The Cottagers mark 70 years with restored headquarters and summer events

By AI, Created 2:31 PM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – The Cottagers Incorporated of Martha’s Vineyard is celebrating its 70th anniversary this summer with events across the island, led by the grand reopening of its restored headquarters in Oak Bluffs. The milestone highlights seven decades of Black women’s philanthropy, cultural leadership and community service on Martha’s Vineyard.

Why it matters: - The Cottagers Incorporated is celebrating 70 years of service as a multigenerational nonprofit of 100 African American female homeowners on Martha’s Vineyard. - The anniversary underscores the organization’s long-running role in charitable, educational, cultural and community work on the Island. - The restored Cottagers’ Corner gives the group a renewed home base for public programs, fundraisers and community gatherings.

What happened: - The Cottagers Incorporated announced a summer-long 70th anniversary celebration centered on the reopening of Cottagers’ Corner in Oak Bluffs. - The grand reopening ribbon cutting is set for June 24 at 57 Pequot Avenue, just steps from downtown Oak Bluffs. - The organization was founded in 1956. - Cottagers’ Corner became the organization’s headquarters in 1968 after the group outgrew meetings held in members’ living rooms and porches. - The building previously served Oak Bluffs as a fire station, town hall and local jail.

The details: - The restored headquarters now includes structural upgrades, improved systems, an elevator, accessible bathrooms and a renovated kitchen. - The renovation was designed to expand the building’s use for community programming and special events. - Patricia R. Bush, the organization’s president, said the restored building is especially meaningful during the 70th anniversary because Cottagers’ Corner has long been a place where friendships, stories and community gatherings took shape. - The anniversary calendar includes a June 11 panel at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road in Vineyard Haven. - The panel, “100 Black Women Serving the Vineyard for 70 Years,” will feature Cottagers members reflecting on the organization’s history, legacy and Island impact. - Cottager Linda Moffat will moderate the panel, which begins at 5 p.m. - The Children’s Initiative at Cottagers’ Corner will take place July 2 at 57 Pequot Avenue. - Youth storyteller Daphney Roberts will headline the free family event, which starts at 11 a.m. - The Cottagers’ 39th Annual House Tour is set for July 16 and begins at 10 a.m. at Cottagers’ Corner. - The tour will showcase some of Martha’s Vineyard’s distinctive homes and support the organization’s charitable and community work. - A Soulful Evening with Jeffrey Osborne benefit concert is scheduled for July 30 at the Strand Theatre, 11 Oak Bluffs Avenue. - Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and proceeds will support the Cottagers’ Corner Restoration and Building Fund. - A family dance party hosted by MVYRadio, in partnership with The Cottagers Incorporated, is set for Aug. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the MVCMA Tabernacle, 80 Trinity Avenue, Oak Bluffs. - The dance party will feature DJ Smooth B and is free to attend. - More information and event updates are available at the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The anniversary programming blends heritage, fundraising and public-facing community events, signaling that the organization is using the milestone to broaden engagement beyond members. - The restored headquarters appears positioned to serve as both a symbol of continuity and a practical venue for future island programming. - The celebration also highlights the visibility and staying power of Black women’s civic leadership on Martha’s Vineyard.

What’s next: - The Cottagers will move through a full summer slate of public events tied to the 70th anniversary. - The reopened Cottagers’ Corner is expected to host more meetings, educational programs, social events and community activities. - The organization will continue fundraising for the building restoration while promoting its charitable mission across the Island.