Maria Mitchell Association Receives Grant to Repair Historic Buildings

NANTUCKET – The Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket’s science center, has received a matching grant of $117,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund.

The grant will be used to conserve and make repairs to two of its historic Vestal Street properties – the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum built in 1810 and the “Astronomer’s Cottage” from 1830.

The work to the science museum includes a new roof, gutters, drainage system and exterior painting. New educational and office space will be added in the basement. The museum was left to the association in 1944 by C, Russell Hinchman, a descendant of Peleg Mitchell, and cousin to Maria Mitchell.

The “Astronomer’s Cottage” provides housing for senior association staff and visiting scientists and researchers. The work on the cottage includes a new roof, siding, gutters, exterior painting and repairs to a rear porch.