Nantucket is an island teeming with a colorful past, and you cannot discuss the history of Nantucket without shipwrecks and heroic lifesaving efforts. That is why the Egan Maritime Institute has sponsored the creation of the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum.
The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum is full of exhibits detailing the over 800 shipwrecks around the Island and the bravery of the lifesavers. In addition, the museum has become a hub for fun activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the summer months. Keep reading to learn more about the museum and its many offerings.
What is the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum?
The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum is dedicated to honoring the history of shipwrecks and rescuers on Nantucket. The museum is an affiliate of Egan Maritime Institute, whose mission is to preserve and celebrate Nantucket’s seafaring heritage.
In addition to its wide array of exhibits, the museum also offers the following:
- A rotating featured annual exhibit
- Guided tours of the museum
- Daily family-friendly activities
- Event space for rent
- Different sailing activities
Where is the Museum Located?
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is located on the edge of one of the most picturesque parts of the Island, Folger’s Marsh. The address is:
158 Polpis Road, Nantucket, MA 02554
If you are visiting Nantucket without a car, you can get a free ride from the Nantucket Visitor’s Center. Shuttle’s run every half hour from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
NRTA offers FREE rides on all routes from April 1st to September 30th. Take the Sconset via Polpis Road Route (purple route)! There is a convenient stop right in front of the museum. https://www.nrtawave.com/route…
Is the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum Free?
The museum does allow the following list of people in for free:
- Members
- Active & retired military
- Children under the age of 5
If you do not fall under one of those categories, there is a fee for entry. The fees include:
- Ages 18+ – $15
- Ages 65+ – $9
- Ages 6-17 & College Students – $7
Note that activities at the museum and sailing activities may come with an extra charge.
When is the Museum Open?
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is open seasonally. In 2023, the museum is open from May 27th through October 14th. During that timeframe, the museum is open from Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
If you are in Nantucket out of season, the Museum grounds are open year-round. Even if you are not able to get into the museum, it is worthwhile visiting the grounds for the beautiful views.
What are the Upcoming Activities and Events?
The museum does offer free family activities daily during the summer from 10 AM to 3 PM. All these activities are outdoors and free! Some of the activities include:
- Nautical themed crafts
- Marine Science
- Rescue demonstrations
In addition to the reoccurring activities listed above, there are several date-specific activities offered by the museum.
Folger’s Marsh Kayak Tour (September 8th)
Join the Nantucket Conservation Foundation on an eco-tour through the waters of Folger’s Marsh. Expert scientists and educators will lead the tour. The kayak tours are $40 for adults and $25 for children and include kayaks and necessary safety equipment.
Free Sea Shanty Concerts (September 5th and 12th)
Free Sunset Sea Shanty Concerts with the Nantucket Historical Association at the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum will be held on the museum grounds on September 5th and at the Whaling Museum on the 12th.
These acoustic versions of old sea shanties begin at 5:30 PM. This program is free to all families; feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy the outdoors and music.
Lifesavers Recognition Day (September 11th)
The history of Nantucket is filled with heroic stories of people who went above and beyond the call of duty in lifesaving events. Every year the Egan Maritime Institute and the Nantucket Cottage Hospital recognize modern-day lifesavers. This years event, the Lifesavers Recognition Day ceremony, will be held on September 11th at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum.
What is the 2024 Featured Exhibition?
Each year the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum curates a featured exhibition. This summer, the museum unveiled two new exhibits. The Monaghan Gallery showcases The US Coast Guard and Its Nantucket Missions of Rescue, Environmental Protection, and Maritime Law Enforcement.
In the newly renovated boathouse you will find another new exhibit: Risk, Rescue, & Recognition: Nantucket’s Heroes of the Sea. These new exhibits are a must-see for everyone visiting Nantucket this summer.
Other Museums on Nantucket
Looking for other museums to visit on the Island? Check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum for a history of whaling on Nantucket and how it’s impacted the Island’s culture and economy.
