SUMMER HELD ON LONGER than usual this year, but with our Fall Lighthouse Open Day came the true arrival of Fall. After a wonderful summer filled with family, friends and lots of ’Sconset Trust events, our beloved village has slowed its pace. For a recap of the incredible work our various committees have done and continue to do, please read their reports in the following pages.
The highlights of 2025 to date are the purchase of Field of Dreams in partnership with the Nantucket Islands Land Bank and securing a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) on 10 Main Street (the building that houses Claudette’s) thanks to the generosity and vision of Linda and John Pearl.
Field of Dreams: We have a wonderful committee working with the Land Bank on plans for making Field of Dreams an even more welcoming community space and play area for our village’s families. Please see page 7 for an overview.
10 Main Street/Claudette’s ROFR: Working with the owners to obtain ROFRs for the commercial buildings around the rotary that house the key remaining commercial properties in the Village (Claudette’s, the ’Sconset Café/ Bookstore and the Post Office) is a key component of the Village Keepers initiative to preserve the commercial core. The ROFR on 10 Main Street gives us the first look and right to purchase (on negotiated terms) this property should the
Pearls look to sell at some point in the future.
These accomplishments as well as our 2024 purchase of the ’Sconset Market and One New Street would not be possible without the outpouring of support we have received for our Keeping ’Sconset Capital Campaign. As we announced earlier this month, we successfully met the $1 million matching grant challenge from a few anonymous donors.
We are incredibly grateful for all of your contributions. There is still time to support the campaign and these transformative accomplishments. The campaign will remain open to receive pledges (payable over 5 years) and donations through the end of the year. If you haven’t done so yet, please consider donating. Next summer we will recognize and celebrate our generous donors. Thank you for all you all do to keep our beloved ’Sconset the special place that it is!
Happy Fall,
Julie Ruddick Meade Executive Director
There is still time! Please scan the code to participate in the Keeping ’Sconset Capital Campaign. Or visit SconsetTrust.org
2025 Annual Meeting
The Trust’s Annual Meeting was held on July 6th at the Siasconset Casino. Bill Holding, Board President and Executive Director Julie Ruddick Meade, along with various committee chairs provided updates on a landmark year. Our 2024 Strategic Planning and the Keeping ’Sconset Capital Campaign goals were milestones to celebrate. It was with great excitement that Bill announced a $1MM matching grant challenge from a few anonymous donors to help push the campaign to and past its $15MM goal.
The Lourie Family Preservation Award was presented to Leslie Mayer for her historically sensitive renovation of her 200-year-old home, The Maples (14 Broadway).
The Tradesmen Preservation Award was presented to Chris Dalton for his contracting work at Seldom Inn (5-7 New Street).
Bill and Julie welcomed Rachael Freeman, Executive Director of the Nantucket Islands Land Bank, recognizing her efforts and thanking the Land Bank for their partnership on several recent projects in ’Sconset—rebuilding the Magnolia Stairs, cutting extension trails from Heller Trail to Milestone Road/ Ruddick Commons and most importantly our joint purchase of Field of Dreams.
Photos: Kris Kinsley Hancock
Julie Ruddick Meade and Bill Holding with Tradesmen Preservation Award recipient Chris Dalton for Seldom Inn.
Lourie Family Preservation Award was presented to Leslie Mayer by Julie Ruddick Meade and Bill Holding.
Executive Director of the Nantucket Islands Land Bank, Rachael Freeman (center) is thanked for partnering on numerous Trust projects.
Thanks to our Outgoing Board Members
David Brown provided tremendous leadership as Board Vice President and Chair of the Acquisitions Committee. He was instrumental in negotiating several key purchases for the Trust, provided extensive legal support to the Board on a pro-bono basis, and was a true advocate for land conservation.
Chris Crampton held a key role as Chair of the Trust’s Nominating Committee, lent his considerable financial expertise to the Finance Committee, and was a strong champion for the Trust’s purchase of Field of Dreams. Chris will likely be best remembered for being the man behind the megaphone, successfully running our July 4th Family Fun Day and leading our village children and grandchildren in a morning of fun and games.
Chip Cruice served as the Board’s Treasurer providing excellent fiduciary oversight of the Trust’s finances. During his tenure, he instituted key financial controls and policies to ensure the Trust would operate smoothly and that our donors’ contributions would be managed prudently. He was also an active participant on the Land Conservation and Lighthouse Committees, providing great stewardship and support for the Trust’s properties.
