Updated: 3/17/2022 
Martha's Vineyard Historical Society
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Description

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.

Mission

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connections to this Island and its diverse heritage.

History

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.

Library

Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members

Appointment required: False

Services
"One of a Kind" Property Rentals

The Museum rents various locations on its Vineyard Haven campus for meetings, special events, weddings, and non-profit functions.

Hours of Operation
Mid October – Late May
Sunday, Tuesday - Saturday10 AM - 4 PM
Mondayclosed

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.

Late May to Mid October
Sunday, Wednesday - Saturday10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday10 AM - 8 PM

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.

DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

April 5 - 8, 2025

New York Museum Association 2025 Conference in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca Downtown Conference Center

Ithaca, New York

April 6 - 8, 2025

Nebraska Museum Association 2025 Conference

Hosted by the Knight Museum in Alliance, Nebraska

United States

April 6 - 9, 2025

Texas Association of Museums 2025 Conference Austin

AT&T Conference Center

Austin, Texas

April 27 - 29, 2025

Oregon Museum Association 2025 Conference

TBA

Independence, Oregon

May 5 - 9, 2025

Museum Store Association FORWARD 2025 in LA

The Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

03/27 A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery

Fort Pierce, Florida

Museum Associations

04/01 Florida Association of Museums

Tallahassee, Florida