Skip Finley

Skip Finley is the author of “Whaling Captains of Color: America’s First Meritocracy”, which details the lives of more than 50 Black whaling captains, and “Historic Tales of Oak Bluffs”. A noted local historian and popular public speaker, Finley began spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard in 1955 and has lived on the island year-round since 1999. He was awarded the 2020 Martha’s Vineyard Medal, recognizing his commitment to preserving the island’s history, art, and culture.