Maria Mitchell Association
Encyclopedia
The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization
on the island of Nantucket off the coast of Massachusetts
. The association owns the Maria Mitchell Observatory
, a second observatory (the Loines Observatory), a Natural History
Museum, an aquarium
at Nantucket Harbor, a history museum that is the birthplace of Maria Mitchell
, and a Science Library. Staff members of the Maria Mitchell Association conduct research into topics as varied as exoplanets, and the American Burying Beetle, amongst other scientific topics. The properties offer a variety of science and history-related programming and are on the National Register of Historic Places
, along with the rest of the island.
s of Maria Mitchell and her family. The Science Library located at 2 Vestal Street houses archives and special collections. The Natural Science Museum, at the corner of Milk and Vestal Streets, has several rooms of permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as a shop with books and gifts. The main Vestal Street Observatory, at 3 Vestal Street, includes the offices of the two working astronomers and has a few exhibits such as Maria Mitchell's famed telescope
. The Loines Observatory at 59 Milk Street is used primarily for research and on clear nights offers viewings to the public. An Aquarium and shop is located at 28 Washington Street, down the hill at Nantucket Harbor.
Admission is charged for the public to visit each site, for programs, and for membership. A discounted special ticket is available during the summer for sale to the public to see the House, Museum, Vestal Obervatory, and Aquarium for one price. Tours are offered every day during the summer at 11:00 a.m.
The research library includes Mitchell's papers, as well as other historical and scientific material.
at 28 Washington Street. It is located at directly on the shoreline of the Nantucket Harbor, which empties out into the Nantucket Sound
. Specimens are primarily drawn from the waters around Nantucket, and are released back to those waters at the end of each summer. Because the Gulf Stream
passes by the Atlantic Ocean
side of the island, some tropical fish
are frequently on exhibit. The Aquarium offers programs, including a "feeding frenzy
".
. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first American Professor of Astronomy
at Vassar College
. Mitchell died in 1889.
Each summer, the MMA offers "Summer Discovery Classes Program" for children of various ages, and during the school year to the Nantucket Public Schools
. The MMA also offers environmental education
programs to families, and the "Nantucket Family Adventure" ecology
program starting each May. They also offer astronomy and natural science programs for adults.
The MMA also offers lesson plan
s, other materials they call "Discovery Boxes", and programs to teachers.
Vladimir Strelnitski, an active member of the International Astronomical Union
, is the current Director of the Observatories (chief astronomer) of the Maria Mitchell Observatory. He has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles about astronomy. One of his research interests is the astrophysical maser
. His mentoring at the observatories has won national
recognition for the education of women astronomers, and significant grants. Strelnitski is also a nationally ranked master's athlete.
Andrew McKenna-Foster is the current Director of the Maria Mitchell Natural History Museum. He graduated from Colby College
in 2004 with a bachelor's in physics
, and studied environmental science. He earned a master's in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 2009. McKenna-Foster has been active in re-introducing the American Burying Beetle to the island of Nantucket. Other major research topics for McKenna-Foster have been carabid ground beetles, and spiders in Massachusetts
, as well as in Wisconsin
. As an undergraduate, he also did research in quantum optics
and ecology.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
on the island of Nantucket off the coast of Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. The association owns the Maria Mitchell Observatory
Maria Mitchell Observatory
The Maria Mitchell Observatory in Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA, was founded in 1908 and named in honor of American astronomer Maria Mitchell. It is a major component of the Maria Mitchell Association...
, a second observatory (the Loines Observatory), a Natural History
Natural History
Natural history is the scientific study of plants or animals.Natural History may also refer to:In science and medicine:* Natural History , Naturalis Historia, a 1st-century work by Pliny the Elder...
