Maria Mitchell Association facts for kids
The Maria Mitchell Association is a special group on Nantucket island, off the coast of Massachusetts. It's a non-profit organization, which means it works for good causes, not just to make money. This association owns several cool places, like the Maria Mitchell Observatory and another observatory called Loines. They also have a Natural History Museum, the Maria Mitchell Aquarium by Nantucket Harbor, and a history museum that was the birthplace of Maria Mitchell. Plus, there's a Science Library!
Scientists and staff at the Maria Mitchell Association study many different things. They look at everything from astrophysics (the science of space) to tiny creatures like the American burying beetle. All their properties offer fun science and history programs. They are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, just like the rest of Nantucket island.
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What the Association Does
The Maria Mitchell Association has several buildings spread across Nantucket island. Four of these buildings are close together on a hill in Nantucket town.
Historic Mitchell House
The Historic Mitchell House is where Maria Mitchell was born in 1818. The Mitchell family lived here starting that year. This house keeps many old items that belonged to Maria Mitchell and her family. You can see things like a tall clock and one of her telescopes.
The house still looks much like it did long ago. It even has its original painted decorations. You can take guided tours during the summer. They also offer history classes for kids and adults, and workshops on how to preserve old buildings.
The research library inside the house holds Maria Mitchell's writings and other historical and science materials. It also has 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 features a gift shop and other exhibits about natural science. Only the first floor of the museum building is open to the public.
Nantucket Aquarium
The MMA Aquarium, also known as the Nantucket Aquarium, is located at 28 Washington Street. It's 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 island, you can often see some tropical fish at the aquarium too! The Aquarium also offers special programs, like a "feeding frenzy" where you can watch the animals eat.
Observatories: Loines and Vestal Streets
The Maria Mitchell Association has two observatories for studying space.
Loines Observatory
The Loines Observatory was built in 1968 and 1998. It has two domes. Inside, you'll find a restored 8-inch Clark telescope and a newer 24-inch research telescope. This observatory is used for real scientific research and also for public stargazing events on clear nights.
Vestal Street Observatory
The Vestal Street Observatory has been a place for research, talks, and other programs since 1908. It also has the offices for the two astronomers who work there. You can see a few exhibits, including Maria Mitchell's famous telescope.
Both of the Maria Mitchell Association's observatories offer regular public tours, programs, and lectures. They also host special events throughout the year.
History of the Association
The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) was started in 1902. Its main goal was to keep alive the memory of Maria Mitchell. She was born on Nantucket and was a famous astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and teacher.
Maria Mitchell became famous around the world after she discovered a comet in 1847. She achieved many great things and received awards. She was even the first American Professor of Astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell passed away in 1889.
Programs for Everyone
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 provides environmental education programs for families, as well as astronomy and natural science programs for adults. They also offer lesson plans and programs for teachers in local schools.
Staff and Research
The staff members at the Maria Mitchell Association continue to do important research. They study many different topics, from how galaxies form and how star clusters work, to spiders, molluscs (like snails and clams), and the American burying beetle. They have also helped many young scientists learn and grow.
The staff of the Maria Mitchell Association includes:
- Joanna Roche: Executive Director
- Dr. Regina Jorgenson: Director of Astronomy
- Laura Pless Freedman: Operations Manager
- Jónelle Gurley: Director of Science and Programs and Interim Director of Education
- Molly Hess Mosscrop: Marketing Director
- Amy Young: Development and Events Manager
- Jascin Leonardo Finger: Deputy Director and Curator of the Mitchell House, Archives and Special Collections
- Katherine Robinson Grieder: Finance Director
- Gary Walker: consultant
- Ginger Andrews: Field Ornithologist
- Dr. Valerie Hall: Research Associate
- Andrew Mckenna-Foster: Adjunct Associate
See also
In Spanish: Asociación Maria Mitchell para niños
