The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA), in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Rome-based International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, will host a three-day symposium at the Whaling Museum from December 6-8, 2022, to explore the latest climate change research and develop strategies to advance climate conservation and protection. The symposium will include working meetings with climate change experts on December 6 and 7 and a community forum on December 8, which will be open to the public and free, as well as live on Zoom from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Nantucket, an island 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, was a whaling capital of the world from the late 18th century through the mid-19th century. Today, the island and town constitute one of the largest National Historic Districts on the nation’s east coast, with more than 800 structures built before 1850. The historic sites and cultural resources that make up the National Historic District of Nantucket are threatened by coastal flooding, erosion, and other hazards related to climate change.
“With the impact of rising sea levels threatening our iconic historic structures, the NHA is engaging with leading experts to examine how we might respond to this issue, protect our cultural resources, and help create modes that could be useful to other communities and organizations,” said NHA Gosnell Executive Director Niles Parker.
Expected outcomes of the symposium include the development of a strategic framework to inform future research and action and the adoption of a formal statement on the challenges of climate change facing cultural heritage sites around the world, including including Nantucket. Additionally, the NHA will explore specific protections for the properties of the NHA.
To register to attend the public forum in person, visit NHA.org on or after Monday, November 7. Capacity is limited and registration is required.
The workshop and symposium are supported by the Osceola Foundation, Inc. (Walter Beinecke, Jr. family), the ReMain Nantucket Fund managed by the Community Foundation for Nantucket, and Michelle Kolb, Kolb Architects.
The mission of the Nantucket Historical Association is to preserve and interpret the history of Nantucket through its programs, collections, and properties, in order to promote the significance of the island and foster its appreciation among all audiences. . To learn more about NHA program offerings, visit NHA.org.
The National Park Service preserves intact the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of present and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation across the country and around the world.
The International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) is an intergovernmental organization working on behalf of UNESCO World Heritage Member States (i.e. countries) to promote the conservation of all forms of cultural heritage, in all regions. of the world.
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