The Nantucket Gam

Tired of those loud, noisy trucks that trundle through the tight streets of Nantucket? Done with being stuck in 45 minutes of traffic on Old South Road? Tire screeching of fast and flashy cars ruining your beach day? You're not alone! Over a century ago, many islanders would have agreed with you. Join the Gam this month to learn all about the history of Nantucket's stand against the automobile - the Nantucket Car Ban. Plus, for our interview, we are joined by Brian Quigley, who discusses the historic legality of the ban. 

Join us for part two of our series on Nantucket and the American Revolution! In part two, we are joined once again by Nathaniel Philbrick, the award-winning author, Nantucket historian and NHA Research Fellow who has published extensively on different stories of the American Revolution and Nantucket. Philbrick joins our Gam to explore more stories of Nantucket during the conflict and the broader context of the American Revolution. Plus, learn when to look for his new book on the California Gold Rush!   

Muster your friends and family, gather and listen close as the Nantucket Gam celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a tale of Nantucket during the American Revolution! Join us for a tale of economic collapse, Quakerism, smuggling, divided loyalties and uneasy neutrality on our lonely island 30 miles out to sea. How does an island dependent on a single industry navigate the conflict between the colonies and London? Who would you be - Patriot, Privateer, Loyalist or Smuggler? Learn all about it in part one of our two-part series on Nantucket and the American Revolution. 

Dive into a story of confusion, carelessness and tragedy as the team from the Nantucket Gam describes the fateful events of July 25th, 1956 and the collision of the luxury liner Andrea Doria. What caused the wreck? Could it have been avoided? Join us to learn more about this famous disaster that sparked enduring questions and captured the imagination of the nation. Plus, stay tuned for an interview with legendary wreck diver John Chatterton (Shadow Divers, Deep Sea Detectives) who has made more than 170 dives to the incredibly dangerous wreck.  

On this episode of The Nantucket Gam, we explore the complex history of how Nantucket's Oldest House changed over time into what it is today. From it's creation during the colonial era of Nantucket, through its numerous owners and to its modern history as a historic property of the Nantucket Historical Association, the Oldest House has seen many changes; each representative of the needs of the time. Plus, stay tuned for an interview with ReMain's Virna Gonzalez!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Episode 4 of Season 2 of The Nantucket Gam proclaims the tales of Nantucket's gregarious town criers. Before the popularization of the newspaper, radio, or television, the citizens of Nantucket would rely on loud men, loud men with bells and horns, to broadcast the comings and goings of the island. They would become icons of the island community, known far and wide for their skill and devotion to yelling the news. Join the Gam team to learn all about the tradition of town criers, the evolution of their art, and the modern interpretation of the practice. Do you think you'd have what it takes to be the voice of the island? Plus, stay tuned for an interview with Nantucket's current town crier, Eric Goddard.

Season 2, Episode 3 of The Nantucket Gam is all about bikes, bikes, bikes! Bicycle and history enthusiasts rejoice - Thomas's research this month uncovers everything you wanted to know and more about your favorite way to get around the island. We discuss it all - from the first bikes on Nantucket, to the biking craze that swept the island, and how bicycles deep influence on island culture and transportation is still alive today. Whether you're a leisurely biker or a high-speed scorcher, we're sure you'll love the history we're peddling. Plus, an interview with Harvey and Jasper Young from the famous Young's Bicycle Shop! 

Season 2, Episode 2 of 'The Nantucket Gam' weaves the tale of the Nantucket School of Needlery, which opened in the 1960s and played an important role in the revival of handcrafts on Nantucket Island well into the 1970s. Join Thomas, Annalie and Adam as they stich together the story of one of the island's lesser known histories; one which explores the incredible creativity and skill of Nantucket's artist community. We are joined by special guest Dr. Isabella Rosner, Curator of Textiles at the United Kingdom's Royal School of Needlework (and host of the podcast 'Sew What?'), who's deep knowledge of and infectious enthusiasm for historic needlework ties Nantucket's history to contemporary research and the NHA's 2025 exhibition of textiles!

