2016 MMA Summer Programs

2016 Summer Programs & Events

Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Nantucket’s Science Center

Explore Educate

Enjoy

Explore! Educate! Enjoy!

Welcome to another great season of programming at the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA), Nantucket’s Science Center.

We have expanded some of our programs and added a weekly downtown bird walk led by Ginger Andrews, the MMA’s field ornithologist. We are also expanding our summer lecture series and will be offering limited private programs as well. All of our programs are based on Maria Mitchell’s philosophy of “learning by doing.”

Programs typically fill up fast, so please register online (www.mariamitchell.org/learn-discover) or call our Administrative Office (508.228.9198) and someone will be glad to help you and your family find unique and educational programs. We look forward to seeing you in one of our many programs or visiting our remarkable and exciting properties.

Dave Gagnon Executive Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Executive Director ...........................................

Become a Member ..........................................................................

Save the Date ....................................................................................

Facilities ..............................................................................................

Location Map ....................................................................................

June Calendar of Events ...............................................................

July Calendar of Events ................................................................

August Calendar of Events ..........................................................

September Calendar of Events ..................................................

Private Programs .............................................................................

Feed & Meet the Animals .............................................................

Family Programs ..............................................................................

Mitchell House Children’s Programs ........................................

Adult Programs ...............................................................................

Discovery Camp .............................................................................

Science Speaker Series .................................................................

Sponsors .............................................................................................

-2-

Page 2 3 3 4-5 5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14 15 16-21 22-23 24-25 26-30 31-35 36

Membership Become a Member and Show Your Love For Science!

When you become a member of the Maria Mitchell Association, you’re becoming part of a larger community that believes science education and research is important. Your membership entitles you to a number of wonderful benefits with a level to fit every budget.

General Membership Benefits Include: • • • • • • • • •

Free Admission to Properties Free Admission to Open Nights and Lectures Online Newsletter Discounts on Field Trips, Workshops, and Programs 10% Discount at Museum Shops Member-Only Open Nights Invitations to Special Member-Only Events Advanced Notice of Programs Acknowledgment in Newsletter

Become a member online at www.mariamitchell.org

Basic Memberships Individual Senior Couple Island Family Family/Grandparents

Supporting Memberships

$75 $75 $75 $125

Nova $250 Supernova $500 Galaxy $1,000 Centennial $2,500 Miss Mitchell’s Comet $5,000

SAVE THE DATE The Nantucket Red-Tie Soirée July 10 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sankaty Head Golf Club $250 per ticket

et tuck e Nan é The ie Soir2016 -T , July 10, 0 pm d e 1 R Sunday 7 pm - Club ead

aty H

Sank

Golf

tion ocia t l Ass ter chel enefi To B aria Mit ience Cen c M The et’s S tuck Nan

The Nantucket Red-Tie Soirée is a fundraiser for the Maria Mitchell Association. Join the staff, interns, and MMA Board of Directors for a night of fun and dancing. There will be a silent auction, raw bar, live music, and an open bar. This is our biggest event of the summer.

Purchase your tickets: • •

Online at www.mariamitchell.org Call the Office at 508-228-9198 -3-

Facilities Aquarium

28 Washington Street 508-228-5387 Open Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM

s Pas s ie

rt pe$10 o r P dults: n: $8 A

Natural Science Museum and Gift Shop at Hinchman House 7 Milk Street 508-228-0898 Open Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM

Exhibits change every Thursday

Historic Mitchell House 1 Vestal Street 508-228-2896 Guided Tour Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM

Vestal Street Observatory 3 Vestal Street 508-228-9273 Guided Tour Monday - Friday 2 PM

Loines Observatory

59 Milk Street 508-228-9273 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 PM - 10:30 PM

-4-

s

ie ree cilit e ildr s: F l fa Ch mber at al Me ilable a Av

Facilities Administrative Offices 4 Vestal Street 508-228-9198 Open Monday - FrIday 8 AM - 4 PM

Washington Street Facility

33 Washington Street 508-228-9198 Special Events and Presentations Only

NEW!

Opening 2016

Research Center

2 Vestal Street 508-228-9219 Under Construction

This summer look for MMA Buttons in select stores. Collect them all and help support science education on Nantucket.

-5-

Mon

Sun

Tue

JUNE

1 Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

(#) indicates page numbers

5

6

7

All Facilities Open!

Open Night (17)

12

19

26

Wed

8 Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

13

14

20

21

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Open Night (17)

Feeding Frenzy (15) ARTstronomy (18) Members-Only Open Night

15

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

22

Feeding Frenzy (15) Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Carnivorous Critters (15) Feeding Frenzy (15) Open Night (17) Family Snorkeling (20)

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

27

29

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Beach Discovery (16) Open Night (17)

Discovery Camps on pages 26 - 30

28

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Sailors’ Valentines (19) ARTstronomy (18) Meet the Animals (15) Family Snorkeling with Digital Photography (20)

-6-

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

Thur 2

Fri 3

Sat 4

Open Night (17)

9

10

Open Night (17)

16

17

Feeding Frenzy (15) Marine Ecology (16)

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Open Night (17)

23 Feeding Frenzy (15) Marine Ecology (16)

11

18

24

Feeding Frenzy (15) Preserving Monuments of Our Ancestors (25)

25

Ealy-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Nature Nights (18) Open Night (17)

30

Feeding Frenzy (15) Marine Ecology (16) Blast Off! (18) Critters and Crafts (20) Stars & Senses Night Hike (21)

-7-

Feeding Frenzy (15) Marine Ecology (16)

Mon

Tue

Wed

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15)

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Nantucket Girls (22) Meet the Animals (15) Family Snorkeling (20)

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Night Marine Ecology (17) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

12

13

Sun

JULY (#)indicates page numbers

3

4

10 Nantucket Red-Tie Soirée 7PM - 10PM A Fundraiser for the Maria Mitchell Association

5

11

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Beach Discovery (16) Open Night (17)

