Celebrate America’s 250th with Vineyard Preservation Trust
By Sissy Biggers
Programming Director, Vineyard Preservation Trust
One of the things I love most about my role as Programming Director for the Vineyard Preservation Trust is opening the doors to our historic buildings and watching them come alive with people. This summer, that joy feels especially meaningful.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Vineyard Preservation Trust invites you to experience Martha’s Vineyard through the stories that have shaped our nation. Whether you’re building your own America250 bucket list or simply looking for a memorable Island experience, we’ve created a season of programs that celebrate our shared history in meaningful, engaging, and distinctly Vineyard ways.
And it all begins this Tuesday!
Let’s gather at The Old Whaling Church
On Tuesday, July 7, we’ll gather inside the historic Old Whaling Church, built by Edgartown’s whaling captains in 1843. For generations, this remarkable space has welcomed people to hear important ideas, celebrate milestones, and gather as a community–a perfect place to launch Vineyard Preservation Trust’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Members of the David McCullough family will honor the celebrated historian’s enduring love of our nation’s story. Presidential descendant and summer Islander Tweed Roosevelt will share stories of the American presidents who have graced Martha’s Vineyard over the generations. Historians Bow and Norah Van Riper will bring history to life through the remarkable correspondence of Abigail and John Adams, and Bill Eville, editor of the Vineyard Gazette, will lend his voice to the evening.
There will be more voices, a few surprises, and music that feels right at home in the soaring acoustics of the Old Whaling Church. We couldn’t let America’s 250th anniversary pass without raising our voices together for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Best of all, Voices of Independence is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis because we want this evening to belong to everyone. Whether you’ve lived on the Vineyard your whole life or you’re visiting for the week, I hope you’ll reserve your seats and join us as we celebrate this remarkable milestone together. 5:30PM-7:00PM.
On Tuesday, July 14, Vineyard Preservation Trust will again open the doors to the Old Whaling Church, this time with the Martha’s Vineyard Museum to welcome bestselling maritime historian Nathaniel Philbrick for his special semiquincentennial program: 250 Years Later: Thoughts on the American Revolution. Lecture and reception tickets are still available! 5:00P-6:00PM
The Carnegie is a must-visit for visitors and Islanders alike with programs for every age and every interest.
On Saturday, July 11, bring the family to the Carnegie Heritage Center in the center of Edgartown for Presidents for Kids, an engaging afternoon of stories and activities introducing young historians to the fascinating lives of America’s presidents with workbook activities and extras! 12:00-4:00PM.
Then on Wednesday, July 15, visit the Carnegie Heritage Center for The Revolution Worn featuring etiquette and protocol expert Sharon-Frances Moore, a longtime Martha’s Vineyard summer resident. Through clothing, customs, and social etiquette, she’ll offer a fascinating glimpse into everyday life during the American Revolution. 4:00PM-5:30PM.
Thanks to the generosity of a Vineyard Preservation Trust patron, the Carnegie is now home to a remarkable exhibition created by the nonprofit Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to American history education. The Carnegie, 58 No. Water Street, Edgartown.
The beautifully illustrated panels feature reproductions of America’s founding documents, maps, photographs, artwork, and artifacts tracing our nation’s journey from the Revolution through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. On display all summer Tues-Sat., 10AM-4PM.
The Island’s oldest house has a big story to tell!
At the Vincent House Museum, curator Norah Van Riper invites visitors to step through five milestone anniversaries of American independence—1776, 1826, 1876, 1926, and 1976. Each room offers a glimpse of Martha’s Vineyard during those pivotal moments, revealing how the Island evolved alongside the nation during 250 years of American history. Or join our Independence on Foot walking tour through historic Edgartown to discover how the Island’s architecture, maritime heritage, and remarkable residents connect to the larger American story. Tuesday - Saturday trained docents on duty, 99 Main Street, Edgartown 11AM-2PM.
Whether you join us for Voices of Independence, bring your family to Presidents for Kids, spend an evening with Nathaniel Philbrick, explore the Vincent House, I hope you'll experience the greatest joy of my work: watching history come alive as people gather to share it.
Tickets and more information: https://vineyardtrust.org/ma250/ thecarnegie@mvpreservation.org