Experience the Fury of the Sea

by Sarah Teach

The sea was furious; there was no doubt about that. What were islanders to do but wait it out?  Imagine the chaos of wailing winds and ferocious rains pummeling your home like hammers and nails.  Your roof is whipped with wrathful furls of debris and you shudder, wondering which windows will shatter.  You stay inside and hold your children a little tighter.  This is Nantucket during a hurricane.

Photo by Robert Benchley

This very nature of events unfolded here 20 years ago, in mid-August of 1991 when Hurricane Bob attacked.  In his rage, he uprooted thousands of venerable trees, sapped the whole island of power, and killed nearly all plant life with the salty, corrosive sediment he left in his wake.  Nantucketers began to rebuild, only to be hit again a month later by The No-Name Storm, known to fans of Sebastian Junger and Mark Wahlburg as “The Perfect Storm.”  Following in Bob’s footsteps, this nameless beast destroyed the Nantucket coast as it flooded the land, took charge of houses, and sank boats.  It eliminated the North Wharf, the town pier, along with yards upon yards of beach along the southern side of the island.  Staff at the Whaling Museum worked feverishly to protect the artifacts therein before the waters reached the museum’s doors.  One person recalls stepping outside to see a boat floating down the flooded street.  Fortunately no Nantucket lives were lost during either storm, but the destruction of land and property had a significant impact on the island. Despite widespread devastation, the community bonded together and rebuilt Nantucket.

Photo by Michael Galvin

This season’s exhibition at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum brings visitors back to that time through first-hand accounts of people who lived through it. “Storm Stories! 1991: An Island Remembers” focuses on the fact that we as islanders are at the mercy of the ocean.  “Storm Stories” includes an ocean of dramatic photographs taken by local photographers, along with expressive memories of those who were here during the storms. Curator Lisa McCandless says, “As soon as you step into the exhibition, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the sea!”  Through she does hint at some surprises within the exhibit, McCandless remains mostly mum on the specifics. After all, she doesn’t want to spoil it for you!  It is by no means strictly an adult event, either.  In fact, McCandless says, “Bring your kids! There are lots of special hands-on activities just for children!”

Additionally, picnickers are welcome to enjoy the newly cleared field that is adjacent to the Museum. It is full of picnic tables and offers a fabulous view of Folger’s Marsh. On your way out to the Museum, pick up some take-out from Nantucket Bake Shop, Sushi by Yoshi, Easy Street Cantina, Sophie T’s Pizza, LoLa Burger, or A.K. Diamonds, and make a day of it!

The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is located at 158 Polpis Road, about three miles from downtown Nantucket.  The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Friday, May 27 and will remain open through October 10.  Admission prices can’t be beat:  $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-18, free for children under 5.  For more information, visit www.nantucketshipwreck.org or call (508) 228-1885.