In June 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation added Nantucket to its list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. This designation arose during a period of rapid development and house speculation that resulted in a large number of gut rehabilitation and the removal of important architectural features of houses on Nantucket. Many were alarmed, and it seemed that for the first time the island’s historic resources and character were under attack. Irreplaceable evidence and prime examples of Nantucket’s architectural history were endangered.
The Nantucket Preservation Trust (NPT) was largely born as a response to this crisis, adopting a mission to help promote the preservation of Nantucket’s outstanding architectural heritage by assisting property owners and educating the public at large. The NPT has developed a series of resources, publications and programs to help accomplish this mission.
Ramblings
Ramblings is a complimentary publication that provides information on historic buildings, neighborhoods, NPT programs and events. Ramblings is designed for all who love the island’s historic architecture and are dedicated to its protection.  Each issue is filled with historic images and useful information for both the island resident and visitor. More>
Interiors Survey
The Historic Interiors Survey is a collaborative effort between the Nantucket Preservation Trust (NPT) and University of Florida’s Preservation Institute Nantucket (UF PI:N) to inventory nearly 1,000 private residences, including the 800 pre-Civil War structures that help make-up Nantucket Town. With support from the Nantucket Community Preservation Committee, a database is being created that organizes information gathered from various archives, town records and in person site visits. More>
Resource Guide
Restoring a historic building can be a challenge. It is often difficult to know where to begin and who to turn to for assistance and advice. Part of the mission of NPT is to educate property owners about their historic buildings as well as measures to help protect them. To that end, the following pages provide some helpful information  for historic house owners. This guide is designed to provide the owner of the historic Nantucket house with a starting point. More>
Publications
An important part of NPT’s work is to document the island’s architectural heritage and to share this information with the public. One way we preform this is through our Neighborhood Book Series: Off Centre; The Wesco Acre Lots, Main Street and Sconset; The house and their Histories and A Walk Down Main Street. More>
Craftsmen and Preservation Contacts
True craftsmen and preservationists are those that respect the architectural integrity of Nantucket’s historic resources by interfering as little as possible with a structure’s architectural fabric. This “light touch approach” means learning about a building’s history, studying, uncovering and preserving while also ensuring that interiors are sensitively upgraded and preserved for future generations. Visit our page to learn more.
Helpful Links
Visit our helpful links page for a quick reference to other great island resources!