Martha's
Vineyard
Preservation Trust
Post Office Box 5277
Edgartown, MA 02539
Voice: 508-627-4440
Fax: 508 627-8088
info@mvpreservation.org
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Since
1975, the Trust has acquired, preserved, and now actively manages
many of the key endangered landmarks of Martha's Vineyard, restoring
living institutions to their rightful place in Island life. We are
a private, nonprofit organization supported entirely by contributions
from the public and through management of our historic properties.
Our diverse landmarks include:
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Dr.
Daniel Fisher House
(1840) Edgartown
Built for a whaling ship owner, this Federal style residence
was acquired by the Trust in 1975. In 1992 the mansion was
redecorated as the first Martha's Vineyard Designer Showhouse
and has been used as an elegant location for private parties
and wedding receptions. |
The
Old Whaling Church
(1843) Edgartown
Designed by Fredrick Baylies, Jr., this church was built for
Edgartown's Methodist whaling captains and is regarded as
one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in
New England. The Trust acquired the Church from the Methodist
congregation in 1980. |
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The
Grange Hall
(1859) West Tisbury
Constructed by the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society
at the crossroads of the Island, the Hall was the location
for the Agricultural Fair until 1994. Sold to the Trust by
the Town in 1997 and completely restored, this grand post
and beam barn stands as an enduring landmark, the site of
a variety of traditional Island activities. |
Union Chapel
(1870) Oak Bluffs
Built as a non-sectarian place of worship in 1870, Union Chapel's unique octagonal design rises into a soaring open cupola with stained glass windows casting a warm and beautiful light. Historically known for its excellent acoustics, Union Chapel has long been a favorite venue for concerts, recitals, political meetings, speakers and wedding ceremonies. The Trust acquired the Chapel from the Oak Bluffs Christian Union in 2002. |
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The
Flying Horses Carousel
(1876) Oak Bluffs
Acquired by the Trust in 1986, the Carousel is the nation's
oldest operating platform carousel and a National Historical
Landmark. The Carousel was brought to the Vineyard from Coney
Island in 1884 and has been operating on the same site for
more than a century. Check out a virtual tour of the Flying Horses. |
Alley's
General Store
(1858) West Tisbury
Alley's General Store is the oldest operating retail
business on Martha's Vineyard. Completely renovated
by the Trust in 1993, Alley's still delivers in it's
reputation as "dealers in almost everything." Check out a virtual tour of Alley's.
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The
Vincent House
(1672) Edgartown
The Island's oldest residence was donated to the Trust in
1977 by the MacKenty and Bigelow families and was moved to
it's current location from Edgartown Great Pond. The house
is furnished to depict architecture and life on the Island
throughout the last four centuries. |
The
Old West Tisbury Library
(1870) West Tisbury
Built by Moses Mitchell as part of the Mitchell Boys School
campus, this Second Empire building served as the town library
for more than fifty years. Acquired by the Trust in 1999,
it is once again a cultural and educational center. |
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The
Mayhew Schoolhouse
(1828) Vineyard Haven
The Island's oldest one room schoolhouse was owned by the
DAR for fifty years and operated as a nautical museum. It
now serves as the headquarters for Sail Martha's Vineyard,
a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating Island children
about maritime history and sailing. |
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All of these irreplaceable properties were badly deteriorated, and
in many cases threatened by demolition when the Trust undertook
their restoration and permanent care. In each case, it was only
through the commitment and generosity of our many members and supporters
that we were able to keep these landmarks, which are so essential
to the unique character of Martha's Vineyard, in the mainstream
of Island life.
To
become a member and for more information about the Trust, please
contact our main office at (508) 627-8017 or E-mail us at info@mvpreservation.org.
Our members receive a copy of Preservation News
twice a year, as well as invitations to our special events, including
the Taste of the Vineyard. We hope you will consider joining the
Preservation Trust, and we extend an open invitation to visit
our properties in the future. |
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