Martha’s Vineyard Museum Unveils Major 'Jaws' Exhibit to Celebrate Film's 50th Anniversary

Martha’s Vineyard Museum Unveils Major 'Jaws' Exhibit to Celebrate Film's 50th Anniversary

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum inaugurated its most expansive exhibit to date on Saturday, focusing on the rich history of the iconic movie 'Jaws' as it marks its 50th anniversary. Originally released on June 20, 1975, 'Jaws' is not just a film; it became a cultural phenomenon that changed the landscape of cinema.

This immersive exhibit features a variety of attractions, including original movie props, a life-size replica of Bruce the Shark's head — the infamous mechanical creation that terrorized the screen — and fan-made art celebrating the film. Accompanying the visuals is the ominous theme music, adding to the overall atmosphere as visitors explore each section.

The opening of the exhibit serves as a launchpad for an entire summer packed with 'Jaws' anniversary celebrations across Martha’s Vineyard. One notable event, the Amity Homecoming Weekend, will run from June 19 to June 23, allowing fans to meet key figures involved in the film's production such as Joe Alves, the production designer, and Christopher Shaw Myers, nephew of the late Robert Shaw who portrayed the shark hunter Quint.

Wendy Benchley, the wife of Peter Benchley, author of the novel on which the film is based, will also speak on her decades-long advocacy for shark conservation. A special day-long festival is planned by the Vineyard Gazette on June 22, which will allow fans to connect with locals who contributed to the filmmaking process and view curated memorabilia.

Additionally, a free screening of 'Jaws @ 50', a documentary by National Geographic and Amblin Documentaries, will take place on June 20 at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center.

The exhibit is set to be available throughout the summer until September 7. Curators Anna Barber and Kate Logue have meticulously gathered and curated props and archival materials over the past year to depict the narrative of the fictional Amity Island, illustrating the film's deep ties to its real-life filming locations.

“It felt like the right exhibit for the biggest we’ve ever done,” stated Ms. Barber. Central to this display is the striking replica of Bruce the shark’s head, designed using authentic modeling techniques following extensive research by the Arcana Workshop in Barre, Vermont.

In a twist reminiscent of the original film's production challenges, the truck delivering Bruce's replica faced mechanical failure, which delayed its arrival, ironically paralleling the difficulties encountered during the film's actual shooting.

“If everything went perfectly during filming, I don't believe it would have been as captivating,” Ms. Barber reflected, acknowledging how less visibility of the shark added to the suspense and terror of the narrative.

The upstairs portion of the exhibit features a large 25-foot diagram of a great white shark alongside early concept sketches from 1973, showcasing the initial vision of the shark. A fascinating anecdote shared by Ms. Logue highlights how one local youth's job was to create a new batch of shark teeth each day, with some mysteriously disappearing overnight, kept as souvenirs by curious visitors.

Throughout the exhibit, emphasis is placed on the integral role that Martha’s Vineyard played in the iconic film. From the recognizable Menemsha dock to the scenic Edgartown streets and Chappaquiddick beaches, the setting was crucial in establishing the visual tone of 'Jaws'.

Specific displays highlight local individuals who significantly contributed to the film’s production, such as Roy Campbell, who provided support during ocean scenes, and Lynn Murphy, who utilized his marine repair expertise to remedy issues with the shark props.

The exhibit also features exclusive behind-the-scenes photographs from Edie Blake, a Vineyard Gazette reporter, detailing various stages of the film's production. Another intriguing element comes through authentic oral history interviews conducted by Linsey Lee, bringing voices of residents who participated in the film into the exhibit narrative.

One significant story comes from Lee Fierro, remembered for portraying Mrs. Kitner, who delivered one of the film's most emotional moments. Other interviews include Craig Kingsbury, who shared insights from his role as fisherman Ben Gardner, whose shocking scene remains iconic in cinematic history.

Highlighting the scientific aspects of shark life, Ms. Barber’s favorite room includes informational diagrams provided by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, which aim to shift the perception of sharks from mere predators to vital members of the marine ecosystem.

The curators faced the challenge of catering to a diverse fanbase, wanting to create an exhibit that resonated with locals and dedicated enthusiasts alike. “People sometimes need to experience magic, wonder, or nostalgia,” Ms. Barber remarked. “Presenting this world of Amity allows us all to step back, forget our worries, and engage with this beloved story.”

As the summer unfolds, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum stands ready to attract movie buffs and curious visitors alike to explore the exhibit that celebrates the legacy of 'Jaws' — a film that not only shaped the adventure genre but also transformed the movie industry forever.