About

Since 1975, Vineyard Preservation Trust has been dedicated to restoring and preserving the Island’s most iconic places—ensuring that the spirit of Martha’s Vineyard endures for generations to come.

From a heritage center and working farm to two beloved, grand churches, post-and-beam barns, the oldest store on the island, formal gardens, and the whimsical Flying Horses Carousel, our 20 historic landmarks capture four centuries of Vineyard life. Stately or simple, classic or quirky, each property tells a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and community.

Two of these sites are designated National Historic Landmarks, and nine more contribute to National Historic Landmark Districts through local historic district recognition—an enduring testament to the Island’s significance in the American story.

By maintaining public access to these spaces, the Trust keeps the Island’s unique character and cultural heritage alive in the daily life of residents and the experiences of visitors alike.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Vineyard Preservation Trust is sustained through the generosity of donors, grants, events, and property revenue. Together, we’re preserving what makes the Vineyard timeless. Learn more at  vineyardtrust.org.

Support VPT

For 50 years, the Vineyard Preservation Trust has acquired, restored, and cared for historic landmarks, preserving Martha’s Vineyard’s unique character and keeping its heritage as an integral part of the community’s daily life and the visitors’ experience.  

Martha’s Vineyard is a small island with a rich history dating back to the arrival of the first Native Americans, followed by Colonial settlements in the 1600s. As a popular summer and vacation destination for people from across the United States and the world, the pressures of development and progress have, over time, threatened the central features of this vibrant island community. The iconic, irreplaceable landmarks now in the Trust’s care were severely deteriorated and, in many cases, threatened by demolition when the Trust assumed ownership and undertook their restoration and permanent care. Now saved, each of these landmarks continues to play a central role in contemporary life while preserving the authenticity and historical character of the island.

Over the past five decades, the Vineyard Preservation Trust has grown from a small nonprofit with one property in Edgartown to an organization responsible for the stewardship of 20 iconic landmarks across four towns. All of these properties are enjoyed by island residents and visitors alike. Thousands of individuals subscribe to the Trust’s membership, and it is estimated that members of the public visit our properties over one million times each year.