The Nantucket Gam

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.