The Nantucket Gam

Pedaling Nantucket - A History of Bicycles with Harvey and Jasper Young

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! 

Stiches in Time - The Nantucket School of Needlery with Dr. Isabella Rosner

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!

Scrimshaw - Nantucket's Whaling Art with Artist Lee Ann Papale

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! 
 

The Whale Skeleton - with Niles Parker and Jeremy Slavitz

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!

The Tragedy of the Essex - Part 2 with Nathaniel Philbrick

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. 

The Tragedy of the Essex - Part 1

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!

Guiding Lights - Nantucket Lightships with Larry Ryan

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!

Built to Last - Nantucket's Old Mill with Husk Preservation's Amy Boyce

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!