Sankaty Head Golf Club Tickets available online

17

18

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Beach Discovery (16) Open Night (17) Science Speaker (31)

24

25

31

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Beach Discovery (16) Open Night (17)

Discovery Camps on pages 26 - 30

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Scrapbooks (22) Meet the Animals (15) Family Snorkeling with Digital Photography (20) ARTstronomy (18) Members-Only Open Night

19 Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Sailors’ Valentines and Serpent Stories (23) Meet the Animals (15) Family Snorkeling with Digital Photography (20)

26

Early Bird-Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Sailors’ Valentines (19) Meet the Animals (15) ARTstronomy (18) Family Snorkeling (20)

-8-

6

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Night Insect (19) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

20

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Night Marine Ecology (17) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

27

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

Thur

7

Feeding Frenzy (15) Games of Long Ago (22) Marine Ecology (16) Museum Activity (17) Robot Explorers (21) Science Speaker (31) Stars & Senses Night Hike (21)

14 Feeding Frenzy (15) Blast Off! (18) Marine Ecology (16) Museum Activity (17) Critters and Crafts (20) Mystery History Ghost Tour (23) Stars & Senses Night Hike (21)

21

Feeding Frenzy (15) Keep the Lights (23) Marine Ecology (16) Museum Activity (17) Robot Explorers (21) Stars & Senses Night Hike (21)

28

Feeding Frenzy (15) Blast Off! (18) Marine Ecology (16) Museum Activity (17) Critters and Crafts (20) Mitchell House at Night (19) Stars & Senses Night Hike (21)

Fri

Sat

1

2

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Nature Night (18) Open Night (17)

Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Marine Ecology (16)

8

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Nature Night (18) Open Night (17)

15

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Nature Night (18) Open Night (17)

22

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Nature Night (18) Open Night (17)

29

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Nature Night (18) Open Night (17)

-9-

9

Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Marine Ecology (16)

16

Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Marine Ecology (16)

23 Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Marine Ecology (16)

30

Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Marine Ecology (16)

Mon

Sun

AUGUST

Tue 2

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) (#) indicates page numbers 1 Nantucket Girls (22) Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Family Snorkeling with Open Night (17) Digital Photography (20) Maria Mitchell’s Birthday Party - Free Public Event 1 PM - 4 PM

7

14

21

28

8

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Beach Discovery (16) Open Night (17)

15

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Beach Discovery (16) Open Night (17)

22

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Beach Discovery (16) Open Night (17)

29

Open Night (17)

Discovery Camps on pages 26 - 30

9

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Scrapbooks (22) Meet the Animals (15) Family Snorkeling (20) ARTstronomy (18) Members-Only Open Night

16

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Sailors’ Valentines and Serpent Stories (23) Meet the Animals (15) Family Snorkeling with Digital Photography (20)

23 Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15)

30 Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Science Speaker (31)

- 10 -

Wed 3

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Night Marine Ecology (17) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

10

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Night Insect (19) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

17

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Night Marine Ecology (17) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

24

Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

31

Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

Thur

Fri

Feeding Frenzy (15) Games of Long Ago (22) Marine Ecology (16) Museum Activity (17) Robot Explorers (21) Stars & Senses Night Hike (21)

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Nature Night (18) Open Night (17)

4

11

Feeding Frenzy (15) Blast Off! (18) Marine Ecology (16) Museum Activity (17) Critters and Crafts (20) Mystery History Ghost Tour (23) Mitchell at Night (19) Stars & Senses Night Hike (21)

18

Feeding Frenzy (15) Keep the Lights (23) Marine Ecology (16) Museum Activity (17) Robot Explorers (21) Stars & Senses Night Hike (21)

25 Feeding Frenzy (15) Marine Ecology (16)

5

Sat 6 Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Marine Ecology (16)

13

12

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Open Night (17)

Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Marine Ecology (16)

19

20

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Open Night (17)

Feeding Frenzy (15) Meet the Animals (15) Marine Ecology (16)

26

27

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Feeding Frenzy (15) Carnivorous Critters (15) Marine Ecology (16) Open Night (17)

- 11 -

Marine Ecology (16)

Mon

Sun

Tue

Wed

SEPTEMBER

(#) indicates page numbers

4

5

6

12

13

19

20

26

27

Open Night (17)

11

18

Open Night (17)

Members-Only Open Night

Open Night (17)

25

Open Night (17)

- 12 -

7

Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

14

Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

21

Science Speaker (31) Open Night (17)

28 Open Night (17)

Thur 1

Fri 2

Early-Bird Bird Walk (24) Open Night (17)

Sat 3

Aquarium Release Day 10AM - 1PM Free Public Event

Maria Mitchell Aquarium

8

15

9

Open Night (17)

16

17

Open Night (17)

22

23

Maria Mitchell and the Daring Daughters of Nantucket Island (24)

24

Open Night (17)

29

10 Four Centuries Domestic Tour (25)

30

Open Night (17)

- 13 -

Private programs Private Feed andPrograms Meet the Animals The Maria Mitchell Association offers private programs. If you are interested in a program, please call 508.228.9198 for more information.

Private Program Options:

• Marine Ecology Trip • Beach Discovery Field Trip • Night Marine Ecology Field Trip • Birding • Nature Walk • Camp • Birthday Party • Day and Night Hike • Snorkeling • Open Night at Loines Observatory • Meet the Animals • Feeding Frenzy

The Sky’s the Limit for Your Private Event at Loines Observatory

Reserve by calling 508.228.9198 - 14 -

Feedfeed and and Meetmeet the Animals the animals Carnivorous Critters

Before the museum opens to the public, join us for the unique experience of seeing the museum animals eat. Learn about the feeding habits of the turtles, frogs, fish, snakes, and more!

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays June 13 - August 26 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Location: Natural Science Museum Members: $7

Non-Members: $12

Pre-registration required.

