The Nantucket Gam

For generations, Nantucketers have braved the chilly offseason waters of the island's harbors to harvest one of the most prized delicacies - the Nantucket Bay Scallop! Join the Gam this month to explore the history of Nantucket's scalloping industry, from its early beginnings, to the height of island tradition, and into the modern era. How did Nantucket's scallops become such a prized catch? What is the history and culture of the Nantucket scalloping industry, and what challenges does it face now? Plus, an interview with 13th generation Nantucketer Christian Ray, who's spent nearly every winter of his life working in the scalloping industry! 

This month, the Nantucket Gam explores Nantucket's role in a key moment in American history - the California Gold Rush. At a time of economic downturn and hardship, the Gold Rush proved an opportunity for Nantucketers to provide for their families. Join us to learn how the end of the whaling era kickstarted a dramatic exodus to California. Plus, we interview author Ron Filion, who's book details some of the ships that carried Nantucketers from coast to coast. Don't miss this month's episode - it's podcast gold! 

Join the Gam and learn all about Nantucket's own Anna Gardner - an educator, writer, and reformer who went above and beyond to live her principles during Antebellum and Reconstruction era America. We follow Anna's life from her early years through her travels into the civil war south, to her work in freedman's schools in Virginia. Plus, an interview with Author, Historian, Educator and NHA Research Fellow Barbara White!

Tired of those loud, noisy trucks that trundle through the tight streets of Nantucket? Done with being stuck in 45 minutes of traffic on Old South Road? Tire screeching of fast and flashy cars ruining your beach day? You're not alone! Over a century ago, many islanders would have agreed with you. Join the Gam this month to learn all about the history of Nantucket's stand against the automobile - the Nantucket Car Ban. Plus, for our interview, we are joined by Brian Quigley, who discusses the historic legality of the ban. 

Join us for part two of our series on Nantucket and the American Revolution! In part two, we are joined once again by Nathaniel Philbrick, the award-winning author, Nantucket historian and NHA Research Fellow who has published extensively on different stories of the American Revolution and Nantucket. Philbrick joins our Gam to explore more stories of Nantucket during the conflict and the broader context of the American Revolution. Plus, learn when to look for his new book on the California Gold Rush!   

Muster your friends and family, gather and listen close as the Nantucket Gam celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a tale of Nantucket during the American Revolution! Join us for a tale of economic collapse, Quakerism, smuggling, divided loyalties and uneasy neutrality on our lonely island 30 miles out to sea. How does an island dependent on a single industry navigate the conflict between the colonies and London? Who would you be - Patriot, Privateer, Loyalist or Smuggler? Learn all about it in part one of our two-part series on Nantucket and the American Revolution. 

Dive into a story of confusion, carelessness and tragedy as the team from the Nantucket Gam describes the fateful events of July 25th, 1956 and the collision of the luxury liner Andrea Doria. What caused the wreck? Could it have been avoided? Join us to learn more about this famous disaster that sparked enduring questions and captured the imagination of the nation. Plus, stay tuned for an interview with legendary wreck diver John Chatterton (Shadow Divers, Deep Sea Detectives) who has made more than 170 dives to the incredibly dangerous wreck.  

On this episode of The Nantucket Gam, we explore the complex history of how Nantucket's Oldest House changed over time into what it is today. From it's creation during the colonial era of Nantucket, through its numerous owners and to its modern history as a historic property of the Nantucket Historical Association, the Oldest House has seen many changes; each representative of the needs of the time. Plus, stay tuned for an interview with ReMain's Virna Gonzalez!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Episode 4 of Season 2 of The Nantucket Gam proclaims the tales of Nantucket's gregarious town criers. Before the popularization of the newspaper, radio, or television, the citizens of Nantucket would rely on loud men, loud men with bells and horns, to broadcast the comings and goings of the island. They would become icons of the island community, known far and wide for their skill and devotion to yelling the news. Join the Gam team to learn all about the tradition of town criers, the evolution of their art, and the modern interpretation of the practice. Do you think you'd have what it takes to be the voice of the island? Plus, stay tuned for an interview with Nantucket's current town crier, Eric Goddard.

Season 2, Episode 3 of The Nantucket Gam is all about bikes, bikes, bikes! Bicycle and history enthusiasts rejoice - Thomas's research this month uncovers everything you wanted to know and more about your favorite way to get around the island. We discuss it all - from the first bikes on Nantucket, to the biking craze that swept the island, and how bicycles deep influence on island culture and transportation is still alive today. Whether you're a leisurely biker or a high-speed scorcher, we're sure you'll love the history we're peddling. Plus, an interview with Harvey and Jasper Young from the famous Young's Bicycle Shop!