Chilmark

www.ci.chilmark.ma.us


The Town of Chilmark is a small rural community located toward the western end of the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Most of its 10,639 acres are devoted to residential and agricultural use. The center of town houses a small elementary schoolhouse (originally a one-room school built circa 1850 and still in use for younger grades), a public library (originally a house built in 1790), a town hall built circa 1897, and a handsome church built in 1843. These buildings have all had additions during recent years.

Within Chilmark is a fishing village named Menemsha. During the spring, summer, and fall, fishing vessels come in with their catches and fresh seafood can be purchased there. The harbor, in addition to a commercial pier where fishing vessels tie up, has a small yacht marina that is extremely popular during the summer months. Menemsha is also the home of a Coast Guard Station.

Chilmark is particularly welcoming in the fall. The busy tourist season is over, the weather is beautiful, and the rolling hills, woodlands, and lovely panoramic ocean views make the town an extraordinary place to visit.

The preceding narrative was provided by the Mass Department of Housing and Community Development.




For more information, visit the Department of Housing and Community Development site for Chilmark, MA www.state.ma.us/dhcd/iprofile/062.pdf