Exploring The History of Nantucket Innovation
Every community has a history of innovation and Nantucket is no different. This page will have some examples linked to content around innovation that happened on or because of Nantucket. Innovation could be the invention of something, the creation or perfecting of a new business or industry or process, it could be being one of the early adopters. Innovation could also be trying something different for a while and it not working out. Some of the discoveries will also be accompanied by a blog post. If you have stories about Nantucket innovation please share: connect@nantucketinnovation.com
www.nha.org
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade: Forever Changed By Nantucket
One of the most iconic images of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are those of the giant balloons floating down the streets of New York City. Little does everyone know that the first balloon, and the idea for the balloon was imagined and created right here on Nantucket. See the story in N Magazine:
An Accident That Created An Industry
In 1712 Captain Christopher Hussey killed a Sperm Whale after being blown off shore. With this kill they discovered that the oil from the Sperm Whale was better than the oil from the Right whale, which they had been killing closer to shore and using their oil. That discovery lead to the innovation of the whaling industry that Nantucket is known for.
Boys’ Sled: 1865
David Hussey of Nantucket patented a new way for a sled to work… not sure what ever came of it or if it was ever made but you can read the patent by clicking the learn more button.
The Nantucket Islands Land Bank was created in 1983 and is the first program of its kind in the United States. It took a special act of the Massachusetts Legislature to create the land bank as conceived by and voted on by the voters of Nantucket.
www.nha.org
Camels On The Sand Bar
Peter F. Ewer and others started a company that used what they called “camels” to help float the whaling ships over the sandbar at the mouth of the Harbor. This was needed because the whaling ships were going further and thus getting bigger and harder to float over the sandbar. The “camels” were basically pontoons. Learn more at the Nantucket Historical Association’s webpage by clicking the button.