Happy New Year from the Maria Mitchell Association

Dear Friends –

Happy New Year! I hope you are taking some time to connect with nature as we move into 2023. The island is quieter, the days are getting longer and the cold crisp air of winter is settling in. Try a new trail on your daily walk, join a snowy owl quest, take in the intense colors of a January sunset – breathe in the natural beauty and fragility of our ecosystem. 

We are planning and preparing lots of exciting programs and events this year – look for details in our weekly newsletter or on social media. For families – camp registration launches on January 31. Are you a MMA member yet? Sign up now for all the benefits and to help support our mission. 

Looking forward to finding that first owl of 2023! 

My best,

Joanna Roche

Executive Director

[email protected]

Welcome Back! MMA Reopens January 6

The Natural Science Museum at Hinchman House reopens to the public on Friday, Jan. 6. Stop by Friday through Sunday, from 10am to 2pm, to feed and meet the animals, learn about the natural world through storytelling, or explore our biological collections library.

Winter 2023 Programs at a Glance:

Ravenous Reptiles: Friday through Sunday

Nature Story Hour: Friday through Sunday

Biological Collections Open Hours: Saturdays

Nantucket Bird Walk: Saturdays

Owl Prowl: once monthly, dates coming soon

As we get closer to opening, be sure to check our calendar to learn more and plan your visit. 

Save the Date: Discovery Camp Registration Opens January 31

MMA Discovery Camp registration will open January 31, 2023. New this year: camp registration is open to MMA members only. This means that while your camper is out discovering the island, you can enjoy unlimited free access to our properties, invites to members-only events, and other benefits of being an MMA member.

The MMA Welcomes New Board Members

The MMA is thrilled to announce the recent addition of four new members to its Board of Directors: Tanya Forman, Karen Ketterer, Justin Schaeffer, and Sarah Ward. Today, we're excited to introduce Justin and Sarah. Keep an eye out next month, when we'll feature Tanya and Karen.

Justin Schaeffer

Born in New Jersey, Justin Schaeffer has always considered Nantucket his true home. A summer resident since 1988, he discovered his love for all the island has to offer, and especially surfing, at an early age. As a teenager he founded and operated Sconset Surf, where he taught surfing for seven years.

Justin began his business career at the start-up LevelUP, where he was the 12th hire, working and managing the new business team. He helped grow the company to a staff of 350 employees over 11 years, before it was acquired by GrubHub in 2018. Justin remained as VP of New Business until spring 2021, when he left to pursue new ventures. He and his wife, Claire Moriarty Schaeffer, are partners in High Tide Homes, a boutique residential development company. A graduate of Dickinson College, Justin is an annual Guest Lecturer at the Northeastern University D'Amore-McKim School of Business.

In addition to being a Trustee at Maria Mitchell, Justin is also a Trustee at the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club. Since 2019 Justin has chaired the NBGC charity golf tournament. Currently, Justin and his wife Claire split their time between their homes in Wellesley, MA and Nantucket, with their daughter Maisie and son Auggie.

Sarah Ward

Sarah Ward practiced law for many years, primarily representing pharmaceutical companies. Sarah recently retired from the practice of law, and is thrilled to have joined the MMA Board to help create opportunities for the next generation of scientists and explorers. Originally from the Midwest, Sarah has always been active in the communities in which she lives, serving on many local committees and boards. She currently resides in Seattle and on Nantucket, and loves to sail, travel, read, and cook and entertain with family and friends.

REU Interns to Present at the American Astronomical Society This Month

This month, the REU interns and the MMA Astronomy team head to Seattle, Washington, for the 241st annual American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meeting to present their summer research findings. Each summer, six college students participate in the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Astronomy internship, funded by the National Science Foundation. The interns conduct their own individual research projects, as well as lead twice-weekly Open Nights at Loines Observatory. According to Dr. Jorgenson, MMA’s Director of Astronomy, "The AAS meeting is both a highlight and the grand conclusion of the summer research experience for each student. The interns work hard all summer and this is their chance to share their research with professional astronomers from around the world. This summer’s interns were fantastic ambassadors for the Maria Mitchell Association and science on Nantucket Island.”

Looking Skyward

Listen to the podcast "Looking Skyward," with MMA Director of Astronomy, Dr. Regina Jorgenson discusses the latest news in the world of astronomy on the local NPR station. This podcast is released every other week with CAI's John Basile.

Listen here!

Maria Mitchell's Attic

Learn more about Maria Mitchell and the MMA with "Maria Mitchell's Attic," a blog written on a weekly basis by MMA Deputy Director and Curator, Jascin Leonardo Finger.



Read here!

Our MMA swag selection includes cold weather goodies for the coming months, science-themed pet supplies, and other gifts that represent the nature and history of Nantucket and the MMA.

Explore the shop here.

The Maria Mitchell Association creates opportunities for all to develop a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island.

Support the Maria Mitchell Association: