VPT Events

Open for the season. Join us as we celebrate the 150th birthday of the Flying Horses, America’s oldest carousel. Reach for the brass ring and be part of this beloved Island tradition in Oak Bluffs, and save the date for our all day birthday party on July 25.

The Taste is the Island’s summer kickoff and the Vineyard Preservation Trust’s largest fundraiser—featuring 100+ local food and beverage vendors, live music, and dancing on the historic Daniel Fisher House lawn. Members Early Access Tickets on sale May 4th. Tickets on sale May 11th for the General Public. Become a Trust member for early access!

The Patrons’ Party is the Vineyard Preservation Trust’s most important fundraiser of the year — an elegant homecoming that ushers in the summer season. This year’s Garden Party theme sets the scene for cocktails, a gourmet dinner, live music, and an exciting auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences. Joyful and refined, it’s a celebration of preservation at its finest. Stewardship Tables on sale now. General tickets available May 4th.

Independence on Martha’s Vineyard: Then, Now & Forever is an immersive exhibition that explores how independence has shaped the Island over 250 years. Through historic objects and storytelling, this exhibit reveals the distinct culture of self-determination and the lasting influence of Revolutionary ideals on Vineyard life.

The Vincent House, the Vineyard’s oldest home, is the stage for this exhibit, which is presented as part of the Commonwealth’s MA250 commemorations, made possible by the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation and the Mass Cultural Council.

*Edgartown Village Market Day

Led by historian Norah Van Riper, Independence on Foot is a spirited walking tour exploring Martha’s Vineyard’s revolutionary past. Beginning at the Vincent House Museum, this 90-minute walking tour connects Edgartown sites, stories, and civic ideals – bringing the Island’s role in the American Revolution and its independent spirit to life. Participating families receive a President’s for Kids activity book.

Voices of Independence brings spoken word and music together on the historic stage of the Old Whaling Church to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Featuring Island notables and historic texts alongside personal reflections, this one-night civic program explores liberty, democracy, and the meaning of independence then and now.

A free, family-friendly interactive program introducing children to presidential history with Dan Scudder, founder of Presidents For Kids.  Presidents For Kids publishes fun and educational activity books for kids ages 5-10, with series topics including Presidents, First Ladies, National Parks, and more.  Drop by to learn fun facts about presidential history, connect with the story of America’s 250th anniversary, and sample the Presidents For Kids activity book series. Learn more: http://www.presidentsforkids.com 

From Revolutionary-era liberty caps to modern protest fashion, this illustrated talk with live models explores how clothing and etiquette have expressed cultural change across 250 years of American history. Presented by protocol expert Sharon-Frances “Shances” Moore, the program reveals how what we wear reflects evolving social values. Learn more about Sharon here: https://www.shances.com/.

You are invited to the Flying Horses Carousel 150th Birthday Party! Round and round we go—150 years of magic in motion. Celebrate America’s oldest carousel with a joyful birthday adventure that begins at the Flying Horses and winds through Oak Bluffs with activities for the whole family!