The Martha'a Vineyard Museum is the Island's largest repository of cultural artifacts, historic photographs, archival records, and genealogical records. We strive to broaden awareness and access to the Island's history and shared memory. Come join us and discover our past and present.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connections to this Island and its diverse heritage.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum was originally known as the Dukes County Historical Society. It was founded in 1922 and incorporated the following year. The founders first acquired revolutionary era documents, which started the collection. They devoted a great deal of their time, energy, and resources towards the documentation of the Island’s role in American history and greater maritime industry.
The Society signed a long term lease agreement with the Coast Guard to steward the Edgartown, East Chop, and Gay Head Lighthouses in 1992. The agreement is still in place for the East Chop and Edgartown Lighthouses. The Town of Aquinnah assumed stewardship of the Gay Head Light in summer 2018 when ownership transferred from the Coast Guard.
Portions of the original Museum campus in Edgartown were sold as part of the move to Vineyard Haven, but the Museum maintains ownership of the historic Cooke House and the surrounding property. The grounds have been transformed into beautiful gardens to create the Cooke House and Legacy Gardens.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: False
The Museum rents various locations on its Vineyard Haven campus for meetings, special events, weddings, and non-profit functions.
The Museum campus is closed for the following holidays: 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day.
The Museum campus is closed for the following holidays: 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day.