Acquisitons
Scrimshaw Whale Tooth
This scrimshaw work features a rendering of the Wanderer and an unidentified lighthouse. The design predates 1973, probably WWII era, while the tooth itself is older.
Ivory and ink.
Gift of Robert B. Smith.
2026.1.1
Black & White Photograph of the Charles W. Morgan at Round Hill
The Charles W. Morgan served as a whaling ship during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel was even depicted in the silent film, Down to the Sea in Ships (1922). Today, the ship is the only surviving wooden whaling ship and oldest merchant vessel.
Gift of Robert B. Smith.
2026.1.3
Black & White Photograph of the Wanderer with Fishing Fleet
The Wanderer, the last square-rigged whaleship, crashed on Cuttyhunk in 1924. The museum's collections feature many objects recovered from the vessel. The ship was also used as a stand in for the Charles W. Morgan in the silent film, Down to the Sea in Ships (1922).
Gift of Robert B. Smith.
2026.1.2
Wilfred Tilton, Rocky Shore, ca. 1953
Cuttyhunker Wilfred Tilton was an artist of many talents: pottery, watercolors, and pen and ink drawings.
Watercolor on paper.
Gift of Carolyn Powers.
2026.3.1
Porthole, ca. 1944
This porthole was recovered from the wreck of the Vineyard Sound Lightship. Diver Brad Luther and professor Dr. Harold Edgerton were the first to discover the wreck in 1963 using sonar. The US lightship sank during the 1944 hurricane, along with its 12 crewmembers.
Gift of Jon B. Johansen.
2026.2.1
Norman Fortier, Catboats
Known predominantly as a photographer, Norman E. Fortier's work focuses on marine subjects. This passion carried over into the watercolors he produced later in his career.
Watercolor on paper.
Gift of Christine Fairchild.
2026.4.1
Color Photograph of Wreck Master
Brad Luther was a prominent wreck and salvage diver in New England. He was responsible for uncovering many unknown wrecks and creating a map of their locations. Wreck Master was one of his boats used in salvage operations.
Gift of Jon B. Johansen.
2026.2.2
Norman Fortier, Alert and Shenandoah
Known predominantly as a photographer, Norman E. Fortier's work focuses on marine subjects. This passion carried over into the watercolors he produced later in his career.
Watercolor on paper.
Gift of Christine Fairchild.
2026.4.2