Stepping onto the tall ship Shenandoah is stepping into another world. Stairs become ladders, a hand pump replaces faucets and tables sway to stay level as the boat tilts.

In 2017, Lynn Ditchfield set out to create the book she always wished she had as a teacher. Six years, 54 lesson plans and almost 300 pages later, she’s done it, with the release of Borders to Bridges: Arts-Based Curriculum for Social Justice.

Deb Haaland, the U.S. secretary of the interior, came to the Island earlier this month and met with the chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to talk about offshore wind energy and economic development.

On Saturday, author Lynn Ditchfield and artist and illustrator Janice Frame will discuss the newly-released book Borders to Bridges: Arts-Based Curriculum for Social Justice.

The half-day dismissal brought celebrations and reflections from students, teachers and parents alike. Some were nervous about transitions, others thrilled for the end of homework and the start of beach time.

Beginning with the arrival of the Amistad into Vineyard Haven harbor Thursday through a gospel brunch in Edgartown on Monday, the Vineyard celebrated Juneteenth with joy and reverence.

Several whales and other marine animals were seen off the Vineyard shores this week, a sign that summer is approaching.

Weekend Juneteenth events continue, including tours of the Amistad, a replica of the historic vessel that was the setting of a slave revolt in 1839. The cultural festival, originally scheduled for Saturday in the Tabernacle is now at Union Chapel, beginning at 3 p.m.

An aerial survey team of scientists from the New England Aquarium saw a pod of four orcas swimming approximately 40 miles south of Nantucket during an aerial survey on Sunday.