Exploring the Rich Legacy of Black-Owned Businesses in Martha's Vineyard
- Veronica Carr
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
#MarthasVineyard (Dukes County, MA)
Way before I visited #MarthasVineyard and understood the importance of its African American history, I knew of the #BlackDog a popular restaurant and tavern because friends and acquaintances of mine wore their hats and sweatshirts.
In recent years, Martha’s Vineyard has been a popular destination for prominent African Americans, including former president and First Lady #BarackObama and #MichelleObama; Supreme Court Justice #KentanjiBrownJackson, filmmaker #SpikeLee; and professor, historian, and TV personality #DrHenryLouisGates. The #AfricanAmericanFilmFestival and #SoulFest draw thousands each year and offer a space for Black filmmakers, artists, etc. to put their talents on display.
The African American culture of Martha’s Vineyard has also filtered into the fashion world. #RalphLauren, who debuted their HBCU Collection in 2022, have also launched its #OaksBluff (a town on Martha’s Vineyard) clothing line, paying homage to the style of African Americans who visited the popular resort in the early to mid 1900s.
But the history runs much deeper than this.
Although the Black history of Martha’s Vineyard originates in the 1600s, its popularity as a resort (or “watering spot”) began in the late 1880s. Black vacationers, who were often denied entry to White resorts, created their own: #Idlewild in Michigan; #HighlandBeach in Anne Arundel County, MD; and #SagHarbor in Long Island, NY. Oaks Bluff, like these other spots, started as a summer destination and evolved into a year-round community that attracted different types within the Black community.
The first group who migrated to the area were those seeking work in a more favorable Northern environment, as opposed to the stifling, racist South. According to the 1997 publication, “African American on Martha’s Vineyard”, published by the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society, there were also two other groups who frequented the area.
“A second group of Blacks came just in the summer and included some who would only work for whites. Others, more entrepreneurial, set up guest houses and small hotels run by and for Blacks, anticipating the desire of the more affluent Blacks to seek vacations away from the city. The third group of Blacks was made up of those who came on vacation as a leisure class… later returning to purchase their own homes.”
Others who were drawn to Oaks Bluff included church groups, particularly Methodist camp meetings, and jubilee singing groups. This photograph, estimated to be from either the 1870s or 1880s, depicts an unknown group in front of #ThayerCottage, who were possibly connected to a Methodist Church camp meeting.
I highly recommend that you, your family, and friends make time to visit historic Martha’s Vineyard and h/t to the ancestors.
Courtesy of Nanny Jack & Co Archives
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