Museum, an aquarium
Aquarium
An aquarium is a vivarium consisting of at least one transparent side in which water-dwelling plants or animals are kept. Fishkeepers use aquaria to keep fish, invertebrates, amphibians, marine mammals, turtles, and aquatic plants...
at Nantucket Harbor, a history museum that is the birthplace of Maria Mitchell
Maria Mitchell
Maria Mitchell was an American astronomer, who in 1847, by using a telescope, discovered a comet which as a result became known as the "Miss Mitchell's Comet". She won a gold medal prize for her discovery which was presented to her by King Frederick VII of Denmark. The medal said “Not in vain do...
, and a Science Library. Staff members of the Maria Mitchell Association conduct research into topics as varied as exoplanets, and the American Burying Beetle, amongst other scientific topics. The properties offer a variety of science and history-related programming and are on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
, along with the rest of the island.
Components and buildings
The Maria Mitchell Association's buildings are located in various areas on the island including four that are adjacent to each other on the hill in Natucket town. These include the Historic Mitchell House located at 1 Vestal Street. It preserves the birthplace of Maria Mitchell, and contains many heirloomHeirloom
In popular usage, an heirloom is something, perhaps an antique or some kind of jewelry, that has been passed down for generations through family members....
s of Maria Mitchell and her family. The Science Library located at 2 Vestal Street houses archives and special collections. The Natural Science Museum, at the corner of Milk and Vestal Streets, has several rooms of permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as a shop with books and gifts. The main Vestal Street Observatory, at 3 Vestal Street, includes the offices of the two working astronomers and has a few exhibits such as Maria Mitchell's famed telescope
Telescope
A telescope is an instrument that aids in the observation of remote objects by collecting electromagnetic radiation . The first known practical telescopes were invented in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 1600s , using glass lenses...
. The Loines Observatory at 59 Milk Street is used primarily for research and on clear nights offers viewings to the public. An Aquarium and shop is located at 28 Washington Street, down the hill at Nantucket Harbor.
Admission is charged for the public to visit each site, for programs, and for membership. A discounted special ticket is available during the summer for sale to the public to see the House, Museum, Vestal Obervatory, and Aquarium for one price. Tours are offered every day during the summer at 11:00 a.m.
The Historic Mitchell House
The Historic Mitchell House preserves the birthplace of Maria Mitchell. It was built in 1790, and occupied by the Mitchell family from 1818, the year of Maria Mitchell's birth. The House contains many artifacts of Maria Mitchell and her family, including a tall-case clock, one of her telescopes, and other artifacts.The research library includes Mitchell's papers, as well as other historical and scientific material.
Natural Science Museum
The Natural Science Museum is across the street from Mitchell House. It honors general ecology.MMA (Nantucket) Aquarium
The MMA Aquarium, also known as the Nantucket Aquarium, is on the site of the historic ticket office of the former Nantucket RailroadNantucket Railroad
The Nantucket Railroad was a gauge narrow gauge railroad on the island of Nantucket. The railroad linked the village of Nantucket with the village of Siasconset. Built in 1881, the line closed in 1917, with the track and rolling stock sent to France as part of the Allied forces of the First World...
at 28 Washington Street. It is located at directly on the shoreline of the Nantucket Harbor, which empties out into the Nantucket Sound
Nantucket Sound
Nantucket Sound is a roughly triangular area of the Atlantic Ocean offshore from the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It is long and wide, and is enclosed by Cape Cod on the north, Nantucket on the south, and Martha's Vineyard on the west. Between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard it is connected to the...
. Specimens are primarily drawn from the waters around Nantucket, and are released back to those waters at the end of each summer. Because the Gulf Stream
Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream, together with its northern extension towards Europe, the North Atlantic Drift, is a powerful, warm, and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates at the tip of Florida, and follows the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland before crossing the Atlantic Ocean...
passes by the Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
side of the island, some tropical fish
Tropical fish
Tropical fish include fish found in tropical environments around the world, including both freshwater and salt water species.Tropical fish are popular as aquarium fish, due to their often bright coloration...
are frequently on exhibit. The Aquarium offers programs, including a "feeding frenzy
Feeding frenzy
In ecology, a feeding frenzy is a situation where oversaturation of a supply of food leads to rapid feeding by predatory animals. For example, a large school of fish can cause nearby sharks to enter a feeding frenzy. This can cause the sharks to go wild, biting anything that moves, including each...
