At its August 10 annual meeting, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum awarded the Martha’s Vineyard Medal to three recipients at a ceremony at the former Marine Hospital in Vineyard Haven.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum introduced the Martha’s Vineyard Medal in 2009, awarding it each year to leaders in the community in recognition of their outstanding commitment to preserving the history, arts, and culture of Martha’s Vineyard.
Pat Gregory was awarded the medal posthumously; his son-in-law, Dan Carbon, accepted the honor on behalf of the Gregory family. Mr. Gregory first came to Martha’s Vineyard in 1971 as a schoolteacher, and immediately exerted a strong and long-lasting influence on the Island. He went on to open EduComp with his wife Dorothy, and enjoyed a 23-year tenure as the West Tisbury town moderator.
Over the years, Mr. Gregory was involved with numerous community organizations, including the Charter School, the Daybreak Club House, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. He also coached and refereed soccer games for various leagues around the Island.
Mr. Gregory was murdered in May 2014, but his legacy on the Vineyard continues.
Pat Morgan was also honored. Ms. Morgan is on the board of directors for both the YMCA and the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. Ms. Morgan is the senior trustee of the Beagary Family Charitable Trust (founded in Brooklyn, Conn., in 1995) which has funded numerous education programs at the Museum for Island children. Ms. Morgan has also helped sponsor the catboat Vanity, as well as other causes.
Dan Waters introduced fellow West Tisbury resident Cynthia Riggs, who was the third honoree of the evening. Ms. Riggs is the well-known Island author of 14 mystery novels and a guidebook (all but one set on Martha’s Vineyard). A 13th-generation Islander, Ms. Riggs has influenced the Vineyard through her work promoting and fostering the arts, including teaching courses at the Adult and Community Education (MV ACE) program. She is also known for operating the Cleaveland House, a bed and breakfast for poets, writers, artists, and other creative people, which she operates with her husband.
