Martha's Vineyard Museum

09/04/2026

Martha’s Vineyard, remade in clay.

Created entirely by hand on the Island, “The Offseason” captures life here through miniature sets, clay puppets, and a healthy disregard for rationality.

Join creators Henry Danielson and Sophia Kolak for a screening and the world premiere of a brand-new episode, followed by unreleased behind-the-scenes footage and a look at how their wonderfully strange little world comes to life.

Thursday, September 10 at 5pm
Come early to meet Henry and Sophia at First Light Café from 4-5pm

Register - mvmuseum.org/event/offseason-claymation/

09/01/2026

The animals in "Menagerie of Marvels" are not just subjects. Each has a rescue story.

Now open at the Museum, "Menagerie of Marvels: Paintings by Eleanor Hubbard" brings together 12 animals portrayed with vivid color, humor, and real affection by Vineyard artist Eleanor Hubbard. Alongside the paintings, visitors can turn through the artist’s sketchbooks to see the ideas and observations behind the finished work.

On view in the Waggaman Community Gallery through January 17, 2027.

📸 Ray Ewing

08/28/2026

At the foot of Edgartown Lighthouse, each stone carries the name of a child whose life is deeply loved and remembered.

For 25 years, families and community members have gathered at the Children’s Memorial to honor the children represented there. With this year’s additions, the memorial will include 1,144 engraved cobblestones.

On Saturday, September 12, at 1:00pm, we will gather again for the annual Ceremony of Remembrance. All are welcome to join us for this time of reflection, remembrance, and community.

📸 Ray Ewing

08/27/2026

Now online: “They Were Heard: The Unique Voice of the Martha’s Vineyard Deaf Community.”

During the 19th century, Chilmark was home to an unusually large number of people who were deaf. Deaf and hearing residents communicated through a shared sign language now known as Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language, creating a community in which deafness was understood as part of everyday life.

Originally presented at the Museum in 2023, “They Were Heard” has been adapted for an online audience with revisions and additions. Explore oral histories, photographs, artifacts, artworks, maps, and research from wherever you are.

https://mvmuseum.link/3UGCE7v

08/26/2026

A little preview of what Kemp Harris can do with a song.

Here he is taking on Joni Mitchell’s “Coyote,” recorded at The Fallout Shelter for MVYRADIO’s 40th Anniversary Covers Project.

Tonight, hear Kemp live as he closes out this summer’s Global Rhythms series. Doors open at 5pm. It’s a beautiful evening to sit out in the Bodman Courtyard and hear him live.

Actor, activist, author, and storyteller, and an award-winning educ...

08/25/2026

Born into enslavement. Killed while firing a cannon at British troops.

Sharper Michael died a free man defending his Island community during the Revolutionary War. He is believed to have been the first, and possibly only, Vineyarder killed in action on Vineyard soil during the war. His legacy continued through his descendant Capt. William Martin of Edgartown, the Island’s only African American whaling captain.

Today at 5pm, join historian Bow Van Riper to uncover the remarkable story behind one of Martha’s Vineyard’s earliest Revolutionary War casualties.

Register → mvmuseum.org/event/the-first-casualty/

08/24/2026

A familiar view with a much less familiar history.

Seen here from the deck of Vanity, Edgartown Lighthouse has its own unexpected journey, beginning in Ipswich before its relocation to Edgartown Harbor.

This afternoon, join longtime Museum docent Deborah Medders for “Inside Edgartown Lighthouse: Keepers, Family & History,” exploring the lighthouse’s origins and the keepers and families who shaped its story.

Today at 4pm
Cooke House & Legacy Gardens;
51 School Street in Edgartown

📸 Emily Gazzaniga

08/21/2026

Looking for a rainy-day plan?

Spend the day exploring Island stories, art, history, and exhibitions at MV Museum. Rainy days are often among our busiest, so purchasing admission in advance is the best way to guarantee entry.

And tonight, join us from 5:30-7pm for the opening reception of “Menagerie of Marvels: Paintings by Eleanor Hubbard.” Be among the first to experience paintings, drawings, and the remarkable stories of twelve animals whose lives changed when they encountered the right person at the right moment.

Plan your visit and reserve advance admission: mvmuseum.link/tickets

The opening reception is free and open to all.

📸 by Ray Ewing

08/20/2026

How did the story that made generations fear sharks help inspire a new understanding of them?

This Sunday, Wendy Benchley shares the personal journey behind that transformation. A lifelong diver, ocean advocate, and Peter Benchley’s partner in life and conservation, Wendy has spent more than forty years exploring the world’s oceans, influencing marine policy, and helping change the way people understand sharks.

Join us for “From Jaws to Awe: How the World Moved from Fear to Fascination” on Sunday at 5pm.

Register→ mvmuseum.org/event/from-jaws-to-awe/

📸 Ray Ewing

08/19/2026

From the smallest backyard visitors to José, the legendary 2,500-pound West Tisbury ox, every animal in “Menagerie of Marvels” has a remarkable story of rescue, connection, and second chances.

Join us on Friday at 5:30pm for the opening reception of “Menagerie of Marvels: Paintings by Eleanor Hubbard.” Meet the artist and be among the first to explore paintings and drawings inspired by twelve animals whose lives changed when they encountered the right person at the right moment.

Free and open to all.