Nantucket Historical Association

The Fire Hose Cart House is the only remaining 19th century firehouse on the island. It was one of many built after the devastating fire that destroyed most of the town in 1846. The building contains some of the original 19th century equipment used to fight the 1846 fire.

Built in 1845 by William Hawden, Hawden House features the neo-Classical façade that was popular during the prosperous days of whaling. It has first floor parlors with luxurious furnishings signaling the departure from the earlier days of Quaker austerity.

The Jethro Coffin House is the oldest residence on Nantucket. Built in 1686, this saltbox style house is the only surviving structure from the original 17th century English settlement. Jethro was the grandson of one of the island's first white settlers, Tristam Coffin.

Island merchant Nathaniel Macy had this house moved to its present location in 1745. Macy Christian House features colonial architecture fused with styles popularized later in the 19th and 20th century. It has been maintained by the NHA since 1972 when it was donated by the Reverend and Mrs. George Christian.

Built in 1806 using heavy oak timbers, the Old Gaol has iron rods running through the walls and bars across the windows. It was built to contain the criminal element that arrived during Nantucket's day as an international seaport. Visitors can hear guides tell stories of prison escape attempts and successes.

Built in 1746 using the wood from shipwrecks, the Old Mill in Nantucket is said to be the oldest working mill in the country. It stopped commercial operation in 1892 and was donated to the NHA in 1897. When the weather is right during the summer, guides still grind corn here to demonstrate how the mill works.