New Board Members
Eric Dannheim
Eric and Lori Dannheim have been part of the Nantucket community for three decades. They began visiting in college with Eric working at the Summer House and Lori as a traveling Physical Therapist for Nantucket Cottage Hospital. After moving to London, they purchased their first island home 20 years ago as a US foothold. Ten years ago they achieved their dream—building in ’Sconset, where they have spent summers with their two daughters, Annabel and Sam. Eric also serves on the Siasconset Casino Association Board as Treasurer (four years). Eric & Lori are avid golfers and members of Nantucket Golf Club and also tennis players at the Casino. The Dannheim’s divide their time between New York City, London, and Nantucket.
Bryan Frist
Bryan’s earliest memories include biking to the Market for a warm baguette with his brothers and building sandcastles on the ’Sconset beach. Nantucket, and ’Sconset in particular, have been a rock for Bryan since birth. Through all of life’s twists and turns including moves from Nashville to Washington and from Shanghai to Boston, the island remains. Bryan and Elizabeth have three young children who are now fortunate to grow up with that same magic in their lives. They enjoy and appreciate all the village has to offer and currently live on Morey Lane in one of the historic Actors Colony Homes (“Wide Awake”) which was built over one hundred years ago. Preserving their home, and the broader magic of ’Sconset, for future generations is something Bryan and his family feel passionate about.
Bill Holding, David Brown, Chip Cruice, Chris Crampton, Julie Ruddick Meade
Photo: Kris Kinsley Hancock
5th Anniversary Sponsors
Carolyn and Christopher Allwin
Chrissi and Chris Crampton
Jocelyn and Charlie Gailliot
Henrietta Hakes
Bunny Bispham Hale and Gavin Hale
Caroline Hollings and Colin Wehrung
Ashley and Rahul Kadakia
Avery and David Keller
Jennifer and David Neighbours
Emily and Garret Overlock
Meriwether and Tanner Powell
Alexandra and Will Kopelman
Robin Ried and Chris Staudt
Katie and Conor Tochilin
Sara Wheeler
Caitlin White and John Cooper
Despite there being no fog in sight, the Trust’s Jog in the Fog was an awesome event with over 80 runners starting at Ruddick Commons and another 80 walkers starting from Butterfly Lane. Congrats to our first place finishers—George Vasvetikis and Erica Brodie Fyall—and a huge thank you to our incredible crew of volunteers who ensured everyone made it safely to the finish line at Sankaty Head Lighthouse for a delicious reward of Nantucket Bake Shop donuts. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, July 11, 2026 for our 10th Annual Jog in the Fog.
YOUNG MEMBERS COCKTAIL PARTY
The Young Members Cocktail Party proved once again to be the place to see and be seen for our young members. Our record number of attendees enjoyed delicious nibbles and libations from Island Kitchen and music by the Summer House’s own Jamie Howarth. Massive thanks go out to our wonderful hosts—Chrissi and Chris Crampton, Bunny Bispham Hale and Gavin Hale, Robin Ried and Chris Staudt, and Elizabeth and Bryan Frist—who treated our guests to challenging ’Sconset trivia and the extremely popular wine bottle ring toss. Thank you as always to the ’Sconset Casino and staff for hosting the Trust. And please Save the Date for August 7, 2026!
’Sconset
Rose Sponsors
Peggy Bermel and Max Ebb
Kendall Cafritz and Aaron Norton
Jo and Courtney Carson
Catherine and Jameson Fauver
Elizabeth and Bryan Frist
Liza and James Hatton
Kate and Christian Jensen
Colleen and Will Overlock
Kathryn Ryan and Jonathan Hunter
Madelyn and Jonathan Terbell
Jessica and Jamie Wickett
Beacon
Philippa and Jim Burke
Keith and Rod Goldstein
Jessica and Drew Guff
Pam and Bill Holding
Barbara and Amos Hostetter
Amanda and Blair Jacobson
Ann and Johnny Johnson
Holly Johnson and Parker Harris
Susan and Dirk Koopman
Christine and Alex Seaver
Peter Soros and Electra Toub
GalaRecap
Hosted by Holly Johnson & Parker Harris
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Sankaty Head Golf Club
The Trust’s Night Under the Light Gala was once again a great success. We raised over $400,000, which will provide tremendous support for the Trust and our continuing pursuit of our mission. Sincere and massive thanks go out to our fabulous hosts, Holly Johnson and Parker Harris, who worked with their amazing Gala and Silent Auction Committee of Bunny Bispham Hale, Chrissi Crampton, Betsy Grubbs, Amanda Jacobson, and Sally Michler to pull off another flawless and fun event, as well as our wonderful Merchandise Team, Nell Wilson and Amanda Jacobson, who worked to ensure all ’Sconseters have some Trust swag, all in coordination with the Trust’s Development and Communications Director, Amanda McGovern Moriarty.