Meet the Animals

The Science Museum is home to frogs, turtles, snakes, and insects that you can safely touch in this unique program. If you love animals, this is a great way to learn about them up close.

Tuesdays Saturdays

June 28 - August 16 July 2 - August 20

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Location: Natural Science Museum Members: $7

Non-Members: $12

Pre-registration required.

Feeding Frenzy

Learn all about the fish and crabs that live around Nantucket as our staff takes you on an interactive feeding tour through the Aquarium. Each animal has different requirements and the Aquarium staff cater to their every need. By the time you leave, you will have several new facts to share with family and friends.

Monday - Saturday

Location: Aquarium Members: $7

June 13 - August 26

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Non-Members: $12 Register for programs online at www.mariamitchell.org

Pre-registration required.

- 15 -

Family Programs Marine Ecology Field Trips

What sea creatures live in Nantucket Harbor? Find out as you help collect, identify, and release fish, crabs, shrimp, and other marine life! The Harbor is filled with interesting animals that will amaze you with their shapes, colors, and habits. This field trip is designed to be fun and informative for all ages; toddlers to adults.

Must have own transportation.

Monday - Friday Saturdays

June 13 - August 26 June 25 - August 27

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location: This program takes place at local beaches. We meet in the Chicken Box parking lot at 16 Dave Street.

Members: $10 Non-Members: $25 Pre-registration required.

Beach Discovery Field Trips

Go from interested beach visitor to expert beachcomber! Join us to learn how to identify the crabs, shells, sponges, and seaweeds commonly found along the beach.

Learn about the lives of these animals as we walk along one of Nantucket’s beautiful beaches.

Must have own transportation.

Mondays

June 27 - August 22

2:00PM - 4:00 PM

Location: We meet in the parking lot near the Sconset Market (4 Main Street, Siasconset). From there, we drive to a nearby beach (3/4 miles away). Feel free to meet us at the Sconset Market on your bike!

Members: $10 Non-Members: $25 Pre-registration required.

- 16 -

Family Programs Night Marine Ecology Field Trips

Creatures close to Nantucket’s beaches change between the day and night.

At night, larger fish come closer to shore, crabs and other animals are more active, and at certain times of year, you can see bioluminescent animals. This is a completely different experience than our daytime Marine Ecology Field Trip.

The program starts at the Aquarium observing how the animals behave differently at night and then we move to the beach out back to capture animals with a large seine net for identification. Pre-registration required.

Wednesdays

July 6, 20; August 3, 17

9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: We meet at the Maria Mitchell Aquarium (28 Washington Street).

Members: $10 Non-Members: $25 Pre-registration required.

Museum Activity Days

Thursday is activity day at the Natural Science Museum. Drop by anytime to play with nanotechnology, try out cool science equipment, help us collect data, and learn about research.

Appropriate for ages 6 and up.

Thursdays

July 7 - August 18

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: Natural Science Museum Free with admission; no registration required.

Open Nights

Join our professional astronomers for an impressive tour of the starry sky and for telescopic viewing of the Moon, planets, galaxies, and more.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM

June 1 - September 30

Location: Loines Observatory, 59 Milk Street Extension Members: Free, Non-Members: $10 No registration required. Weather Permitting.

- 17 -

Family Programs ARTstronomy

Art and science collide in an afternoon of fun for young children. Using pictures and stories, children are introduced to the wonders of the universe and their place in it.

They then create their own cosmic works of art using various media, learning some basic astronomy in the process, and developing a personal connection with the universe.

Tuesdays

June 14, 28; July 12, 26; August 9

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: 33 Washington Street Members: $20 Non-Members: $35 Pre-registration required.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. One adult admitted free of charge with registered child. Appropriate for ages 6 and up.

Nature Nights

Drop your children off while you enjoy an evening out. Your child will play indoor and outdoor games, create works of art, complete scavenger hunts, or go on a night hike. Each night will have a different theme related to Nantucket’s land, sea, and sky. Themes: June 24 – Reptiles and Amphibians, July 1 - Marine Mammals, July 8 – Solar System, July 15 – Things with Wings, July 22 – Sharks, July 29th – Stars and Constellations, August 5 – All About Plants.

Fridays

June 24 - August 5

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Register for programs online at www.mariamitchell.org

Location: 33 Washington St. Members: $65 Non-Members: $80 Pre-registration required.

Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Medical form required for each child.

Blast Off!

Children discover the wonders of space exploration by building and launching their own model rockets. The fun begins by constructing and flying paper airplanes to learn about the science of flight. They then move on to rockets propelled by air and water. Finally, they assemble and launch their own model rockets under the safe supervision of instructors.

Thursdays

June 30; July 14, 28; August 11

Location: Nobadeer Fields Members: $50 Non-Members: $65 Pre-registration required.

- 18 -

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Family Programs Family Sailors’ Valentines

A great time for you and your child to learn and create together! Join the curator of the Mitchell House and create your own version of a sailors’ valentine by decorating a small Shaker-style box or picture frame - something to be enjoyed for years to come.

June 28, July 26

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: Meet at Research Center Courtyard 2 Vestal Street, behind Natural Science Museum Members: $45 adult/child pair Non-Members: $55 adult/child pair $10 for each additional child Pre-registration required by calling 508.228.2896.

Mitchell House At Night

Ever wonder what it’s like to be in the Mitchell House at night as the shadows grow longer and the house becomes darker and darker and darker? Come for a little behind-the-scenes tour where we will tell you spooky ghost stories and if it’s clear, take a look through some telescopes, maybe even Maria’s own!

July 28, August 11

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Historic Mitchell House Members: $35 adult/child pair Non-Members: $45 adult/child pair $10 for each additional child Pre-registration required by calling 508.228.2896.

Night Insect Field Trip

Night insects are often heard, but rarely seen! We will use nets and vials to collect and learn about the huge variety of night insects that live right in downtown Nantucket.

