Muppets, queens, fairies and even a scary skeleton attended a Halloween Festival and Nancy Luce Birthday Party at the old Marine Hospital in Vineyard Haven on Sunday afternoon.

Alongside traditional Halloween activities like pumpkin and cookie decorating, children played lawn games and made paper chicken hats and block prints in honor of Nancy Luce’s 200th birthday. The backdrop was the Marine Hospital, where the new Martha’s Vineyard Museum will be built.

Event was held at the old Marine Hospital, future site of the Martha's Vineyard Museum. — Alison L. Mead

“It’s a double celebration,” said education director Ann DuCharme. “This is a way to get people connected to her and have some fun.”

Ms. Luce, born in 1814, lived her entire life at a farmhouse in West Tisbury. She was a folk artist, poet, businesswoman and writer. She also tended to her beloved chickens, earning her the nickname the Chicken Lady. Today, her West Tisbury grave is often adorned with chickens of all shapes and sizes.

For block print artist Althea Freeman-Miller, making the Nancy Luce inspired block prints was a labor of love.

“I’ve always been a fan of the Chicken Lady,” she said. “I grew up here so I’ve always heard about her.”

The hand carved block prints had images of Ms. Luce, hearts, and of course, chickens.

The museum’s exhibit, Nancy Luce: Madonna of the Hens, opens on Nov. 7.

Photo gallery: Celebrating Halloween and the Chicken Lady.