Maria Mitchell Aquarium

The Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium on Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a charming marine education facility operated by the Maria Mitchell Association, a research and educational institution founded in 1902. Located at 32 Washington Street, the aquarium showcases more than 80 marine species found in the waters surrounding Nantucket, with highlights including a touch tank where visitors can handle crabs and shrimp, an outdoor circle tank housing sharks and horseshoe crabs, and indoor displays featuring jellyfish and tropical fish. All animals are collected locally and released seasonally, reinforcing the aquarium's connection to the island's marine ecosystem. Family programming includes marine ecology field trips and beach biology outings. The organization is currently undertaking a capital campaign to expand into a new Discovery Center focused on climate change and coastal resiliency education.