July 13, August 10

9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Meet at the Natural Science Museum 7 Milk Street Members: $10 Non-Members: $25 Pre-registration required.

- 19 -

Family Programs *NEW Critters and Crafts

Join us for this all new summer program! Each week, you will meet a live animal, learn about its adaptations, and then have fun making a themed art project.

Thursdays

June 30; July 14, 28; August 11

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: 33 Washington Street Members: $20 Non-Members: $35 Pre-registration required.

Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. One adult admitted free of charge with registered child.

Family Snorkeling Tours

Join us at Jetties Beach as we experience the beautiful marine life of Nantucket’s waters! Our guides will teach you proper snorkeling techniques and will point out any local marine life you come across including horseshoe crabs, pipe fish, puffer fish, moon snails, American eels, flounder, and more!

Swimming experience is recommended. All equipment is included.

Tuesdays

June 21; July 5, 26; August 9

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Jetties Beach Members: $55 Non-Members: $70 Pre-registration required.

All children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. Any participating adults must register as well.

Family Snorkeling with Digital Photography

Come join us at Jetties Beach as we experience the beautiful marine life of Nantucket’s waters! Our guides will teach you proper snorkling techniques, how to use our Nikon CoolPix waterproof cameras, and will point out any local marine life you come across including horseshoe crabs, pipe fish, puffer fish, moon snails, American eels, flounder, and more! You will have online access to your images within one week of your program.

Swimming experience is recommended. All equipment is included.

Tuesdays June 28; July 12, 19; August 2, 16 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Location: Jetties Beach Members: $75 Non-Members: $90 Pre-registration required.

All children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. Any participating adults must register as well.

- 20 -

Family Programs Robot Explorers

After an introduction to robots and robotic space crafts that have explored our solar system, children learn to program a recon rover robot. They then program robots to complete a variety of missions. The program ends with a fun robot competition.

Thursdays

July 7, 21; August 4, 18

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: 33 Washington Street Members: $35 Non-Members: $50 Pre-registration required.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. One adult admitted free of charge with registered child. Appropriate for ages 6 and up.

Stars & Senses Night Hike

Join Director of Education, Kim Botelho, for an evening hike under the stars. During the walk, you will participate in a color vision activity, learn how our eyes adjust to the darkness, listen for nocturnal animals, take a solo journey if you dare, and enjoy a minty snack while learning about bioluminescence.

At the end of the walk, sit back and relax while you hear stories of summer constellations and more.

Thursdays

June 30 – August 18

Location: State Forest/Lover’s Lane Parking Lot Members: $10 Non-Members: $25 Pre-registration required.

9:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Appropriate for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants must register.

- 21 -

Mitchell House Children's Programs Nantucket Girls

Nantucket was a unique place for girls and women in Maria’s day. With so many husbands and fathers at sea, island women worked outside the home running shops and Nantucket girls stayed in school longer than their brothers. Come learn what life was like for Nantucket women as we visit some of the sites where they worked, learn about some of their famous exploits, and create arts and crafts projects based on what we learn.

July 5, August 2

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Meet at Research Center Courtyard 2 Vestal Street, behind Natural Science Museum Members: $35 Non-Members: $50 Pre-registration required.

Games of Long Ago

When school was out, homework was complete, and their list of chores accomplished, what kinds of games did children of the 18th and 19th centuries play? Come learn exciting parlour tricks, and create and play some of the games of children long ago, including Snail and Blind Man’s Buff.

July 7, August 4

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Meet at Research Center Courtyard 2 Vestal Street, behind Natural Science Museum Members: $35 Non-Members: $50 Pre-registration required.

Scrapbooks and Dreams

Scrapbooking is not something new. Women and children often created scrapbooks in the 19th century, including Maria Mitchell and her family. It was considered a great rainy day activity! People also created “dream” houses and “dream” rooms by cutting pictures from catalogs and creating scenes. Come create your own “dream” room and scrapbook to take home.

July 12, August 9

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Meet at Research Center Courtyard 2 Vestal Street, behind Natural Science Museum Members: $35 Non-Members: $50 Pre-registration required.

- 22 -

Ages 7 to 10 Mystery History Ghost Tour

Take a walk through the streets of Town as we hunt for different and unusual architectural features. We will create sketches of our finds and hear some spooky stories of the ghosts who haunt these homes and others.

July 14, August 11

10:00AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Meet at Research Center Courtyard 2 Vestal Street, behind Natural Science Museum Members: $35 Non-Members: $50 Pre-registration required.

Register for all Mitchell House Children’s Programs online at www.mariamitchell.org

Sailors’ Valentines and Serpent Stories

After whaling, when free time was available, the sailors would relax while creating beautiful pieces of art for their loved ones far away at home. We will learn some of the myths and yarns that the sailors spun aboard their ships, discuss whaling and the Mitchell family’s role in whaling, all while creating our own scrimshaw and sailors’ valentine.

July 19, August 16

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Meet at Research Center Courtyard 2 Vestal Street, behind Natural Science Museum Members: $35 Non-Members: $50 Pre-registration required.

Keep the Lights Burning

Join us as we learn about life before electricity. We will learn about different lamps and candles used and about the craft of tinsmithing – practiced by Maria Mitchell’s uncle and her brother-and then make our own candle and lantern to take home.

July 21, August 18

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Meet at Research Center Courtyard 2 Vestal Street, behind Natural Science Museum Members: $35 Non-Members: $45 Pre-registration required.

- 23 -

Adult Programs Early-Bird Bird Walks

Join MMA’s Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, on a unique birding experience. Birds are an important part of Nantucket’s ecosystem and the island is known as an excellent birding spot. After a brief visit to the Museum’s ornithology collection, you will head out to some of the best birding areas on the island and around town.

