshaw art, and rotating exhibitions.
Highlights: Sperm whale skeleton, rooftop deck, interactive exhibits, maritime artifacts
2. Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
This coastal museum focuses on the island’s maritime history, particularly shipwrecks and the lifesaving efforts of local crews. It features original rescue boats, artifacts from shipwrecks, and dramatic tales of survival.
Highlights: Shipwreck stories, lifesaving boats, coastal views
3. Maria Mitchell Association Museums
Named after the first professional female astronomer in the U.S., the association runs several small museums, including the Maria Mitchell Observatory, the Natural Science Museum, and her historic childhood home. These spots highlight science, astronomy, and Nantucket’s ecosystems.
Highlights: Stargazing, marine exhibits, historic science house
4. Hadwen House
A grand Greek Revival mansion from the 1840s that gives a glimpse into the lives of Nantucket’s wealthy whaling families. It features period furnishings, seasonal exhibitions, and landscaped gardens.
Highlights: Historic mansion, 19th-century decor, rotating art displays
5. Old Mill
Built in 1746, the Old Mill is the oldest working windmill in the United States. Visitors can explore its interior and learn how it once milled corn using wind power.
Highlights: Historic windmill, hands-on tours, scenic setting
6. Greater Light
A creatively restored summer home used by two artistic Quaker sisters in the 1930s. The home blends whimsical architecture with artwork and decorative elements collected during their travels.
Highlights: Unique architecture, art studio ambiance, peaceful gardens