Nantucket’s engaging small museums are informative on many aspects of the island’s rich heritage. Here are three favorites.

Whaling Museum

The Nantucket Historical Association’s Whaling Museum was beautifully renovated in 2005. As well as the process of whaling, it explores life on the island when the business ruled the local economy, plus the arts and crafts to which the industry gave rise. The main hall is dominated by the 46-foot skeleton of a sperm whale, suspended from the ceiling. Here you can view the Ric Burns documentary “Nantucket” and the excellent multimedia presentation “Whale Hunt.” In particular, I loved seeing the intricate carvings made from whalebone and sperm whale teeth, the scrimshaw that sailors created to while away the time at sea. I recommend the all-access pass, which will admit you to the museum as well as other sites administered by the Nantucket Historical Association.

Whaling Museum
13 Broad Street. Tel. (508) 228-1894