Tuesdays July 5 - August 30 Members: $30 Non-Members: $45

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM Field Expedition

Fridays July 8 - September 2 Members: $10 Non-Members: $25

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Town Walk

Location: Meet in the parking lot of the MMA office 4 Vestal Street Online pre-registration required.

Maria Mitchell and the Daring Daughters of Nantucket

Join the curator of the Mitchell House for a walking tour concerning the lives of Maria Mitchell and Nantucket’s famous and infamous women, as well as the lesser known women of our island. Learn why whaling, Quakerism, and the isolation of an island afforded these women opportunities that women elsewhere in America at the time were not afforded.

May 7, September 17 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Members: $10 Non-Members: $15 Pre-registration required by calling 508.228.2896.

A Walk with Maria Mitchell of Nantucket Town – The History and the Science

A unique collaborative walking tour that brings the natural and historical world of Nantucket together in one! How would Maria have interpreted what she saw on a stroll through downtown Nantucket? Learn not only about her history and the historic buildings and landscape, but also how she would have enjoyed the natural world around them.

May 28

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Members: $10 Non-Members: $15 Pre-registration required by calling 508.228.2896.

- 24 -

Adult Programs Preserving the Monuments of Our Ancestors: How to Properly Clean Historic Gravestones

Join the curator of the Mitchell House and the Prospect Hill Cemetery Association historian for a short talk about stone monuments and their conservation. The class will then move to the Prospect Hill Cemetery where participants will learn how to properly clean stone monuments.

June 18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Members: $10 Non-Members: $15 Pre-registration required by calling 508.228.2896.

What to bring:

Class will be hands on so wear appropriate clothes and bring protective eyewear (sunglasses will suffice).

Please Note: This class is to teach others so that

they may clean their family’s stone monuments.

One must speak with the sextant of a cemetery before doing this. One must not work on stones not belonging to her/his family unless it is through a special program that has been condoned by the cemetery and other officials.

Four Centuries Domestic Tour

A unique collaborative walking tour with the Curator of the Mitchell House, Nantucket Preservation Trust’s Executive Director, and Nantucket Historical Association’s Education Staff that looks at the changes in domestic life over four centuries and how it shaped homes, buildings, neighborhoods, and land use.

September 10

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Participants should meet at the Oldest House on Sunset Hill (tour will end on Main Street).

Members: $10 Non-Members: $15 No reservation necessary.

- 25 -

Discovery Camps With the understanding that students learn best through experience, the Discovery Camp Program is dedicated to developing students’ knowledge and interest in the outdoor world, connecting students to Nantucket’s local environment, and inspiring youth to discover ways that they can work to protect our natural world. Children have the opportunity to participate in activities such as beach exploration, snorkeling, seining, discovery hikes, wetland studies, survival skill instruction, live animal programs, orienteering, kayaking, games, art projects, insect collecting, and more.

Pre-Wee Wee Explorers Habitat Hoppers Eco-Investigators Teen Naturalist

Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages

3.5 - 5 5-6 7-9 10 - 12 13 - 16

Register for programs online at www.mariamitchell.org

Island Explorers Camp – Nantucket Residents Only

Join us for a special week of camp for year-round residents of Nantucket Island. You will explore coastal and upland habitats in search of critters, play games, listen to stories, make crafts, and so much more!

Wee Explorers June 13-17, 20-24 Habitat Hoppers June 13-17

June 20-24 Eco-Investigators June 20-24

June 27–July 1

8:50 am – 1 pm 8:50 am – 1 pm 8:50 am – 3 pm 8:50 am – 3 pm 8:50 am – 3 pm

Members only: $125 Members only: $125 Members only: $175 Members only: $175 Members only: $175

Pre-Wee, Ages 3.5-5 w/Adult Guardian Tales, Scales, and Stars Introduce your child to MMA's Discovery Camp during this preschool and guardian camp. Parents, nannies, relatives, or babysitters at least 18 years old, are welcome to participate as the child's guardian.

Each day you will play games, sing songs, or make crafts to learn about Nantucket's animals, habitats, or the stars and planets above. Each week will have new topics and activities so feel free to sign up for multiple sessions!

Members: $250 for adult/child pair Non-Members: $325 for adult/child pair

June 13 – 17 June 27 – July 1 July 11 - 15 July 25 - 29 August 8 - 12

- 26 -

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Discovery Camps Wee Explorers, Ages 5-6 Eels, Crabs, and Creatures Monday - Friday

8:50 AM - 1 PM How many different kinds of animals live in the ocean and on the beach? Join this camp program as we travel to different coastal habitats to search for crabs, fish, snails, eels, and more.

June 20 - 24; July 5 - 8, 25 - 29; August 15 - 19 Members: $390 Non-Members: $465

ACKtastic Animals

Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 1 PM Join us in this camp session as we explore beaches, forests, fields, and more to learn about Nantucket animals. We will use scientific equipment including nets, aspirators, binoculars, and magnifiers to help us find out what it is like to live in the wild. Each session will have a unique theme that will be determined by the summer instructors.

June 27 - July 1, July 11 - 15 Members: $390 Non-Members: $465

Wee Wanderers Monday - Friday

8:50 AM - 1 PM Travel around Nantucket's inland areas in search of birds, bugs, trees, and leaves.

Learn about the weird, wacky, and wonderful things that live all around us and how we can survive off the land. We will visit different habitats each day to learn about the plants and animals that live there, make tasty treats from wild edibles, play games, and more. Note: not recommended for children prone to food allergies.

July: 18 - 22; August: 8 - 12 Members: $390 Non-Members: $465

*NEW Animals, Authors, and Art Monday - Friday

8:50 AM - 1 PM This new camp is perfect for creative and crafty children. Each day, we will explore a new habitat, learn about the animal of the day through exploration and story time, then make an art project based on that day’s lessons.

