Friends and supporters gathered in ’Sconset on Thursday, August 6, 2026, for the Nantucket Preservation Trust’s 21st Annual August Fête: Gone Fishing! An Exploration of Codfish Park.
Four homes were open to Fête attendees: 5 Bank Street, 8 Bank Street, 11 Beach Street, and 13 Bank Street. Each home offered a unique history and an excellent example of restoration and preservation as Fête-goers stepped back in time to explore the small cottages that shaped the stretch of land created by the October Gale of 1841 that we now know as Codfish Park.
The histories of these houses celebrate the stories of Nantucketers who staked their claim in these small homes, ran businesses, raised families, and enjoyed sea-scented summers with square footage at a minimum. Learn more about these historic Codfish Park properties here.
Along with the house tours, the ’Sconset Casino became the home base for the evening, with music by the Shep Cats and hearty fare and sweet treats from Island Kitchen. Guests returned from the tours and were immediately swept up in the party, chatting about their favorite houses while keeping an eye on their silent auction bids.
This year’s silent auction featured 22 items from local makers and businesses, all inspired my Nantucket’s unique sense of place. Click here to see the full list of auction donors.
Welcoming remarks from Rita Carr, newly appointed Executive Director of Nantucket Preservation Trust, set the tone ahead of the showstopping live auction: “We’re thrilled to highlight the unique history of Codfish Park, where cottages like the ones you toured tonight show that bigger isn’t always better.”
The evening was then handed over to Karen Keane, guest auctioneer from Skinner Inc. and Antiques Roadshow, who led guests through the five offerings in the Sense of Place Live Auction:
- 150 heritage daffodil bulbs, planted by NPT Board members and volunteers for the winner
- Susan Boardman’s painting Daydream 59
- A Madequecham Beach Shack getaway, complete with a lobster dinner provided by Lemon Press
- Golf for four at Sankaty Head Golf Club
- An excursion aboard the 55-foot racing yacht, Outlier
The night concluded with a few final songs from the Shep Cats as Fête attendees said their goodbyes, snuck in one last dance, and collected their winning auction items. On the way out, guests received a sweet parting gift generously provided by Fiduciary Trust International, the lead underwriter for this year’s event. The Annual August Fête is always a night to remember, and this year’s celebration was no exception. We are incredibly grateful to the many homeowners, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, local businesses, artists, and makers who made the evening memorable and helped support the work of Nantucket Preservation Trust.