If you’re looking to dive into the exciting nautical history of Nantucket, it’s time to visit the Nantucket Shipwreck Museum. The Polpis Road museum includes some of the island’s most unique artifacts and art collections. Explore the surrounding marsh, bring the kids for an immersive learning experience, and discover the vast history of Nantucket’s boating industry.
For additional recommendations on where to spend your time during your trip to Nantucket, be sure to access our exclusive Vacation Guide. Our on-the-go guide is complimentary and is guaranteed to simplify your travel planning!
Discover the Best of the Nantucket Shipwreck Museum
The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum is one of the most historic sites on the island. Egan Maritime Institute operates the museum and provides guests a one-of-a-kind peek into the history of the island’s shipwrecked past.
- The Robert Caldwell Collection
The Robert Caldwell Collection is one of the museum’s permanent collections. It was started by the United States Coast Guard Cutter, Robert Caldwell after he returned from World War II. It includes an array of rare relics from military medals to traditional rescue equipment to paintings of chaos at sea.
- Annual Exhibitions
The museum’s exhibitions change annually and provide an in-depth look at one of Nantucket’s notorious shipwrecks, storms, or rescue operations. This year’s exhibit highlights the story of the British Queen, a ship that was stranded off the coast of Nantucket during a snowstorm in 1851. Visit the museum and hear the thrilling story about salvaged hope from the shores of Nantucket during your next visit.
- Children’s Activities
Kids of all ages adore the Nantucket Shipwreck Museum. The sea-worthy playground features a buoy swing set, a rigging rope climbing wall, and knot tying boards. During the summer months, the museum offers weekly children’s programs. This is one family outing that everyone can enjoy.
- Folger’s Marsh
After a day of discovering Nantucket’s history of disturbance and disarray, relax in the serene Folger’s Marsh. The marsh is straight out of a storybook and paints a juxtapositioned picture of the restlessness of the ocean. View the Great White Egrets standing firmly, take in the scent of the salt marsh, and spend the day resting in one of Nantucket’s most pristine natural ecosystems. The Nantucket Shipwreck Museum is conveniently located within the marshland.
Unwind in the Comforts of the Periwinkle Inn
When you’ve finished exploring the Nantucket Shipwreck Museum, you’ll be ready to rest your feet at the Periwinkle Inn. Gain a harbor view from the Captain Bildad room. The room boasts a queen-size bed, plush Turkish towels, Malin + Goetz toiletries, a Keurig coffee maker, and a wine station. In addition, indulge in a house-crafted breakfast each morning of your stay.
Did you know? When you book direct, you can save! Don’t waste time with third-party sites—you’ll always get the best deal by booking your vacation direct. Don’t sweat about changing plans or rising travel fees—you always know what to expect when you call us directly. Let us give you a warm welcome to Downtown Nantucket on this trip!