The Nantucket Preservation Trust (NPT) will launch the first in its series of neighborhood books with the publication of A Walk Down Main Street: the Houses and their Histories.  The series, entitled Nantucket House by House: a Series of Walks through the Island’s Historic Neighborhoods will be illustrated with historic views, photographs, maps and facsimile documents.  This first volume will present the history and evolution of one of Nantucket’s most famous neighborhoods with detailed information on the 30 dwellings that line Main Street from the Pacific Bank to the Civil War monument.   A Walk Down Main Street will be released for sale in July, 2006.

In developing this series, NPT will expand the reach of its educational programs to provide homeowners and visitors with detailed information about the many historic houses – large and small – and the different neighborhoods that make up our unique community.  Surprisingly, the individual histories of most of Nantucket’s houses remain undocumented despite the historic importance of the community. NPT believes this lack of information impedes property owners, realtors, architects, and builders from fully understanding the extraordinary value and rarity of buildings in their care. The series is designed as one of many steps to encourage the preservation of the island’s architecture.  NPT is committed to providing opportunities for residents and visitors to see and appreciate Nantucket’s unique architecture and neighborhoods through its tours and publications

Preparation for A Walk Down Main Street included extensive original research conducted on each building by Betsy Tyler, NPT’s historian. Ms. Tyler examined deeds, probate records, early tax lists, historic photographs and other original documents to identify ownership, construction dates, and the stories of the houses’ past residents. This information provides new insight into the lives and homes of 19^th century Nantucket.  Layout and book design was completed by NPT’s graphic designer, Kathleen Hay, who has blended facsimile documents and modern photographs to provide compelling views of this neighborhood over time.

The project grew out of NPT’s three-year experience with researching and printing individual house histories for home owners, in addition to its publication of books for the organization’s Designer Show Houses.  When the 2005 Show House Book quickly sold out its printing of 2,500 copies, NPT became convinced of the need to produce an on-going series of educational books which have proven an effective means of exciting and maintaining public interest in Nantucket architecture. Through this new series NPT will continue to stir interest in Nantucket’s historic architecture—especially its interiors.  The Nantucket House by House series also will create an enduring record of the island’s history and architecture both to interest residents and to provide information that can guide them in their efforts to preserve it.