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CHRIS MASON IS NAMED NHA PUBLIC PROGRAMS COORDINATOR Chris Mason has been hired as the public programs coordinator at the Nantucket Historical Association.

The position reports to the NHA's education department. Mason will produce and implement programs at the Whaling Museum and historic sites, oversee and develop the Children's Discovery Room and coordinate the NHA's internship program. Mason was himself an intern with the NHA during the 2007 season.

Mason has a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Castleton State College in Vermont, and in December he completed course work at the University at Albany in the Master of Arts in Public History program. His recent employment includes the Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center in Waterford, N.Y., where he was the junior class CanalWays program coordinator.

"This is a new position within the education department," said Kimberly McCray, Manager of Interpretation and Education. "Having had the pleasure of working with Chris last season and recognizing his knowledge, leadership qualities and great enthusiasm for all things historical, we were delighted when he expressed interest in this position. His background, organizational skills, and enjoyment of working with the public make him a wonderful addition to our education department."

ESSEX ALIVE AT HEARTHSIDE Enjoy some of the drama of Nantucket's past while gathered around the hearth. The Nantucket Historical Association will present an informal Hearthside History this Saturday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. in the 1800 House, 4 Mill Street.

Through the eyes of the young cabin boy, experience the drama of surviving one of the worst whaleship sinkings ever recorded. Thomas Nickerson was just fourteen in 1819 when he sailed on the ill-fated Essex. NHA senior interpreter Erik Ingmundson will portray Nickerson, one of only eight who survived that harrowing voyage.

Ingmundson will base his storytelling on a 105- page manuscript written by Nickerson in 1876 but never published, and discovered in an attic in Penn Yan, N.Y., only in 1960. In 1980, the person who found the manuscript forwarded it to Nantucket historian Edouard Stackpole, who verified its authenticity. Nickerson's journal, which described his experiences in great detail, served as a major inspiration for Nat Philbrick's award-winning "In the Heart of the Sea."

After Ingmundson's first-person monologue, guests will enjoy a round of history charades. Limited seating available; advance reservations are recommended. 228-1894, ext 0. Free for NHA members, $5 general admission.

LET'S TALK ABOUT 'SCONSET Ben Simons, NHA Robyn and John Davis Curator of Collections, will lead a Gam about 'Sconset at the Nantucket Historical Association's Food for Thought Series on Thursday, Jan. 24 in the Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street, at noon. Free admission; bring your lunch.

In anticipation of the NHA's major summer exhibition, 'Sconset 02564: A Celebration of the Patchwork Village, opening in May, Joan Craig and other 'Sconset residents will reflect on the special places, people and memorable moments in the life of the village. The name "Siasconset," according to some linguists, is derived from the Native American word meaning "near the great bone," which suggests that it was not uncommon for whalebones to be cast up on the beach there.

Overheard once long ago: "Living on an island 30 miles out to sea is one thing, but living in a very small village on the far eastern end of Nantucket is another. . . . 'Sconset is an extraordinary community."

The Jan. 31 Food for Thought will feature island resident Allen Reinhard, who will discuss some of the walking paths hidden among Nantucket's unspoiled moors.

Each talk begins at noon and is free to the public. Bring your lunch. Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street. For additional information about the Food for Thought series, call 508-228-1894, ext. 0, or visit

www.nha.org to view the full schedule. I