Martha's Vineyard Museum

Martha's Vineyard Museum is a cultural institution in Edgartown that houses exhibitions about the island's history and people. The galleries display maritime objects, regional artworks, and documented records that together offer visitors insight into the island's past and communities.

The institution began in 1922 as the Dukes County Historical Society to preserve and study the island's past. In recent decades, it relocated to its current building in Edgartown to better serve its mission of sharing local history.

The collection reflects the lives of island residents through written records and personal accounts that visitors can explore throughout the galleries. These materials show how people on Martha's Vineyard lived, worked, and connected to each other across generations.

The location is easily accessible on foot, particularly from the ferry terminal where most visitors arrive. Consider visiting at your own pace since the galleries are compact enough to explore in a single visit without feeling rushed.

A large Fresnel lens from the Gay Head lighthouse in Aquinnah is displayed within the museum's galleries. This striking piece of navigation technology reveals how lighthouses once guided ships safely around the island's waters.