The Historic Unitarian Meeting House is Nantucket's most recognizable skyline feature...

     As part of the Nantucket Historic District, the Meeting House is considered an "individually significant" structure.  Built in 1809 and updated in the 1840s, the Meeting House is home to the Carl Wendte collection of trompe l'oeil paintings, the 1831 Goodrich organ, the massive Portuguese bell, as well as a collection of historic artifacts. Presently, the collection and building are threatened by water and weather, a consequence of their island location, 30 miles off the New England coast.

    Beyond the physical collections, those organizations that use the Old South Meeting House also make up the "collection." While the building houses the religious, educational, and other activities of the Unitarian Universalist Church, the Congregation Shirat Ha'Yam, and an Assembly of God congregation - the Meeting House is also decidedly secular.  The building serves as the site for numerous and varied community meetings, programs, recitals,and lectures such as
  • Nantucket Community Music School
  • The Democratic Town Committee
  • The Nantucket Community Foundation
  • The Nantucket Preservation Trust
  • The Nantucket Land Council
  • The Nantucket Atheneum
  • Nantucket Arts Council
  • The Red Cross
  • The Nantucket Women's Chorus
  • The High School Chorus
  • Music School student recitals
  • High school reunions
  • Weddings and memorials
    The South Church Preservation Fund (SCPF) has recently completed a major restoration planning process for the "Old South" Meeting House.  In December 2006, Preservation Services Inc. of Mendon, MA, issued a report on the most pressing conservation issues.  The report, built upon a foundation of reports, scientific paint analyses, and professional structural surveys, sets forth the areas that will need immediate work for this historic structure to continue to serve the Island community for another 200 years.  Water infiltration from failing roof elements and rising damp are the most critically important elements to address in the structure.  Once water has been managed within the structure, the SCPF will embark upon a process to restore and maintain the structure and the historic trompe-l'oeil paintings.  

   The estimated cost of the project, including a permanent building maintenance fund, is over three million dollars.  Upon completion, this historic building will continue to be able to serve as a central community center.  Won't you consider helping this major Nantucket landmark continue for another 200 years?
Help us Save a Nantucket Treasure!