June 13 - 17; August 1 - 5 Members: $390 Non-Members: $465

Oceans, Art, and Adventure

Monday - Friday

8:50 AM - 3 PM

Discover the hidden magic of ocean and beach life! We’ll visit different beaches and use games, scientific equipment, and art to explore and learn about Nantucket’s largest ecosystem.

June 27 - July 1, July 11 - 15, July 25 - 29; August 8 - 12 Members: $485 Non-Members: $560

Island Safari

Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 3 PM Join us on an adventure to Nantucket's beaches, wetlands, forests, and grasslands to discover the fascinating wildlife in each habitat. We will play games, sing songs, and use scientific equipment to learn about the island's inhabitants.

July 5 - 8 (no camp July 4), 18 - 22; Aug 1 - 5, 15 - 19 Members: $485 Non-Members: $560 - 27 -

Discovery Camps Habitat Hoppers, Ages 7-9 Beach Blitz Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 1 PM Have you ever wanted to know what animals make the beach their home?

Come with us to explore the beaches, harbors, dunes, and shallow waters of one of Nantucket's largest ecosystems. We will use science-based activities to learn how beach inhabitants survive in these tough environments and why these animals are extremely important to the health of our oceans.

June 27 - July 1, July 11 - 15; August 1 - 5 Members: $390 Non-Members: $465

Wild Survival

Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 1 PM Do you think you could survive if you were alone in the wilderness? Come learn survival techniques such as how to read a map and compass, make rope from native reeds, forage for edible plants, and build a shelter out of nothing but what is found around you.

June 13 - 17; July 25 - 29; August 8 - 12 Members: $390 Non-Members: $465

*NEW STEAM Machine

Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 1 PM In this camp Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math collide in a morning of fun and adventure. We will explore Nantucket in search of nature’s best architects, do some building of our own, discover how scientists use nature to inspire technology, and much more.

July 5 - 8, 18 - 22; August 8 - 12, 15 - 19 Members: $390 Non-Members: $465

Island Adventures

Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 3 PM Get your boots, nets, and binoculars ready! Join us as we explore ALL of the ecosystems of Nantucket. We will wade through marshes, seine the ponds, survey mudflats, kayak among the fish and waterfowl, and explore fields and forests in search of insects, mammals, snakes, birds, frogs, turtles, and more!

Learn what makes these ecosystems unique through hands-on activities, games, and guided investigations.

June 20 - 24; July 25 - 29 Members: $485 Non-Members: $560 - 28 -

Discovery Camps Underwater Explorations

Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 3 PM What better way to experience Nantucket than underwater? Nantucket is known for its ocean, harbor, beach, and dune ecosystems! We’ll explore these aquatic habitats (and discover the animals that live there) through activities such as snorkeling, fishing, beachcombing, and more. We will also use dip nets, seine nets, and fish traps to catch even more underwater species. Please note: Participants must be able to demonstrate strong swimming skills in order to join the snorkeling portion of the activities.

July 5 - 8, 18 - 22; August 1 - 5, 15 - 19 Members: $485 Non-Members: $560

Adventures with Art & Nature

Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 3 PM Join us as we combine nature adventure and environmental art! This class fuses our love of science and outdoor adventure with artistic expression. We will incorporate our daily explorations, investigations, and observations with art projects that include such media as drawing, painting, sculpture, paper machê, photography, and collage.

June 27 - July 1, July 11 - 15; August 8 - 12 Members: $485 Non-Members: $560

Eco-Investigators, Ages 10-12 Marine Biology Boot Camp Monday - Friday 8:50 AM - 3 PM Have you ever wanted to be a marine biologist? Then join us as we learn about our oceans from the plankton to the sharks and everything that’s in between! We’ll snorkel at different spots around the island to find local fish and invertebrate species, embark on a kayak expedition to learn about physical oceanography, and study invertebrate and fish anatomy through dissections, firsthand observations, and a visit to our Aquarium. Please note: Participants must be able to demonstrate strong swimming skills in order to snorkel.

June 27 - July 1, July 18 - 22; August 1 - 5, 8 - 12 Members: $500 Non-Members: $575 - 29 -

Discovery Camps Eco-Tech Explorers

Monday - Friday

8:50 AM - 3 PM If you love nature, technology, or both, this camp is perfect for you! Join us as we discover the wonders of Nantucket’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems through hiking, seining, orienteering, collecting, and of course, the use of technology.

June 20 - 24; July 5 - 8, 25 - 29 Members: $500 Non-Members: $575

Green Guardians

Monday - Friday

8:50 AM - 3 PM Each morning will begin with a 1-2 hour service project such as beach clean-ups, removing invasive plants, mapping plant and animal populations, or maintaining trails. Afterwards, you will be off on an island adventure to enjoy the rest of the day. Activities include kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, seining, and more! At the end of camp, you will receive a certificate of completion for your hours of service.

July 11 - 15; August 15 - 19 Members: $485 Non-Members: $560

Teen Naturalist Leadership Program, Ages 13 - 16 Marine and Terrestrial Ecology

Monday - Friday 1:30 AM - 4:30 PM During this program, students will explore the diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems all around Nantucket. Participants will study topics such as fish and invertebrate anatomy, physical oceanography, and marine and terrestrial ecology, as well as animal classification and behaviors. They will participate in activities including snorkeling, seining, hiking, kayaking, beach combing, animal tracking, and volunteering in our Aquarium. Please note: Participants must be able to demonstrate strong swimming skills in order to snorkel. We ask that all students interested in volunteering at the Aquarium or Natural Science Museum complete at least one of the NLP courses.

July 5 - 8, 18 - 22; August 1 - 5, 15 - 19 Members: $425 Non-Members: $500

Community Service and Ecology Monday - Friday

1:30 AM - 4:30 PM In addition to exploring marine and terrestrial ecosystems, learn skills that will enable you to volunteer in the MMA Aquarium and Natural Science Museum and go on adventures around Nantucket. This course also offers you the opportunity to work with other conservation organzations. Throughout the week, you will gain 5 hours of community service with our partners, including the Nantucket Islands Land Bank and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. We ask that all students interested in volunteering at the Aquarium or Natural Science Museum complete at least one of the NLP courses.

