We Are Nantucket : Oral Histories of Life on Nantucket Island

The thirty-three oral history in this collection reflect the character of Nantucket and represent an important aspect of the Island''s legacy.

We Are Nantucket is a collection of thirty-three oral history interviews covering almost a century of different experiences on Nantucket. While many of the people interviewed are natives of Nantucket and have lived on the Island all their lives, a few trace their roots to the original settlers, some came as small children with their parents, others came to work and live, and some have been summer residents for decades. All love the Island and each has enjoyed a special intimacy with the community. Taken together, they reflect the character of Nantucket.

Common themes of a hearty work ethic, Yankee thriftiness and simplicity, and a value for family and community run throughout the histories. This collection of interviews preserves these memories and some of the stories of what life on this special Island was like. The Nantucket experiences of these individuals reflect the richness of the variety of people who have formed the character of the Island in the past and present, and represent an important aspect of Nantucket legacy.