Maria Mitchell Association facts for kids
The Maria Mitchell Association is a special non-profit group on Nantucket island in Massachusetts. It helps people learn about science and history. This association runs several cool places, like the Maria Mitchell Observatory, another observatory called Loines, a Natural History Museum, the Maria Mitchell Aquarium, and the house where Maria Mitchell was born. They also have a Science Library. Scientists who work here study many different things, from astrophysics (which is about space and stars) to tiny creatures like the American burying beetle. The places run by the Maria Mitchell Association offer lots of fun science and history programs. They are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, just like much of Nantucket island.
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Places to Visit at the Maria Mitchell Association
The Maria Mitchell Association has buildings in different spots around Nantucket. Four of them are close together on a hill in Nantucket town.
These places include:
- The Historic Mitchell House at 1 Vestal Street. This is where Maria Mitchell was born.
- The Science Library at 2 Vestal Street. It holds old papers and special collections.
- The Natural Science Museum at the corner of Milk and Vestal Streets. It has exhibits and a gift shop.
- The Vestal Street Observatory at 3 Vestal Street. This is where astronomers work and where you can see Maria Mitchell's famous telescope.
The Loines Observatory at 59 Milk Street is mainly used for research. On clear nights, you can often look through its telescopes. The Aquarium and a shop are located at 28 Washington Street, down by Nantucket Harbor.
You can buy tickets to visit each place or to join programs. During the summer, you can get a special ticket that lets you visit the House, Museum, Vestal Observatory, and Aquarium for one price. Tours are given every day in the summer at 11:00 a.m.
The Historic Mitchell House
The Historic Mitchell House keeps the birthplace of Maria Mitchell safe. It was built in 1790, and Maria Mitchell's family moved in during 1818, the year she was born. The house has many items that belonged to Maria Mitchell and her family. These include a tall clock and one of her telescopes.
The research library inside the house has Maria Mitchell's writings and other old science and history materials. The house still looks much like it did originally, with its old painted decorations. You can take guided tours during the summer. There are also history classes for kids and adults, and workshops on how to preserve old buildings. The research library has Maria Mitchell's personal and work papers, her own books, and books from her family. It also has a special collection of rare books about astronomy, nature, and Nantucket, some from the 1600s! You can visit the archives and special collections by making an appointment if you want to do research.
Natural Science Museum
The Natural Science Museum is right across the street from the Mitchell House. It has displays of animals like snakes, frogs, and turtles. The museum also has a gift shop and other exhibits about natural science. The building has three floors, but only the first floor is open to the public.
MMA (Nantucket) Aquarium
See main article: Maria Mitchell Aquarium
The MMA Aquarium, also known as the Nantucket Aquarium, is located where the old ticket office of the Nantucket Railroad used to be, at 28 Washington Street. It sits right on the edge of Nantucket Harbor, which connects to the Nantucket Sound. Most of the sea creatures you see here are caught from the waters around Nantucket. They are released back into the ocean at the end of each summer. Because the Gulf Stream ocean current flows near the Atlantic Ocean side of the island, you can sometimes see tropical fish at the aquarium. The Aquarium also offers fun programs, like a "feeding frenzy" where you can watch the animals eat.
Loines and Vestal Streets Observatories
The Loines Observatory was built in two parts, in 1968 and 1998. Its two domes hold an old 8-inch Clark telescope that has been fixed up, and a new 24-inch telescope used for research. It is used for both active research and public events where people can look at the stars.
The Vestal Street Observatory has been used for research, talks, and other programs since 1908.
The Maria Mitchell Association's observatories offer regular public tours, programs, and talks. They also host several special events throughout the year.
History of the Association
The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) was started in 1902. Its goal was to remember and honor Maria Mitchell, who was born on Nantucket. She was an astronomer, a naturalist (someone who studies nature), a librarian, and a teacher. In 1847, Maria Mitchell discovered a comet! This made her famous around the world and led to many awards. She even became the first American Professor of Astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell passed away in 1889.
Programs for Learning
Every summer, the MMA offers "Summer Discovery Classes" for children of different ages. During the school year, they also work with the Nantucket Public Schools. The MMA has environmental education programs for families, as well as astronomy and natural science programs for adults.
The MMA also provides lesson plans and programs for teachers in local schools.
Scientists and Their Research
The scientists at the association continue to study many different things. They look at how galaxies form and how star clusters work. They also study spiders, molluscs (like snails and clams), and the American burying beetle. They have helped many young scientists learn and grow.
The staff of the Maria Mitchell Association currently includes:
- Joanna Roche: Executive Director
- David Gagnon: Executive Director
- Dr. Regina Jorgenson: Director of Astronomy
- George Donnelly: Director of Development and Communications
- Andrew McKenna-Foster: Director of the Maria Mitchell Natural Science Museum
- Jascin Leonardo Finger: Curator of the Mitchell House, Archives and Special Collections
- Joan Stockman: Financial Administrator
- Kim Botelho: Director of Education
- Gary Walker: consultant
- Sarah Erichsen: Development Coordinator
See also
In Spanish: Asociación Maria Mitchell para niños