July 11 - 15, 25 - 29; August 8 - 12 Members: $425 Non-Members: $500 - 30 -

Science Speaker Series Each summer, the Maria Mitchell Association hosts scientists and research experts on a wide variety of scientific topics.

Some of the topics highlight research here on Nantucket.

Broaden your knowledge and appreciation for science and attend the MMA’s Speaker Series.

Thank you to our sponsors :

Location: 33 Washington Street 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Free for Members, $10 for Non-Members

Date

Speaker

Subject

June 1 Dr. Stella Kafka “Variable Stars and Their Stories” June 8 Andrew McKenna-Foster “Scavengers on Nantucket” June 15 Eric Savetsky “Beyond Our Shores: Nantucket’s Offshore Underwater World” June 22 Lou Perotti “The American Burying Beetle” June 29 Dr. Andrew Fox “A Quarter Century of the Hubble Space Telescope” July 6 Dr. Katherine Rhode “Discovering New Galaxies in the Nearby Universe” July 7 Cindy Pease Roe “Upcycling + Sculpting” July 13 Professor Donald Sadoway “Electrochemical Pathways Towards Sustainability” July 18 Dr. Sarah Treanor Bois “It’s All in the Timing: How Phenology

Can Give Us Insight to Local Climate Change” July 20 Dr. Vladimir Strelnitski “Unusual Light Phenomena” July 27 Bob Prescott “Sea Turtles Around the Cape and Islands” August 3 Dr. Heather Goldstone “All Climate Is Local: Understanding

the Impacts of Global Warming and the U.N. Climate Deal” August 10 Sarah Brandt “High-Tech Learning for Special Needs” August 17 Dr. Annette Govindarajan “Ecology and Invasion History of the Clinging jellyfish Gonionemus vertens” August 24 Dr. Regina Jorgenson “Revealing the Mysteries of Galaxy Formation and Evolution” August 30 Dr. Mario Motta “Human and Environmental Effects of Light at Night” August 31 Seth Engelbourg “What’s All the Buzz: Using Drones for Environmental Conservation” September 7 Dr. Jedediyah Williams “Robotics and Education” September 14 Dr. Tracy Romano “Beluga Whales, the Arctic, and Climate Change” September 21 Jascin Leonardo Finger “Nantucket Women - The Daring Daughters of Nantucket Island”

- 31 -

Science speaker Series Wednesday, June 1 “Variable Stars and Their Stories” with Dr. Stella Kafka, Director of The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) is a non-profit worldwide scientific and educational organization of amateur and professional astronomers who are interested in stars that change in brightness: variable stars. Their mission is to enable anyone, anywhere, to participate in scientific discovery through variable star astronomy.

Wednesday, June 8 “Scavengers on Nantucket” with Andrew McKenna-Foster, MMA Director of Natural Science Nantucket lacks large mammalian scavengers like raccoons, possum, and skunks. So what creatures pick up the slack in their absence? In collaboration with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, MMA staff used camera traps to answer this question. Learn about early results and ongoing work. Also come and see pictures of Nantucket’s night-active creatures!

Wednesday, June 15 “Beyond Our Shores: Nantucket’s Offshore Underwater World” with Eric Savetsky Eric Savetsky is an underwater photographer/videographer with a lifelong fascination of the sea. His goal is to share his amazing encounters with people in the hopes of inspiring a deeper appreciation of our natural world. Eric has worked on several broadcast projects including the National Geographic Channel/ Rick Rosenthal production “Superfish: Bluefin Tuna” and the BBC’s “Atlantic: Wildest Ocean on Earth.”

Wednesday, June 22 “The American Burying Beetle” with Lou Perrotti, Roger Williams Park Zoo Director of Conservation Programs The American burying beetle is one of the few insects on the Endangered Species List. It used to be widespread across eastern North America but now only exists in a few isolated areas. Populations on Nantucket and Block Island are the only groups east of the Mississippi River. Hear about the twenty-two year effort to reintroduce the endangered American burying beetle to Nantucket Island.

Wednesday, June 29 “A Quarter Century of the Hubble Space Telescope” with Dr. Andrew Fox, Space Telescope Science Institute Astronomer Since its launch in April 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized our view of the Universe and captured public imagination. After several refurbishments, Hubble is still going strong and producing new results daily. Come and hear an overview of the telescope and its discoveries. The presentation will end with an introduction to the James Webb Space Telescope, the successor of the Hubble, due for launch in 2018.

- 32 -

Science Speaker Series Wednesday, July 6

“Getting to Know the Neighbors: Discovering New Galaxies in the Nearby Universe” with Dr. Kathy Rhode, Associate Professor of Astronomy at Indiana University and MMA Board Member Dr. Rhode will explain how she and her collaborators are using the Arecibo Radio Observatory and the WIYN optical telescope to find new galaxies. Despite being nearby, these objects were invisible until we figured out just how and where to search for them.

Thursday, July 7 “Upcycling + Sculpting” with Cindy Pease Roe, Artist Cindy Pease Roe uses found marine debris to create treasured sculptures out of former trash. The community is engaged by raising their awareness around the trash we leave behind in our oceans and the consequences of those actions.

Wednesday, July 13 “Electrochemical Pathways Towards Sustainability” with Professor Donald Sadoway, MIT Engineer The road to sustainability is paved with electrochemical technology. This talk will offer examples of applied electrochemistry in action: metals production without CO2 emissions and stationary batteries for storage and delivery of off-peak power. Such large format batteries are the key enabling technology for carbon-free renewable, but intermittent, electric power generation, while enhancing security of today’s electricity grid.

