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Martha's Vineyard Museum

A popular Martha's Vineyard museum and historical attraction is the Flying Horses Carousel.Sometimes when on vacation you learn something new. Maybe it’s trying a new activity or new type of cuisine at a local restaurant, and sometimes you learn something new about the area you’re visiting. Located in Edgartown, Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites is surrounded by Martha’s Vineyard history, and the best way to experience it is by visiting an area museum.

A Guide to Top Museums and Historical Landmarks

For being a small island, Martha’s Vineyard is filled with history. Learning about this history can give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for this popular New England destination.

  • While not a single museum, the African-American Heritage Trail of Matha’s Vineyard is comprised of 30 sites dedicated to the once unrecognized contributions of those of African descent to the island. Spend some time following the map to learn about the sites and their significance. 
  • Wander Martha’s Vineyard Museum, featuring historic buildings filled with exhibits from pre-Colonial to modern times. Hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check opening and closing times before visiting this museum
  • Visit the oldest surviving one-room schoolhouse on the island when you stop by the Nathan Mayhew Schoolhouse. Built in 1828, this building was once used as a maritime museum.
  • See a 1927 and 1952 Mack fire truck at the Edgartown Fire Museum, which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May until October. 
  • Located in nearby Oak Bluffs, the Mariposa Museum looks at American history and experience through the work of storytellers, artists, and scholars of color. This museum is open seasonally, so be sure to check current hours before visiting.
  • See what life on the island has been like throughout four centuries by exploring the Vincent House & Gardens. This house was built in 1672 and moved to its current location in the late 1970s.
  • Constructed in 1976 and moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884, the Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest platform carousel in the county. In fact, it’s only one of two Dare carousels still in existence. 

Talk with our knowledgeable concierge staff for more recommendations on historical points of interest.

Take a Step Back in Time during a New England Getaway

Helpful front desk staff at a hotel like this one can help point you in the direction of a nearby Martha's Vineyard museum.Overlooking the historic waterfront district of Edgartown, Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites is the perfect home base for a quintessential New England vacation. Be close to everything Martha’s Vineyard has to offer, including historic landmarks, captivating museums, and sandy beaches

Our luxurious accommodations come in a range of price points, which means you can find something that fits your budget. During your stay, be sure to take advantage of our on-site amenities, including board games, bike rental, in-season continental breakfast, and more. To learn more about our Edgartown hotel and current offers, call 508-627-4711

How to Prep for Your New England Vacation
Where to Find Delicious Breakfast on Martha’s Vineyard
Explore Haunted New England History on Martha’s Vineyard
Visit Local Farms on Martha’s Vineyard
The Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard for Solo Travelers
What to Know about the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
Plan a Visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown

kids-rainConsidering the total amount of rainfall on the Vineyard this June, I’m hoping that the subject of this blog will soon be moot. However, my car mechanic tells me he remembers a Vineyard summer one year that never happened.  So, just in case…

Imagine you are finally here, under the roof you paid for three months ago and looked forward to with such gleeful anticipation, but it is the third day of rain, and if you hear ”Mom, what can we do?” one more time, you are going to go jump off Big Bridge at the state beach and continue swimming out to sea. Or maybe you happen to have a little one who, for some reason, just doesn’t like sand between her toes. Do not despair. There is life beyond the beach for our younger visitors and peace of mind for their parents.

I’ll start right here in Edgartown. Have a real farm experience, complete with crops and livestock at the Farm Institute in Katama. Visit as a family or sign the kids up for one of the Children’s Programs, for ages 2 – 17.

Every week, the Edgartown Library on North Water Street has Toddler Time for ages 1 – 4, and Story Hour for 3 – 5 year olds.  They also offer special events, such as learning the phases of the moon using Oreo cookies or the Bear’s Picnic, that you can bring your favorite stuffed pal to.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has Kid’s Arts and Crafts each week and also have special events, like Archaeology for Kids.

If the rain lets up a little in the evening, grab everyone and go on the MV Trustees of Reservations (Not-So-Creepy) Creatures of the Night Family Hike.

And that’s just Edgartown. Featherstone Gallery in Oak Bluffs has Children’s Artsweekdays from 2 to 5 PM. There is also Children’s Art daily at the Stone Gallery in West Tisbury. The Vineyard Playhouse’s Summer Stars Theater and Art Camp in Vineyard Haven is a favorite of 9 -14 year olds, and The Yard in Chilmark offers Creative Theater, Music and Movement. And don’t forget the MV Adventure Camp or tennis lessons at theVineyard Tennis Center. I could go on and on.

So don’t let a little drizzle put a damper on your family vacation. By the time the sun comes out again, you and the kids will be totally exhausted from all these activities and ready for a lazy day on the beach again.

 

How to Prep for Your New England Vacation
Where to Find Delicious Breakfast on Martha’s Vineyard
Explore Haunted New England History on Martha’s Vineyard
Visit Local Farms on Martha’s Vineyard
The Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard for Solo Travelers
What to Know about the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
Plan a Visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown