Historic Walking Tours
Discover the charm and storied history of Edgartown on a guided walking tour stepping off from the iconic Old Whaling Church with our team of educators. Gain exclusive access to our historic buildings including the Daniel Fisher House, Vincent House, and other highlights while supporting the Vineyard Preservation Trust’s mission to preserve its heritage for future generations.
Private Tours
Explore the history of Edgartown with a private walking tour led by knowledgeable guides, offering a personalized experience for you and your group.
Historic Group Tours
Embark on a group tour in Edgartown, led by expert guides, for an engaging exploration of the town’s fascinating history.
Tour Highlights
What to expect on your journey.
- Exclusive access to Vineyard Preservation Trust historic landmarks in downtown Edgartown showcasing the island’s charming and classical architecture spanning nearly 300 years.
- Discover the legends and lore of Martha’s Vineyard’s first settlers.
- Learn about America’s famous Whaling Captains, entrepreneurs, and the creative people who shaped our nation and its cultural history.
Tour Description
The Carnegie Heritage Center’s Historic Tour is a 75-minute guided walking tour of Edgartown, providing exclusive access to the island’s most iconic, historic buildings. Led by educators from the Vineyard Preservation Trust, the journey steps off from the Old Whaling Church, one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in New England. The tour continues into the storied, Daniel Fisher House and the interior of the island’s oldest home, the Vincent House.
Winding past the clapboarded facades of the Whaling Captains’ homes, the tour now includes a visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s 1766 Cooke House and Gardens. The walk continues past the exterior’s of the vaunted Federated Church and other Edgartown jewels, including American’s oldest pagoda tree, before finishing at the Trust’s flagship, The Carnegie Heritage Center. This former Edgartown Carnegie Library now housing a “living landmarks” exhibit and installations of fine scrimshaw and important Island artifacts.
Group Tour Details:
- May 2025 Fridays & Saturdays
- Tour time: 10:30 am
- Location: The Old Whaling Church, 89 Main Street, Edgartown
- Phone: 774-549-9107
- Time: 75 Minutes (walking), Rain or Shine
- Guests per group: 14
- Tickets: $25- Adult, $10 Youth (6-17), Under 6 Free. – Gratuities for guide appreciated
Private Tour Details
- Starting May 1st: by appointment only
- Tickets: $40 per person with a minimum of two people
- Contact Sissy to book your tour: sissy@mvpreservation.org
*The Old Whaling Church is located on the corner of Main Street and Church Street. The Church Street, Edgartown VTA bus stop is conveniently located nearby.
*Parking in town is minimal, we encourage you to park at the Park ‘n Ride take the shuttle to Among The Flowers, and walk to The Old Whaling Church.
