Événement

Explore Rainsford Island, Boston Harbor

We travel on MV Beachcat which is a beach landing vessel since the island has no dock. There is a short ladder attached to the bow. Wear waterproof shoes or bring an extra pair because your shoes may get wet. Bring a picnic; there is no food sold on the boat or the island. Park policy is no pets and no alcohol. Boat departs at 10:00 sharp returning to the dock at 2:00. Please check in with the Friends BHI volunteer for your boarding pass/hand stamp on the day of the trip.

Rainsford Island History

275 years ago Edward Rainsford farmed on a island in the middle of Boston Harbor - come with the Friends of the Boston Harbor Island on October 11th and explore!

Rainsford Island is a 50-foot drumlin, natural coves facing south and southwest, separated by rock outcropping Pebbles and rock beach, shell deposits. In about 1636, Edward Rainsford was granted the island for farm use. In 1737, a quarantine hospital was moved to Rainsford Island from Spectacle Island and operated there until 1852. During this time, Rainsford Island was a popular summer resort.

In 1832 a small-pox hospital was built (a stone Greek-temple design), and many victims of infectious diseases were buried on the island in. In about 1852, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the island and established an almshouse. The state abandoned the site in about 1866, and the City converted the island into a poorhouse. Civil War Veterans lived there until 1882, when they were transferred to a Soldiers Home on the mainland. Beginning in 1882, female paupers were sent to Rainsford. Later it was a facility for boys: the Suffolk School for Boys. In 1920, the school was closed. Now only foundation holes remain visible. (from the City of Boston)

Further details:

Departs Rowes Wharf Water Transport, 60 Rowes Wharf Boston, MA 02110 behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. Please check in for your boarding pass/hand stamp with the Friends BHI volunteer on the day of the trip.
No refunds, trip canceled only by the captain, will run rain or shine. To learn more about Rainsford Island visit: http://fbhi.org/rainsford-island.html