July marked a big turning point for the NPT; saying goodbye to longtime board members and welcoming two new members. It’s always sad to see board members depart, however we are happy to say all are still strong supporters and forces behind our mission. Departing members are: Kathy Arvay, Christopher Mortenson, Thomas Richards, Nancy Forster and Ethan McMorrow. The past board members were all asked the same question and we found their responses worthy of sharing. Read below for their response to the question,

“What do you feel was the most important accomplishment or contribution you achieved during your time as an NPT board member and if not something you specifically accomplished, something the organization did?”

Nancy Forster (2003 – 2015)

“I am honored to have served on a board as dedicated and hard-working as the NPT. The organization has grown significantly since I joined the board in 2003, both in terms of the breadth of its programs and in the depth of support among private individuals and business sponsors. There seems to be a heightened awareness of the importance of preserving Nantucket’s architectural heritage but there is still much to be done and time is not on our side. I look forward to continuing to help the NPT in any way that I can in the years to come.”

Kathy Arvay (2009 – 2015)

“As chair of events for 6 years I think I helped the NPT to develop the annual Kitchen Tours and Fetes  into more successfull and interesting events.  The greatest achievement was reaching out to other communities on the island to make new friends and hopefully gain new members, It was very rewarding to see the organization grow exponentially in those 6 years.”

Christopher Mortenson (2003 – 2015)

“I think our biggest accomplishment was the awards program. It raised our visibility in the community and also improved our image from people who object to things to a group that celebrates doing things right.”

Thomas Richards (2009 – 2015)

“A solid financial foundation is critical to NPT’s ability to deliver on its mission. While the treasurer doesn’t raise the funds, it’s job is to safeguard those assets to assure sufficient resources are available to achieve organization goals.  During my six years with the board, we implemented a forecasting regimen that added clarity to our financial status, allowed us to establish an operating reserve and provided for a board-sponsored contribution to our scholarship fund.”

-Marisa Holden, Events and Marketing Coordinator
m.holden@nantucketpreservation.org

This week we found a new trend and appreciation for authentic vintage cars that is comparable to the NPT’s passion for historic architecture. The New York Times article: A New Class of Ferrari Takes a Bow at Pebble Beach: Unrestored (August 13, 2015) discusses a new class and appreciation of properly restored vintage cars. Most importantly, this trend has led to the creation of The National Registry of Historic Vehicles, which is essentially the vehicle version of The National Register of Historic Places.

At The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance,a special group of vintage cars was created, “The Preservation Class.” Similar to a historic house, it has now become more important to properly restore a car and salvage materials from its original body. The authenticity and integrity of a car’s features, such as the wear and tear of leather seats, is valued more than a pristine, new leather interior. The article’s most interesting and revealing portion was the comparison of two almost identical 1956 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coups. Both sold at auction in January 2014; one for $1,900,000, almost $500,000 more than the other. The higher dollar sale was for the untouched vehicle, which had torn seats and wear and tear that revealed its age.

We are glad to see that the importance of preserving original fabric now applies to antique cars. Let’s hope this appreciation will be embraced by those who hold island “antique” homes. To learn more and read the complete article CLICK HERE.

-Marisa Holden, Events and Marketing Coordinator
m.holden@nantucketpreservation.org

The first car to be recorded into the National Historic Vehicle Register was a 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe CSX2287. Below is a video produced by the Historic Vehicle Association featuring a 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe.

-Marisa Holden, Events and Marketing Coordinator
m.holden@nantucketpreservation.org

Nantucket’s summer months go by fast and are packed full of events! Our organization is no exception and after wrapping up our Summer Lecture and Luncheon series yesterday, the focus now is the 10th anniversary August Fete! This year’s event will highlight the island’s historic west-end where you can see iconic sunsets, explore mid-century architecture and by attending the Fete, tour Madaket Millie’s shack!  This week we connected with the sustainable wine company Andegavia Cask Wines and are thrilled to FIND out they are now the 2015 Fete wine sponsor!

Did you know Andegavia is committed to being sustainable? The packaging is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable. The company is also a member of the 1% for the Planet (1% of their sales are donated to non-profit environmental organizations). Check out our wine sponsor and make sure to try a glass, or two at the annual August Fete! Purchase your ticket today – limited space. CLICK HERE

–Marisa Holden, Marketing & Events Coordinator
m.holden@nantucketpreservation.org

For the month of June, Nantucket Preservation Month the “Friday Find” will feature events you can find listed on the Preservation Month Calendar – click here. Below are this week’s featured events.

“55 Union: The Story of Restoration”

Date: Sunday, June 28
Times: 10:00AM
Location: 55 Union Street
Details: Pen Austin and Michelle Elzay, owners of George Gray LLC will give a tour and lecture about the recent restoration of 55 Union Street – a historic house built in 1835. Did you know we have been documenting this restoration process and the font cover of the 2015 Ramblings publication features historic shingles on the backside of 55 Union! Click Here to learn more.

Preservation Month Ending Event!

Date: Tuesday, June 30
Times: 4:00pm
Location: Starlight Theater & Cafe
Details: Please join us at a special screening of the film: Built on Narrow Lands in celebration of Preservation Month. This award winning film looks at a moment in Cape Cod when the spirit of European modern architecture inspired a group of bohemian designers — professionals and amateurs both–to build houses that married principles of the Bauhaus to the centuries-old local architecture of seaside New England. But in 1959, with the establishment of the Cape Cod National Seashore the fate of these houses suddenly hung in the balance: houses built after 1959 became the property of the park on the death of their owners. Through the points of view of the characters, the film reveals the privilege of building on virgin landscape, the impact of eminent domain, its effect on people whose houses will have to be given to the federal government and, literally, given back to the land.

For the month of June, Nantucket Preservation Month the “Friday Find” will feature events you can find listed on the Preservation Month Calendar – click here. Below are this week’s featured events.

FREE ‘Sconset Walking Tour

Date: Friday, June 19
Times: 4:00PM
Location: Pump Square ‘Sconset
Details: In honor of Preservation Month, Join NPT Executive Director Michael May, who will share his knowledge of this unique fishing settlement at the eastern edge of the island. The 75 minute tour focuses on the early “whalehouses” as well as the village’s boom as a seaside resort and actors colony at the end of the 1800s. This is a special tour offered for FREE in honor of Nantucket Preservation Month. If you are unable to attend the FREE tour, click here for a list of upcoming tour dates.

SBPF Project Viewing

Date: Sunday, June 21
Times: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: ‘Sconset Bluff Viewing Area – Baxter Road
Details: The ‘Sconset Bluff Preservation Fund (SBPF) welcomes you to the bluff viewing area for a conversation, information, and refreshments.

Sankaty Head Lighthouse – Open House

Date: Sunday, June 21
Times: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Mitchell House (starting location)
Details: In recognition of Preservation Month, the ‘Sconset Trust will open Sankaty Head Lighthouse and grounds and three houses to tour. The lighthouse will be open for tours to the top, along with three ‘Sconset properties including: 22 Main Street, 20 Main Street and 8 Cottage Street. Children must be five years or older. FREE admission, line for lighthouse closes at 2:45pm.