Egan Maritime Institute’s Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum will open Saturday May 27th with a new exhibit. “Wrecks & Relics: Discoveries from the Sea,” explores the allure and dangers of shipwreck diving. The all-sensory exhibit features stories, photos and relics from local Cape and Islands shipwrecks and gives visitors the experience of being underwater. Shipwrecks featured in the exhibit include the Argo Merchant, the Andrea Doria, the Nantucket Lightship, the Whydah, and more. Child-size play diving equipment and a replica shipwreck in the exhibit room complete the indoor experience for younger visitors who can explore the shipwreck and discover their own treasures. "Wrecks & Relics: Discoveries from the Sea" is made possible in part by the generous support of Novation Media and in-kind support from EganSign.
Outside on the Museum grounds, children can imagine rowing out to a shipwreck, rescuing sailors in the child-size replica of a surfboat. The fan-favorite breeches buoy swing set and replica ship rigging for climbing are also available for younger visitors. Up the hill, overlooking Folger’s Marsh, the child-size Massachusetts Humane Hut is open for exploring along with picnic tables to enjoy the view.
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum shares the heroic stories of yesterday's maritime heroes through permanent and changing interpretive exhibits and special events. The Museum houses a collection of over 5,000 artifacts, including beach carts, lyle guns, vintage life jackets, quarterboards, and more.
Photos by Katie Kaizer Photography.
