Nantucket Historical Association Acquires Rare Scrimshaw Masterpiece
The Nantucket Historical Association has announced the acquisition of an extraordinary piece of island folk art: a rare scrimshaw plaque created by Edward Burdett, one of the earliest identified American scrimshaw artists and a Nantucket-born whaleman.
Considered one of the finest scrimshaw pieces in the world, the plaque will be on exhibit at the Whaling Museum this summer, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see a remarkable work tied directly to Nantucket’s whaling history.
A Rare Piece of Nantucket History
Edward Burdett, who lived from 1805 to 1833, is recognized as the earliest identified American engraver of sperm whale teeth. Only about twenty pieces of scrimshaw by Burdett are known today, making this newly acquired plaque an especially significant addition to the NHA’s collection.
The piece had remained in a single family for nearly 200 years before being offered to the Nantucket Historical Association by descendants of Captain Valentine Hussey, a notable merchant from Nantucket’s whaling era.
What the Scrimshaw Plaque Depicts
The plaque features a detailed maritime scene showing an imagined encounter between two whaleships, the William Tell and the Stonington, as they hunt a pod of sperm whales. The scene likely dates to around 1830.
Burdett served as second mate aboard the William Tell from 1829 to 1833, and much of his finest known scrimshaw work was created during that voyage. The level of detail in the ships, whales, birds, and surrounding sea makes the plaque a remarkable example of early American maritime folk art.
Why This Acquisition Matters
For Nantucket, scrimshaw is more than decorative art. It is a direct link to the island’s whaling past, when sailors often used time at sea to carve and engrave materials from the whales they hunted. These pieces now help tell the story of life aboard whaleships, the artistry of sailors, and Nantucket’s place in maritime history.
The NHA already holds three other scrimshaw pieces by Burdett, including one created aboard the same whaleship as this plaque. This new acquisition further strengthens the museum’s collection and offers a rare chance to view one of the most important works of its kind.
See It at the Whaling Museum This Summer
The scrimshaw plaque will be on view in the Arie L. Kopelman Gallery at the Nantucket Whaling Museum this summer. Whether you are a longtime island history enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful cultural stop during your time on Nantucket, this rare piece is well worth seeing in person.
With its deep local connection, exceptional craftsmanship, and remarkable preservation, the plaque offers a powerful glimpse into Nantucket’s whaling legacy and the artistry that emerged from life at sea.
Plan Your Visit
Visitors can see the newly acquired Edward Burdett scrimshaw plaque at the Nantucket Whaling Museum this summer. For more information about the Nantucket Historical Association and its exhibitions, visit the NHA website.
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