Our first episode of Season 2, "Scrimshaw" examines the folk art of carving whale teeth and bone. A unique and remarkable art form, Scrimshaw is deeply associated with the historic whaling industry, and therefore, associated with Nantucket. Born from the boredom of whalers, and created for personal or familial use, scrimshaw has since become highly desirable to collectors and enthusiasts alike. We are joined by our guest Lee Ann Papale, a Nantucket native scrimshaw artist who creates contemporary pieces from her studio on the island. Welcome to Season 2!   

In our Season 1 final episode, Episode 9 of 'The Nantucket Gam', we tell the story of Nantucket's sperm whale stranding and death in 1998. A timely episode - released only weeks after another major sperm whale stranding in November, 2025, we explore the timeline of the 1998 stranding and the process in which the skeleton was saved to be displayed for all to visit in the Nantucket Historical Association's Whaling Museum. Our guests this month are Jeremy Slavitz, who is the NHA's Exhibitions Manager, and Niles Parker, our Gosnell Executive Director. Both share their own experiences in how the NHA's whale skeleton made its way from the sea to the ceiling in the museum!

In 1820, the Nantucket whaleship Essex set sail on what was meant to be a routine whaling voyage to the Pacific. Instead, it became one of history's most harrowing survival stories - and the real-life inspiration for Moby-Dick. In Part 2 of our special two part episode "The Tragedy of the Essex", we sit down with author and historian Nathaniel Philbrick, eight time New York Times bestseller and winner of the 2000 National Book Award for his iconic nonfiction book In the Heart of the Sea. We explore the connections between the story of the Essex and the Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, discuss the legacy of the Essex, and think about how these tales still resonate today. 

In 1820, the Nantucket whaleship Essex set sail on what was meant to be a routine whaling voyage to the Pacific. Instead, it became one of history's most harrowing survival stories - and the real-life inspiration for Moby-Dick. In Part 1 of our special two part episode "The Tragedy of the Essex", we tell the infamous story of the sinking of the Essex and her crew's tragic struggle for survival. Join us and dive into a tale of duty, fear, and survival - where human decisions and willpower face the stark and unforgiving nature of the ocean. Plus - stay tuned for part 2!

Episode 6 of 'The Nantucket Gam' tells the story of the everyday bravery and danger of life aboard a Nantucket Lightship - the guiding lights that protected ships navigating the dangerous shoals that surround the island. Special guest Larry Ryan, former president of the USCG Lightship Sailors Association joins us to share his stories and experiences as a lightship sailor. Learn all about the lights that guided countless sailors through the foggy weather around Nantucket!

Episode 5 of 'The Nantucket Gam' spins the history of Nantucket's Old Mill and explores it's preservation. We trace the story of the Old Mill from it's start in 1746 through to it's modern day existence as one of the Nantucket Historical Association's oldest historic properties. Special guest Amy Boyce of Husk Preservation Inc. joins us to share her experiences preserving historic mills and peeling back the curtain on how it works. Plus, some announcements on the Old Mill's coming restoration! 

Episode 4 of 'The Nantucket Gam' celebrates the life and legacy of Nantucket's most famous scientist and stargazer, Maria Mitchell. Special guest Jascin Leonardo Finger, Curator of the Mitchell House, Archives, and Special Collections, and Maria Mitchell Association Deputy Director, joins us as we break down the historic and enduring legacy of this icon of Nantucket history. 

Episode 3 of 'The Nantucket Gam' explores the history and mystery of Tuckernuck Island, which lies just off the western tip of Nantucket. Special guest Susie Robinson joins us to share her unique experiences as a third-generation Tuckernucker. Plus - a poem about the ever elusive Tuckernuck Yoho!

Episode 2 of 'The Nantucket Gam' dives into the bold 1977 bid by Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard to secede from Massachusetts. Special guest State Senator Dylan Fernandes joins us to unpack the legacy—and challenges—of island representation. Plus: Stay tuned to the very end to hear the full 1977 secession anthem, recently rerecorded by NHA staff!

Welcome to our first episode "A Most Awful Magnificent Spectacle" - Fires on Nantucket. This month we are talking about fire. We will build up to the Great Fire of 1846; along the way we will see stories of community collaboration, histories of explosive new ideas, and tales of easily avoidably tragedy. Later in this show we will be joined by fire captain Nate Barber and talk about the most historic fire in recent memory, the Veranda House fire of 2022.