nantucket lightship basket museum

Jonmun

The small museum captures the essence of the Nantucket lightship basket.for all the tourists a walk-through and don't appreciate these beautiful, marvelously crafted his stork baskets, go to this museum. Unfortunately, the massive pile of cheap Chinese copies and imports have ruined the mystique of these baskets. Go here and appreciate the true heritage.Best yet, actually buy one of these baskets from the few remaining basket makers in Nantucket. They are worth the investment. Your wife will thank you.

triptips60

The Lightship Basket Museum is a nice size and has great people working and volunteering there. It also had a wonderful gift shop. Fun to see!

Noah_Webster

So perhaps you will never be either an expert our aficionado on basket weaving. That shouldn't stop you from going to this unique diversion that is within a short walk of downtown. As it turns out Nantucket has interesting history of basket weaving. Much like the books Cod or Salt, the museum take what some might consider a mundane topic and turns the subject into a interesting wander through history, science, sociology and the arts. The two things that I found most interesting was the life and art of Jose Reyes (no, not the shortstop from the DR) and the fact that lightship baskets, like 19th century symphonies, follow a fairly set structure yet end up being enormously creative and imaginative works of art. The audio guide is quite helpful way to learn about the topics.

jeanc977

Very interesting! You learn the history of Nantucket baskets through a short video. There are beautiful baskets on display! The staff is very helpful. You can actually see a basket being woven. Very enjoyable!

travelerkj

A nice little museum to walk around with changing exhibits showcasing the creativity of the basket makers.

2333FarMor

THis is a small (but packed) museum devoted to Nantucket baskets. The most famous basket makers shop is here too and often there are demos. A walk from town, but then you can reward yourself be stopping across the street at 56 Union

ACB971

Very interesting museum, small but well worth a visit. Combine with visit to Shipwreck museum for interesting picture of early Nantucket.

MaryB441

This small museum was well worth the visit. The history connection to Nantucket was well presented. Be sure to take the time to watch the video. The people who work at this museum have a love of their topic. The museum does not require a long visit, however, you leave with a clear picture of the lightship basket and Nantucket.

loladeflores

Take the time out to stop and see this small museum. If you have ever wondered about the history of the making of the Nantucket baskets, the wonderful women who volunteer at this shop will tell you interesting stories about many people who were involved in the basket making process and show you how to weave your own! There is even an original weaving shop within the museum.

jilh2001

Small but charming museum where you can learn about lightship basketmaking and the history of making baskets. The people who work here are so nice and polite. They spend time explaining and answering questions. I became a member because I liked it so much.

JT203

This museum is a gem. The 10 minute video presentation gives a great overview of basket making. The staff are so friendly and informative. A woman was weaving a basket during my visit. It is a 15-20 minute walk from the Information Center on Federal St.

ogura98

Allot of history on display here. Very interesting to see how the art of these incredibly intricate baskets has changed over the years. The staff was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot about the history of Nantucket. They also have demonstration weavers that show how to make a basket. A woman weaver with red hair (Cathy?) was very friendly and answered all my questions including where I could find the best lobster roll.