Egan Maritime Institute proudly announces the reopening of the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum for its 2025 season on Monday, May 26. Located at 158 Polpis Road, the Museum offers visitors an immersive journey through the Island’s shipwreck & lifesaving history—stories of peril, perseverance, and renewal—set against sweeping views of Folger’s Marsh.
Founded in 1968, the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum was the first museum in America dedicated to honoring the heroic efforts of volunteer and professional lifesavers. In the 19th century, hundreds of ships passed Nantucket daily, navigating without the benefit of modern nautical technology.
Dense fog, fierce storms, and strong currents made the surrounding waters notoriously treacherous, earning the area its grim reputation as “a graveyard of the Atlantic.” The Museum preserves and shares the powerful stories of those who risked everything to save others at sea.
This season’s featured exhibition, From Hard Times to Boom Times: Nantucket’s Waterfront, explores the Island’s remarkable economic and cultural revival. Visitors will discover how Nantucket’s crumbling wharves and quiet streets were transformed into today’s charming, bustling harbor front. The exhibit traces the Island’s journey after the whaling era to its mid-20th-century renaissance led by locals and visionaries.
“This exhibit captures a lesser-known chapter of Nantucket’s history: how an island on the brink of obscurity became one of New England’s most iconic destinations,” said Carlisle Jensen, Executive Director of Egan Maritime Institute. “It’s a story of transformation, creativity, and grit.”
In addition to thought-provoking exhibitions, the Museum offers hands-on experiences that bring history to life. Visitors of all ages can explore authentic artifacts, witness live demonstrations, and try the tools and techniques once used by Nantucket’s lifesavers. These programs deepen understanding and spark curiosity about maritime traditions, coastal resilience, and heroic rescue efforts.
An exclusive Members Preview of the new exhibit will be held on Friday, May 23, from 5 to 7 PM. Guests will enjoy refreshments from Lemon Press and Cisco Brewers. Not yet a member? Join this May to take advantage of our special “May is for Members” offer.
A free shuttle service from downtown (25 Federal Street) begins on June 23 and operates Monday through Friday.
Details
Location: 158 Polpis Road, Nantucket, MA
Opening Day: Monday, May 26, 2025
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Website: eganmaritime.org
Contact: info@eganmaritime.org
| (508) 228-1885