The event truly would not have been possible without our Sponsors, guests, Silent Auction donors, and amazing volunteers. We would also like to give a shout out to Joan Allen, Lori Snell, Kim Matthews, and the entire Sankaty Head Golf Club staff for once again making our Gala the ’Sconset event of the summer!
2025 Gala Sponsors
Trailblazer
Jo and Courtney Carson
Heather and Greg Garland
Rachel Hobart
Kate and Christian Jensen
Christine and John Maraganore
Betsy Michel
Sally and Bob Michler
Chandra Miller
Natasha and Peter O’Brien
Diane and John Samuels
Mary and Don Shockey
Julie and Brian Simmons
Susan and John Whitney
Hosts Parker Harris and Holly Johnson with Executive Director Julie Ruddick Meade
Photo: Kris Kinsley Hancock
Annie and Eric Baurmeister
Lisa and John Bermel
Tracey and Scott Biedron
Kathy and David Cheek
Alison and Greg Cokorinos
Maggie and John Cooley
Susanne and Barry Cooper
Chrissi and Chris Crampton
Renea and Duncan Dayton
Martha Dippell and Danny Korengold
Clement and Rick Durkes
Robert Felch
Lynn and Mark Filipski
Robert Franklin and Charles Mappin
Samantha and Matt Fremont-Smith
Kelly and Buck French
Elizabeth and Bryan Frist
Karyn Frist
Sarah and Peter Gailliot
Cynthia and John Gallagher
Silent Auction Donors
Island Kitchen
Tammy King
Mary Emery Lacoursiere
Madaket Marine
Maria Mitchell Association
MotionInfo
Carey Brown Sager and Brian Sager
Elizabeth Gilbert-Bono and Mark Bono
Karel and Frank Greenberg
Kat and Tim Gregor
Betsy and Ray Grubbs
Bunny Bispham Hale and Gavin Hale
Robin and Jay Hammer
Kate Heller O’Reilly
Pam and Doug Hendrickson
Julie and Robert Hockaday
Wendy Holding and Lindsay MacIndoe
Hollie and Jamie Holt
Connie and Dennis Keller
Wendy and Richard Kumpf
Karen and Michael Lynch
Mary and Brian MacDonald
Ellen Mitchell and Charlie Byrne
Amanda and J.D. Moriarty
Patrick Murphy and Anthony Selvitella
Holly and Mark Pagon
Lydia and Rob Petty
Sankaty Head Golf Club
Siasconset Casino Association
Nancy Simonds Shaw
Tuck Shop
Gail Walker, Nantucket Lights
Martha and Charley Polachi
Kathleen and Jim Poole
Noreen and Jack Poulson
Robin Rednor and Robert Veghte
Deedee and Steve Renehan
Susan and Kennedy Richardson
Jenny and Brett Robertson
Julie Ruddick Meade
The Russell Boe Family
Eileen Shields-West and Robin West
Jennifer and Seth Shortlidge
Catharine and Jeffrey Soros
Laura and Greg Spivy
Lynne and John Stahler
Helen and Carter Strong
Liz and Wilson Sullivan
Katie and Conor Tochilin
Missy and Bob Veghte
Nell and George Wilson
Marcella and Rhoads Zimmerman
Photos: Kris Kinsley
Hancock
Committee Updates
Land Preservation & Maintenance
By Tim Cashman
The most exciting news of the summer for the Land Preservation & Maintenance Committee was the announcement of the acquisition of the Field of Dreams property located at the corner of New Street and W. Sankaty Road in partnership with the Nantucket Islands Land Bank (see below for an overview). It also was another busy summer on the various walking and hiking trails across the ’Sconset Trust properties. Thanks again to the Land Bank, two extensions of the Heller Trail were cut. One provides access to Main Street (across from the ’Sconset Trust “triangle” property) and the other takes you through Town of Nantucket property, terminating directly across from Ruddick Commons. Now with a short walk on some surface streets to connect, one can walk all three of our “trailed” properties: Heller Trail, Ruddick Commons, and the ’Sconset Trust Trail (Burnell Street). This now provides a much larger network of trails for all to enjoy. Remember to download the ACKTrails app to find the access points for all the ’Sconset Trust, Land Bank & Conservation Foundation trails across the entire island.
