Martha’s Vineyard has long been home to dignitaries and celebrities of every stripe — writers, artists, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, politicians, even heads of state. This week they were joined by the first-ever First Family, President Barack Obama, Michele, Sasha and Malia.

For most of a decade, President Obama and his entourage have spent part of every summer here, keeping as low a profile as a sitting president ever could. That is unlikely to change with his purchase of a home on Edgartown Great Pond.

It is customary on the Island to respect the privacy of its famous residents and visitors, but the news of our newest residents was too important not to share.

May the coming days and years allow the former First Family to enjoy the same peace, pleasure and freedom that the Island extends to all.