Martha’s Vineyard: Along the Deaf Heritage Trail and beyond

Martha’s Vineyard is seen as a vacation playground for the rich and famous. It is not uncommon to have a celebrity sighting on the island but, today, many travelers hope for an Obama sighting during their stay.

Nancy Gardella, Executive Director at the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, says that the place is so much more than its pretty beaches and famous residents. Among the stories Nancy reveals is the Vineyard’s troubling story of colonization and the island’s surprising legacy of sign language.

Sign language is the noblest gift God has given to deaf people.

George Veditz

The sign language that was created on Martha’s Vineyard was a precursor to American Sign Language. People on island used sign as naturally as spoken English and even hearing people used sign to communicate with each other.

Martha’s Vineyard is doing an exception job celebrating and preserving the island’s history. In addition to the Deaf Heritage Trail, there’s a cultural center that dedicated to the indigenous community, and there’s an African American Heritage trail that showcases the legacy of African Americans on the island. Hear the stories few are sharing about Martha’s Vineyard—from the Deaf Heritage Trail, African American Heritage Trail and beyond.

Hear the stories few are sharing about Martha’s Vineyard—from the Deaf Heritage Trail, African American Heritage Trail and beyond.

Book Your Stay on Martha’s Vineyard

Use the interactive map below to search, compare and book hotels & rentals at the best prices that are sourced from a variety of platforms including Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more.  Search for ANY destination by clicking in the upper left corner of this map. You can also use the filter to fine tune your search, find restaurants, attractions and more!