{"id":1441,"date":"2018-02-20T17:00:30","date_gmt":"2018-02-20T17:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nha.org\/?post_type=exhibition&p=1441"},"modified":"2020-01-29T11:56:49","modified_gmt":"2020-01-29T16:56:49","slug":"nantucketers-and-their-boats","status":"publish","type":"exhibition","link":"https:\/\/nha.org\/whats-on\/exhibitions\/exhibitions-archive\/nantucketers-and-their-boats\/","title":{"rendered":"Nantucketers and Their Boats"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Mary<\/a>
Mary Strong at the helm of her catboat, the Light<\/em>, with her husband, Austin Strong. They were devoted to sailing education for children and were among the founders of the Wharf Rat Club.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nantucketers and Their Boats<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

This summer\u2019s major exhibition in the McCausland Gallery features stories from year-round and seasonal residents and an exciting range of objects\u2014from boat models, racing trophies, and fishing gear to artwork, souvenirs, and toys\u2014the exhibition will explore the many ways islanders rely on the water for work, recreation, and their connection to the broader world.<\/p>\n

Over 100 objects shown in the McCausland Gallery will be drawn from the NHA\u2019s collections and loans from private collectors. As the centerpiece, our spectacular ca. 1925 racing catboat Monomoy<\/u><\/em>, will tell the story of the island\u2019s historic working and recreational catboat fleets. Around it, the exhibition will be organized into four themes:<\/p>\n

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  • Connecting<\/em><\/strong>: Stories of the ferryboats past and present that connect Nantucket to points near and far. Connecting <\/em>will feature artwork and memorabilia from historic island steamers, plus uniforms and equipment from today\u2019s high-speed ferries. A new short film by John Stanton will loop in the gallery and an interactive where Nantucketers can share photos with their own boats.<\/li>\n
  • Fishing<\/em><\/strong>: Stories of Nantucketers working on the water. Fishing by boat has always been an important Nantucket activity, providing income to year-round residents and fine seafood both on island and off. Fishing <\/em>will feature an array of specialized gear needed to catch scallops through sea bass.<\/li>\n
  • B<\/em><\/strong>uilding<\/em><\/strong>: Stories of where our boats come from, and why we need different ones for different purposes. Building <\/em>will feature the BeetleCat and its construction methods, and the story of Alfie Sanford\u2019s Alerion<\/em>, as well as other examples of boats being built on the island.\u00a0 As a companion activity, a boat building class is planned for this summer where participants may construct a pram or a skiff. The hope is that this class will become a regular occurrence. Out front, a Beetle Cat is on display and for kids to climb in, donated by Beetle Inc. in Wareham.<\/li>\n
  • R<\/em><\/strong>e<\/em><\/strong>creation<\/em><\/strong>: Stories of having fun on the water, both under power and under sail. Recreation <\/em>will feature a \u201cspotter\u2019s guide\u201d to the boats visible in the harbor every summer, from sleek sail racers to elegant motor cruisers to the practical little prams used to teach children to sail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Accompanying the exhibition is an array of related programs\u2014from special gallery tours to music, films, and a new Sailors\u2019 Scuttlebutt Lecture Series with Nantucket Community Sailing, featuring Alfie Sanford, Gary Jobson, Craig Venter, John Burnham, and Nat Philbrick.<\/p>\n