Monday, July 18 “It’s All in the Timing: How Phenology Can Give Us Insight to Local Climate Change” with Dr. Sarah Treanor Bois, Linda Loring Nature Foundation Director of Research and Education Dr. Sarah Treanor Bois’ research on phenology focuses on the timing of natural events such as budburst, leaf out, and hatch offering insight into species’ response to climate change. Her research program is inclusive involving students and volunteers of all ages and encouraging others to collect phenology data in their own backyard.

Wednesday, July 20 “Unusual Light Phenomena” with Dr. Vladimir Strelnitski, Maria Mitchell Observatory Director Emeritus In this popular lecture, Dr. Strelnitski will share with the audience his admiration for atmospheric optics which create (more often than most people notice it) unusual light effects.

He will describe and explain such phenomena as polar lights; the “Green Flash;” mirages; various kinds of rainbows; the “Heiligenschein (Holy Light)” the halos around the sun and the moon; and ball lightening. The presentation will be concluded with some comments on the notorious UFO problem.

- 33 -

Science spEAKER SERIES Wednesday, July 27 “Sea Turtles Around the Cape and Islands” with Bob Prescott, Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Director For over thirty years, Mass Audubon has been researching and rescuing sea turtles off of the beaches of Cape Cod. Every year as ocean temperatures drop, a cold wall forms preventing turtles from leaving the much warmer bay waters. As fall progresses, the bay temperature rapidly crashes sending the turtles into a hypothermic shock known as cold stunning, in which they become powerless to swim against the currents and are blown ashore by strong winds.

Wednesday, August 3 “All Climate Is Local: Understanding the Impacts of Global Warming and the U.N. Climate Deal” with Dr. Heather Goldstone, WCAI Science Editor and Host of “Living Lab” on “The Point” New England is on the front lines of human-caused climate change, with rising seas and more powerful storms eating away at coastlines, changing ocean conditions threatening fisheries, and increasingly extreme precipitation events. Massachusetts state law requires both reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and preparation for the unavoidable impacts of global warming. Now, nearly two hundred countries have signed a legally binding pact to address climate change. How do the plans compare? And what are the chances they’ll succeed?

Wednesday, August 10 “High-Tech Learning for Individuals with Special Needs” with Sarah Brandt, Curriculum Coordinator and Media Specialist at the Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf This talk will focus on how a variety of technologies can help students with special needs reach their academic, social, and communicative potential. From communicating with devices controlled with the eyes, to making movies in a green screen lab, this presentation will address the exciting ways that students of all abilities can use technology and media to engage in learning.

Wednesday, August 17 “Ecology and Invasion History of the Clinging Jellyfish Gonionemus vertens” with Dr. Annette Govindarajan, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Research Specialist Dr. Annette Govindarajan will review the ecology and invasion history of the Clinging jellyfish Gonionemus vertens. New sightings and associated sting reports suggest a second invasion wave originating from the more toxic western Pacific populations.

Wednesday, August 24 “Revealing the Mysteries of Galaxy Formation and Evolution” with Dr. Regina Jorgenson, MMA Director of Astronomy Dr. Jorgenson will discuss her research using the largest optical telescopes in the world to find and study the first galaxies to form in the early Universe. These “baby galaxies” contain the bulk of hydrogen gas across cosmic time and are likely to be the progenitors of large spiral galaxies like our own Milky Way galaxy.

science SpEAKER SERIES Tuesday, August 30 “Human and Environmental Effects of Light at Night” with Dr. Mario E. Motta, Cardiologist at North Shore Medical Center and Partner at North Shore Cardiovascular Associates All of humanity is awed by the spectacular night sky, but with ever increasing outdoor lighting, few in the world see the sky anymore in all its splendor. This has led to a movement to limit and control excessive outdoor lighting. In 2008, the WHO declared melatonin suppression from night lighting a cancer risk. Dr. Motta will explalin the effects of light pollution and will describe best practices for the change over to efficient LED lighting.

Wednesday, August 31 “What’s All the Buzz: Using Drones for Environmental Conservation” with Seth Engelbourg This presentation will analyze the scientific applications of using unmanned aircraft systems (often referred to as drones or UAS) for environmental conservation purposes.

Wednesday, September 7 “Robotics and Education” with Dr. Jedediyah Williams, Mathematics Head and Instructor at Nantucket High School Google bought up eight major robotics companies in 2013, so when will we be getting our robo-butlers? Williams will discuss the state of the art in robotics and why you don’t need to worry about technology rising up against us any time soon, probably.

Additionally, he will discuss his work on the DARPA Robotics Challenge with Lockheed Martin, the NASA Sample Robot Return Challenge, and how he’s incorporated robotics into the classroom.

Wednesday, September 14 “Beluga Whales, the Arctic, and Climate Change” with Dr. Tracy Romano, Vice President of Biological Research & Chief Scientist at Mystic Aquarium Mystic Aquarium conducts research on belugas at the Aquarium to help answer questions about wild belugas and is conducting studies in three different places in the Arctic to study wild belugas and impacts on their health and behavior. Dr. Romano’s presentation will share these efforts and talk about what the future may hold for belugas and other inhabitants of the Arctic, including the people who live there.

Wednesday, September 21 “Nantucket Women - The Daring Daughters of Nantucket Island” with Jascin Leonardo Finger, MMA Deputy Director & Curator of the Mitchell House, Archives, and Special Collections One of Jascin’s areas of research is Nantucket women in the 18th through 19th centuries and the factors that allowed them to live a life that their counterparts in the rest of America did not necessarily enjoy. In 2015, Jascin published a short book about her research on this subject and she will discuss the book, her research process, and some of the women highlighted in her book.

- 35 -

HEPBURN

Glidden’s Island Seafood 115 Pleasant Street

Dental Implants Dr. Michael Miner, DMD, MPH

325-0583

The Scrimshander Gallery 38 Centre St

4 Vestal Street • Nantucket, MA 02554 508-228-9198 • mariamitchell.org