Nantucket Whaling Museum

The Nantucket Whaling Museum is a maritime museum in Nantucket that documents the region's whaling history through collections and exhibits. The nine galleries display more than 1000 objects including tools, photographs, and skeletal remains that illustrate how this industry shaped the community.

The museum was founded in 1929 and occupies a converted candle factory building from 1847, when whale oil fueled the local economy. The structure itself reflects the period when this industry dominated the region's commercial life.

Scrimshaw carvings on whale teeth displayed here show how sailors created art during long voyages at sea. These handcrafted works reveal the creative traditions that sustained maritime communities during the whaling era.

The museum is open daily and features wheelchair access throughout the building along with assistive listening devices for those who need them. Allow adequate time to move through all nine galleries at a comfortable pace.

A rooftop observation area offers 360-degree views of Nantucket Harbor while displaying a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton beneath protective glass below. This layering of harbor views with a complete skeleton frame creates an unexpected visual connection between the whales and the waters they inhabited.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1929

Official opening: 1929

Website: http://nha.org/sites

GPS coordinates: 41.28550,-70.09890

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40