In other property news, the final stages of remediation at the Gully Road property are taking place as we continue to restore one of the more iconic views in ’Sconset.
Field of Dreams
By Siobhan O’Mahony Moore
Ever since the April 2025 acquisition of Field of Dreams, The Trust and Land Bank have been busy planning a design for a single contiguous public park with common usage policies. There will be space for children’s open play as well as areas for adults to sit and enjoy a peaceful moment or friendly chat. We have added two benches as a starting point and created a new access point on West Sankaty. Field of Dreams will be a neighborhood rather than a destination park. With this purchase, the Trust and Land Bank have ensured that Field of Dreams will remain a multi-generational resource that is preserved forever.
Visit ACKTrails website
Preservation
By Matt Fremont-Smith
A core part of the Trust’s mission is to educate homeowners on the benefits of Preservation Restrictions. As part of this effort, the Preservation Committee is building a library of House Histories, highlighting historical and architectural features of these homes that are worth preserving. The Trust then dialogues with the homeowners about the value of protections. We have completed 25 histories, which can be viewed on our website (sconsettrust.org), and have three more in progress. We are also refreshing the dialogue about restrictions with all recipients. The committee is currently working with homeowners on three new Preservation Restrictions.
Post Office Preservation Project Committee Updates
On top of our usual preservation efforts and in partnership with the Siasconset Civic Association, the Trust is sponsoring an important preservation project under the leadership of Jamie Holt (former Trust Board member, current Trust Preservation Committee member, and avid preservationist).
Report is now available on our website sconsettrust.org
The delivery of the mail in ’Sconset has a colorful history, from our first postmaster, Love Baxter, who sorted and distributed the mail from her front door at Shanunga in 1872, to our current United States Post Office, first located on Elbow Lane in 1898 from which it moved to its current location at 10 Main Street in 1929.
A renovation was performed by the U.S. Postal Service in the 1980s and sadly, many of our antique post office boxes were replaced. Happily, at that time, preservation minded residents, including longtime Trust Members, Bernie and Carol Coffin, managed to preserve 72 of the double combination Eagle Lock boxes (manufactured circa 1889 in Terryville, Connecticut) and 200 of the McLane Manufacturing “keyed” post office boxes, (manufactured in 1892 in Milford, New Hampshire.)
Since that time, our recent postmasters have had difficulties
keeping the boxes “up-and-running”. The issues arise from the difficulty in getting antique keys replaced, replacing broken and missing glass windows and finding replacement locks for the boxes which no longer have an original key to copy.
Jamie Holt has taken the lead to get our 89 non-functional and therefore unassigned antique boxes back online. He reached out to the Siasconset Civic Association and the Trust to get official support for the effort. The Trust in partnership with the Civic Association and Nantucket Preservation Trust then reached out to the Town’s Postmaster, Regan Clarke, and were able to secure Ms. Clarke’s hearty support of our effort.
Jamie is currently working to get all of the necessary additional keys cut and we hope to get the first 15 or so of the “vacant” antique boxes back online this coming summer. More to come on this fun effort!
Local Issues
By Lynn Filipski
Along with the Siasconset Civic Association, the Trust presented an update on the Bluff Walk to the Roads and Right of Way Advisory Committee (RROW) at the suggestion of Town Manager Libby Gibson. A thorough review of the history, as well as the problems of over-tourism were presented and a joint committee has been formed with RROW to review options on controlling usage to protect this fragile resource. The discussion centers on changing hours in July and August, hiring community service officers to monitor activity, halting all advertising whether print or digital of the Bluff Walk by the Town, installing gates at entrances and analyzing areas that have sustained damage due to the number of people using the Bluff Walk. Recommendations then would be advanced to the Select Board for comment and further action.