".
History
The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native, astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria MitchellMaria Mitchell
Maria Mitchell was an American astronomer, who in 1847, by using a telescope, discovered a comet which as a result became known as the "Miss Mitchell's Comet". She won a gold medal prize for her discovery which was presented to her by King Frederick VII of Denmark. The medal said “Not in vain do...
. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first American Professor of Astronomy
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
at Vassar College
Vassar College
Vassar College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York, in the United States. The Vassar campus comprises over and more than 100 buildings, including four National Historic Landmarks, ranging in style from Collegiate Gothic to International,...
. Mitchell died in 1889.
Programs
Maria Mitchell believed in "learning by doing" and today that philosophy is reflected in MMA's mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. Its motto of "Explore, Educate, Enjoy" is reflected in its three major programs: research in both astronomy and natural sciences, education and mentoring of aspiring scientists (especially women), and museums for the public to enjoy.Each summer, the MMA offers "Summer Discovery Classes Program" for children of various ages, and during the school year to the Nantucket Public Schools
Nantucket Public Schools
Nantucket Public School System controls the only public schools on Nantucket Island. Other than NPS there are two private schools: the Nantucket New School for kids grades kindergarten-eight, and Nantucket Lighthouse School for preschool through fifth grade.- NPS Schools :* Nantucket Elementary...
. The MMA also offers environmental education
Environmental education
Environmental education refers to organized efforts to teach about how natural environments function and, particularly, how human beings can manage their behavior and ecosystems in order to live sustainably. The term is often used to imply education within the school system, from primary to...
programs to families, and the "Nantucket Family Adventure" ecology
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
program starting each May. They also offer astronomy and natural science programs for adults.
The MMA also offers lesson plan
Lesson plan
A lesson plan is a teacher's detailed description of the course of instruction for one class. A daily lesson plan is developed by a teacher to guide class instruction. Details will vary depending on the preference of the teacher, subject being covered, and the need and/or curiosity of children...
s, other materials they call "Discovery Boxes", and programs to teachers.
Major staff and research
The staff members of the Association continue to conduct research into a wide variety of topics from masers and exoplanets, to spiders and the American Burying Beetle. They have mentored many aspiring scientists.Vladimir Strelnitski, an active member of the International Astronomical Union
International Astronomical Union
The International Astronomical Union IAU is a collection of professional astronomers, at the Ph.D. level and beyond, active in professional research and education in astronomy...
, is the current Director of the Observatories (chief astronomer) of the Maria Mitchell Observatory. He has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles about astronomy. One of his research interests is the astrophysical maser
Astrophysical maser
An astrophysical maser is a naturally occurring source of stimulated spectral line emission, typically in the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum...
. His mentoring at the observatories has won national
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
recognition for the education of women astronomers, and significant grants. Strelnitski is also a nationally ranked master's athlete.
Andrew McKenna-Foster is the current Director of the Maria Mitchell Natural History Museum. He graduated from Colby College
Colby College
Colby College is a private liberal arts college located on Mayflower Hill in Waterville, Maine. Founded in 1813, it is the 12th-oldest independent liberal arts college in the United States...
in 2004 with a bachelor's in physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, and studied environmental science. He earned a master's in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 2009. McKenna-Foster has been active in re-introducing the American Burying Beetle to the island of Nantucket. Other major research topics for McKenna-Foster have been carabid ground beetles, and spiders in Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, as well as in Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. As an undergraduate, he also did research in quantum optics
Quantum optics
Quantum optics is a field of research in physics, dealing with the application of quantum mechanics to phenomena involving light and its interactions with matter.- History of quantum optics :...
and ecology.