Science Museum
A cross between a classic natural history museum, a zoo, and a science center, the Maria Mitchell Natural Science Museum is a great place to learn about the plants, animals, and birds of Nantucket. If you need something to do on Nantucket drop in for a visit.
We are now a FREE! There is no admission fee.
Current Hours: Saturdays, 1-3 PM (closed Daffodil Weekend)
Corner of Milk and Vestal Streets (7 Milk St.)
508.228.0898
Find us on Google+ and Facebook!
Check out our summer programs for kids too!
Nantucket Biodiversity Week Starts Tomorrow!
Download the schedule here or visit www.nantucketbiodiversityinitiative.org
Our most recent program: Lily Pond Amble and Earthworm Search
Sunday April 15th we caught 37 earthworms (representing 3 species) and learned about earthworm biology.
What do we do at the Natural Science Museum?
Our goal is to collect records and specimens of all the living creatures on Nantucket and preserve the information for the future. We use this knowledge to provide educational programmming and activities.
Where do all these specimens go?
Many specimens are stored in the Museum's Collection Facility in the basement. We also have a special relationship with Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology and some of the specimens go there.
Where do we get all the specimens?
All sorts of places! Some of the best specimes come from people like you. Each year we we receive dozens of phone calls and questions about things people have found and sometimes those things are incorporated into museum displays or the collection. So please keep your eyes peeled! We also find many interesting things during the hundreds of hours we spend in the field during research projects. Click on a picture below to learn more.
“The MMA Birding and Marine Ecology Walks are terrific! Our entire family really enjoyed ourselves while exercising those little grey cells. When was the last time you watched an osprey fledgling being banded or fed an octopus? Our daughters are huge fans of the MMA. We have one budding astronomer (11), an enthusiastic ornithologist, and a marine biologist (4). Thank you for continuing and inspiring their love of learning.” -Kathleen, New York.