We’ve been hearing the question: what’s happening for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution?
There’s a lot taking shape across the Island—and at the Museum, we’ve gathered our upcoming programs and events into one place.
From privateering and Grey’s Raid to daily life on the Island, MA 250 explores how the Revolution unfolded here.
Take a look at what’s planned—and what’s still to come.
🔗 mvmuseum.org/events/ma250/
Just a few days left to visit Let’s Go to Circuit Avenue!
This playful, hands-on exhibition brings one of the Island’s most iconic streets to life—designed especially for kids, with plenty for adults to recognize and remember too.
If you’ve been meaning to bring the kids (or go back one more time), now’s the time.
This exhibition is on view through May 17.
📸 Ray Ewing
A quiet moment at the Museum—and a busy week ahead.
Coming up: A mix of timely conversations, local history, and a few things you won’t want to miss. 👇
– Alpha-Gal Syndrome: what to know (and how to cook for it)
– Martha’s Vineyard in the Revolution
– A conversation with Kate DeVane @islandautism
– Inside @circuitartsmv
– Colin Ruel's Opening Reception @colinruel
Take a look and join us for what speaks to you.
🔗 mvmuseum.org/events/
📸 Zivah Solomon
As part of an ongoing project to capture the people of Martha’s Vineyard, photographer Dan Waters uses a traditional large-format camera to create detailed portraits of Islanders. The sheet-film negatives become part of the Museum’s permanent collection, preserving a visual record of the faces and stories that shape the Island. Each month, a new 4-by-5-foot print is on view at the Museum thanks to a grant from the Farm Neck Foundation.
This month features Thomas Sloat Hodgson — homesteader, painter, carver, writer, musician, and lifelong student of just about everything. A West Tisbury resident, he has spent decades following his curiosity wherever it leads, grounded in a life of making, observing, and learning.
Equal parts observer and participant, he has long reflected on the Vineyard’s people and culture with humor and perspective. As he once put it: “Have I lived here all my life? Not yet.”
Dan Waters’ portrait of Thomas Sloat Hodgson is on view at the Museum this month.
Your week, mapped out.
From powerful conversations to low-key afternoons in the Café—there’s a lot happening at the Museum this week.
Take a look and join us for what speaks to you.
One last crash.
The Crunch closes soon—don’t miss your chance to experience the noise, nostalgia, and energy of Aquinnah’s demolition derby.
This exhibition is on view through May 6 in the Waggaman Community Gallery.
📸 by Ken Goldberg
Last night was exactly what we needed to kick off the season! Our Business After Hours at the MV Museum was one for the books. There is something about gathering in the Linnemann Pavilion, surrounded by familiar faces and new ones, that reminds you exactly why this community is so special.
A huge thank you to everyone who made it happen. To the MV Museum for opening up one of the most beautiful and inspiring spaces on the island. To the Steamship Authority for your continued support of our business community. And to Gina Stanley and the Art Cliff Diner team for keeping everyone fed and happy all evening long! Make sure to give them a follow: @mvmuseum@steamshipma@artcliffmsn
To every member who showed up, connected, and made the room feel full of good energy, thank you. Thanks also to members that donated prizes for our monthly raffles - everyone loves those so much, so congrats to the winners!
More to come this season. We are just getting started.
p.s. If you’re seeing this and you haven’t become an MVY Chamber member, consider this your sign. Email [email protected] and let’s get you on board!
May is packed.
Workshops, talks, panels, new exhibitions—something happening almost every week (and sometimes every day). From ticks to storytelling to spring planting and Island history, it’s all here.
Take a look at the full lineup and start planning.
From the Collection: Legendary Island fisherman Jimmy Morgan sailed the 46-foot wooden dragger Mary and Verna, depicted in this painting, out of Menemsha for nearly thirty years. He was also an artist and model-boat builder. On the reverse side of this shell are the signatures of Jimmy and his wife, Roberta. This shell was one of many they made and sold at their shop in Menemsha. Roberta would paint the water and the sky on the shell, and then Jimmy would paint the boat.
The schooner Shenandoah has been part of Vineyard life for generations—but how much do you really know about her story?
Join historian A. Bowdoin “Bow” Van Riper for a closer look at the ship, the people behind her, and the lasting impact she’s had on the Island.
Register → mvmuseum.org/event/legacy-of-shenandoah/
Spring break is winding down, but there’s still time to make one more stop.
Spend an hour at the Museum—explore exhibitions, take in the view, and see what’s happening on the Island right now.
Whether you’re heading home or easing into the weekend, we’re open and ready to welcome you.
Open all weekend, 10am–4pm
📸 by Ray Ewing
Hurricanes have shaped the Vineyard for centuries—long before forecasts and storm tracking.
Join us tomorrow for an online talk with Dr. Kevin R. Loughlin, exploring the storms that changed the Island—from the first recorded hurricane in 1635 to the Great Hurricane of 1938 and beyond.
What can those stories tell us now?
Register & join us online tomorrow → mvmuseum.org/event/hurricanes-past-present/
