Martha's Vineyard in May

I am considering going to Martha%26#39;s Vineyard in May. I want to take some time to do a little family research as my family is from Edgartown. I%26#39;ve never visited the island. Is mid-May a good time to visit - hopefully, hitting before the throngs arrive? If so, can any one steer me to a genealogical society or library where I can use a little ';fun'; time to learn more about my family, the Jernegans.

Also, can someone give me some insight on the average temperatures/weather conditions in mid-May?

And, sorry for so many ?, but recommendations on accommodations, too?

Many thanks!

Martha's Vineyard in May

Hi, Cindy - May is a great time to go to the Vineyard. The weather is usually pretty good, but can get chilly (50s) Altho, I have been swimming before Memorial Day too, so the temp. can vary. I would reccommend layers, you%26#39;ll definitely need a jacket for the evenings. To be close to the ';action'; look for places in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. You don%26#39;t mention if you will have or be renting a car, but if you aren%26#39;t planning to, you%26#39;ll need to stay in one of those places so that you have access to transportation. As for the genealogy - I would post on a Dukes County, MA forum at either www.rootsweb.com or www.genforum.com People can direct you to the best resources. As your ancestors are from MA, you could also consider visiting the State Archives at Columbia Point outside of Boston - Mass. has great records back to 1790 and they are free and very accessible. If you are flying into Boston, you could stop on the way to the ferry. Hope you have a good trip!

Martha's Vineyard in May

I%26#39;d stay in Edgartown, if that%26#39;s where your family roots are. (I%26#39;m pretty sure there%26#39;s a Jernegan Road in Edgartwon ... just off Edg/VH road, about a mile from the triangle???)

I like the HobNob Inn, or the Point Way, but I%26#39;m partial to small B%26amp;Bs. Check the TA reviews.

Thanks so much! I%26#39;m looking forward to the trip. I am going to try or the Hob Knob.

cindygold

Yes, May would be great. Of course, it can rain. But chances are you%26#39;ll have one or two very beautiful days.

I recognize your last name! I knew a woman with that last name in Boston (but am not in touch with her).

There are geneological and historical organizations in Massachusetts that might also help you. I forget the exact name, but you might try a Google on the acronym ';SPNEA'; (Society for the Preservation of New England antiquities?). I would not overlook libraries as a source. You can call the Boston Public Library, ask for reference, and then see what they might recommend. Librarians are so great. There is a library in Edgartown, and it might have special stuff on Martha%26#39;s Vineyard. The local newspaper is another idea. The older newspaper is the ';Martha%26#39;s Vineyard Gazette';. I forget what the younger one is called. I would not hesitate to look at the Gazette%26#39;s website and maybe even telephone. And perhaps there is a way to look up grave sites for the entire island.

You will want to stay in one of the 3 big towns -- especially if you are not bringing a car across. Edgartown is my favorite, then Oak bluffs, then Vineyard Haven. Just note that Vineyard Haven is a ';dry'; town (no booze and no bars).

Good luck!

I just re-read your post. Of course you should stay in Edgartown. And I have another research idea for you -- the Registry of Deeds for The County of Duke%26#39;s County (Martha%26#39;s Vineyard is synonymous with the ';County of Duke%26#39;s County and all land records in massachusetts are organized county by county). While many of these records are starting to be available online, I think the earlier records would not be -- but the paper records are right there in the Registry. I am pretty sure this is in downtown Edgartown, same building as the courthouse.

Make sure you walk down Summer St. in Edgartown. Capt Jernegan%26#39;s home is there with a sign stating such over the door. It%26#39;s about three blocks off Main Street. The Jernegan%26#39;s listed in the %26#39;Island Book%26#39; phone book should be able to assist you with some research and the best places to look - there are a four, one living on Jernegan Ave. People here on the island are extremely friendly and more than willing to help. I don%26#39;t think they%26#39;d mind a phone call at all! Also, a walk through the Edgartown cemetary should have a few headstones.

I have no doubt you%26#39;ll return home much richer in knowledge and connections, making a few friends and distant cousins along the way. Enjoy your time here!

I was introduced to the Vineyard in May, years ago, and it%26#39;s always been my favorite time to go. It%26#39;s just ';waking up'; in May, with lots of freshening up going on. It%26#39;s cheaper. There are a lot less people -- visitors, anyway. And the to-ing and fro-ing on the mainland (getting to the ferry) is much easier. Go.

It can be a little chilly in May good idea to dress in layers. A walk on the beach might require a sweatshirt one day but not the next! Jernegan is a very familiar name on the Vineyard and a walk thru the cemetery will give you some info. I suggest that you stay in Edgartown it is close to the Museum where you can also spend time looking into the archives and reading about your family - there is also a wealth of information regarding ';old vineyard families';...the staff is also very helpful. As mentioned above there is also a house on Summer St. that once belonged to a member of the jernegan family. Happy hunting - sounds like fun. Good Luck!