Why visit the museums of Martha’s Vineyard in the summer? To paraphrase the Beatles song “Tomorrow Never Knows,” it’s a time to “switch off, relax and let the river take you.” There are plenty of other things to do, including going to the beach, visiting ice cream shops, having a backyard barbecue, hosting a potluck, going hiking or camping.
There are so many reasons to come to the MV Museum. We are a community museum. We tell a fuller, more immersive story about the island’s history. Everyone is welcomed, and quite frankly, needed, to be the museum this community deserves. When you come up the hill to MVM, people of all ages can learn something exciting about the island that Mike Wallace calls “special, isolated, tranquil, healing, magnificent.” Knowing just one fact about a place you visit or live in can completely change how you interact with it. A sense of place, belonging, and comfort, for a few days, weeks, or all the time, enriches our lives and our memories.
In fact, every day here you can make a new connection with the island’s history. For example, let’s say you come with your grandchildren and spend hours in “Hands On History.” This room is curated by experts to keep everyone interested and absorb a variety of fun facts. You may need to visit twice to take it all in. On another day, you can come back to see the “Clifford” exhibit, which runs until September 8th. It boasts three rooms full of photos, memorabilia and activities for all ages (not to mention an icon of childhood and an intimate connection to long-time Vineyard residents) with the only indoor slide on the island. You can also sign up your children for “Discovery Days” (there are still a few spaces left!). The education team is always suggesting fresh craft ideas and treasure hunt games on the grounds and in the buildings.
It’s definitely worth a leisurely stroll up the picturesque hill to Lewis Lawn, overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor. For an overview of the island’s history, visit the “One Island, Many Stories” room. This room leads to the pavilion, which tells the story of the Gay Head Light and displays the famous Fresnel lens. The recently opened “Voyage to Freedom” delves deeper into the Vineyard’s maritime connection to the Underground Railroad. Guest curator Dr. Timothy Walker will speak about the quest for freedom by boat on Friday at 2pm. On the lower level is the Room of Wonders, with an installation titled “The Ferry Story.” The island needs a ferry. Our island history is fascinating.
A new exhibition, “Eisenstaedt’s Martha’s Vineyard,” is opening, showcasing the collection of renowned photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. It’s interesting to see the island through someone else’s eyes, but it’s wonderful to see it through Eisenstaedt’s. You get a deeper perspective of the island.
Outdoor events will be held throughout the summer. Be part of history by attending the first annual “Global Rhythms Concert Series.” We will bring you the island’s diverse cultures and rhythmic vibes every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Bring picnic supplies, beverages, blankets or chairs, and the whole family. There will be two evening “naked-eye stargazing” events with expert Mark Alan Lovewell. Mark will point out the constellations and tell their stories. There will be a poetry reading in the Rose Styron Garden. On July 10, come along for “MVM Day: A Community Celebration.” With treasure hunts, crafts, music, special dishes, and more, this is an event that everyone celebrating a birthday will enjoy. We will also be hosting a series of talks at Cook House, an Edgartown institution. “Stories of Edgartown” will be held every Monday from July 8 to August 12 at 4 p.m. A full list of speakers is available online. A trip to the MV Museum will make your summer even more memorable and meaningful, and we hope to share a moment with you.
For more information on upcoming exhibitions and events, visit mvmuseum.org. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round. Summer hours: Tuesday, 10am to 7pm, Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for members. Non-member admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $5 for children ages 7-17, and free for children ages 6 and under. Islander rates are also available.