Lighthouse
It’s been another wonderful season at the lighthouse, with many visitors making the trip out to enjoy the views, history, and beauty of our special place. We had our fall Open Day over the Columbus Day weekend and the weather could not have been better. Great Point Lighthouse, at eight and a half miles away, was clearly visible all day. We are deeply grateful to all the volunteers who helped make this event and indeed the entire season such a success. The next Open Day is scheduled for Saturday June 20, 2026. Watch your inbox during the preceding week for your invitation to register.
A highlight earlier this summer was a first for the lighthouse: two catered cocktail parties, that had been auctioned off at the 2024 Gala. Besides the cocktails and bites, guests enjoyed perfect weather, stunning sunset views, and private lighthouse tours. Be sure to watch for this exceptional opportunity at next year’s Gala for your chance to bid on a magical evening at the lighthouse!
By Robert Franklin
Committee Updates
Village Keepers
By Robin Ried
The streets of ’Sconset may be quiet as we enter the fall season, but life remains busy inside the Trust’s three properties in the heart of the village.
We were pleased to welcome Sabrina Wallace, ’Sconset’s very own postmaster, and her daughter, as new tenants of the garage apartment at Aldrich House (located behind the Market) starting October 2nd. Like many island residents, Sabrina was affected by the shortage of housing on the island. We are thrilled to make this housing resource available to Sabrina during the off-season as she is an important community member and provides a truly vital service to the village.
At the Market, Cindy and Rolf Nelson have wrapped up another productive season. While we wait for them to re-open next spring, the Trust will be busy maintaining the main home at Aldrich House, which was built in 1841, where the Market's team of employees have been housed the past few summers. The Trust will also continue working hand-in-hand with the Nelsons to maintain the Market property, which was built in 1900.
Meanwhile, Executive Director Julie Meade and Director of Finance and Operations Robin Winter remain hard at work at the Trust’s office at 1 New Street. Their year-round dedication ensures that ’Sconset will still look and feel like the ’Sconset we know and love when most of us arrive once again next summer. Stop by and say hi if you are here in the off-season!
Communications and Marketing
Development
By Bunny Bispham Hale
As the ’Sconset gnomes settle in for their offseason slumber and the scarecrows stand vigil at the closed Casino doors, we on the Development Committee at the Trust are reflecting on our successful 2025 season. With sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to all of you, our members, the Trust had another banner summer, including another sold-out Gala, the highest attendance yet for the Young Members’ Cocktail Party, and a successfully met campaign match. While our campaign remains open through the end of the year, the Trust’s continuing success has been made possible through your collective efforts and engagement—as active members, willing volunteers, and enthusiastic advocates. Please save the dates for our winter soirées in each of Vero Beach, New York City, and Washington, DC (see page 11 for dates), which are a long cherished informal kickoff to ’Sconset summers. We wish each of you a wonderful off-season wherever you winter, and look forward to seeing more of everyone in 2026!
By Sally Michler and Holly Johnson
At the start of the summer, the 'Sconset Trust delivered a welcome packet to new homeowners in ’Sconset. The packet included the Trust’s summer newsletter, calendar of events, a cover note welcoming people to ’Sconset, and a gift card to use at the ’Sconset Market for ice cream cones or blueberry muffins. We had very positive feedback from new homeowners and look forward to continuing this in the future, perhaps in collaboration with the ’Sconset Civic Association.
’SCONSET TRUST
needlepoint belts • dog collars and leashes • hats • hoodies • totebags • coasters and more!
The Trust Shop
Don’t forget about our amazing Trust swag when looking for holiday gifts and be sure to keep an eye out for Instagram and email announcements of special holiday merchandise events.
2026 Calendar of Events
Wednesday, January 14
Friday, March 13
Thursday, April 9
Saturday, June 20
Friday, July 3
Saturday, July 4
Saturday, July 11
Sunday, July 19
Friday, August 7
Vero Beach, FL Soirée NYC Soirée Washington, D.C. Soirée
Lighthouse Open Day Annual Meeting and Celebration 4th of July Family Fun Day Jog in the Fog Night Under the Light Gala
