Events Archives - The Boston Harbor Association

BOSTON HARBOR DISTILLERY: CAPTURING THE LOCAL SPIRIT OF BOSTON

There is something truly spectacular about the essence of feeling like a local. Soaking up the history, yet exploring the ever-changing world around you. Boston’s newest piece of culture-in-the-making lies at 12R Ericsson St, the Boston Harbor Distillery. This brand new business is located in a building with culture as rich as its spirits. The beautiful brick facade once was home to other local institutions, like the Putnam Nail Factory, the George Lawley & Sons Shipyard, and Seymour’s Ice Cream. The Boston Harbor Distillery continues to honor the history of these past businesses with the names of their first three brands: the Putnam New England Rye Whiskey, the Lawley’s New England Spirit, and the Seymour’s Local Roast Coffee Liqueur.

The brick exterior of the distillery provides a rustic feel, inviting visitors inside for a taste for more. After a tour of the space and a sampling of the spirits, it is impossible to not feel like a long time local of Boston, drinking in the culture surrounding you. Manning the stills were two young distillers who you meet by first name. In speaking with them, it is clear the passion they have for their craft. Upon entering the great room, you’re instantly made to feel at home and greeted with warm smiles by the barkeep – a young transplant from Texas who makes a mean Old Fashion and other craft cocktails with spirits produced just a few feet away. Behind her, stacks of crystal drinkware sparkle on shelves fashioned from belts and reclaimed wood. The modern, yet cozy interior is filled with honey-colored wood and plush plaid fabrics, whisking you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In fact, the distillery itself is nestled in a part of Boston that is off the beaten path, but within earshot of the gentle hum of the highway. “The Port”, as the owner of the distillery refers to it, has been a home to local craftsmen for hundreds of years, and with the addition of this latest venture, the neighborhood continues its legacy of homegrown goods. The Boston Harbor Distillery carries on the tradition of past commerce and culture, while redefining American spirits. You’ll come for the drinks, and stay for the experience that truly captures the history and local spirit of Boston.

Tours are $10
Thursday & Friday 4-8
Saturday 12-8

12R Ericsson St
Boston, MA 02122
617.533.7001 (p)

REBECCA HERST JOINS TBHA’S CLIMATE PREPAREDNESS TEAM

Hello everyone, my name is Rebecca Herst. I recently joined the Boston Harbor Association team to work on climate preparedness work. I am managing our outreach work and speaking with community members and leaders in coastal neighborhoods that are vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal flooding.

I have a background in community organizing and social and economic development. While in business school at Boston University, I fell in love with the field of climate preparedness. I started working at the Urban Land Institute as a Resilience Fellow while I finished my coursework and managed their climate preparedness initiatives. While I was there we released the Urban Implications of Living with Water Report which compliments the work happening at TBHA nicely. I also worked at Harvard University in their Office for Sustainability managing the Boston Green Ribbon Commission Higher Education Working group before coming to TBHA.

My work at TBHA brings together my passions for environmental sustainability, relationship building and resilience cultivation. I am excited about the opportunity to think creatively with residents across the City of Boston about what they value in their communities and what they hope for their neighborhoods in the future. I would love to hear your thoughts! Please get in touch with me at Rebecca@tbha.org.

HARBOR BOUND: A SCIENCE ADVENTURE TO DEER ISLAND

For over 20 years, The Boston Harbor Association has taken students out to Deer Island to visit and tour the wastewater treatment plant and bring engagement into the subject of Environmental Science for area students. This fall, members of the TBHA staff will once again lead hundreds of students on this interactive learning exercise.

Students will have the opportunity hop a ride on the ferry provided by Mass Bay Lines from Rowes Wharf for Deer Island, and then join a staff-led tour of the facilities while receiving instructions and background of the historic island. Topics covered during the tour will often depends upon the students level of understanding, but will range from engineering, science, and mathematics. Often the history of the city of Boston and its city planning will be covered during the tours.

Harbor Bound is made possible by generous support of the Massachusettes Water Resource Authority, MIT Alums, Mass Environmental Trust and other federal and private grants. The Boston Harbor Association offers Harbor Bound tours twice a year: during the Fall and the Spring semesters.

BOSTON’S WATERFRONT: 2015

Next month, I become President and CEO of Riverlife, an organization which works to reclaim, restore, and promote Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. Riverlife’s vision calls for a grand, 13-mile continuous system of riverfront parks and trails, and large numbers of visitors and residents are already enjoying the existing riverfront open spaces and amenities.

As I prepare to leave The Boston Harbor Association after 24 years, I am reminded of the dedicated efforts of so many people to help transform Boston’s waterfront. During that time, we have been fortunate to have had the strong support of each Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President, as well as Boston Mayors Ray Flynn, Tom Menino, and Marty Walsh. Bipartisan political support, and the efforts of Judges Garrity, Mazzone, and Stearns and of public agency staffs, helped to make possible the clean up of Boston Harbor, restoration of Boston Harbor beaches, and enhancement of Boston Harbor Islands. The 41-mile HarborWalk public access network through Boston’s six waterfront neighborhoods, constructed by waterfront property owners in response to state tidelands requirements, is used and enjoyed by thousands of people every day.

The transformation of Boston’s waterfront is extraordinary, and is a model for other waterfront communities. Thank you to all of you for your support of our efforts in the revitalization of Boston Harbor.

The Boston Harbor Association’s Year 2000 Events for Boston Harbor

November 15 – 16th Annual Build Boston Conference
10:00 a.m. – noon
World Trade Center Boston

Panel discussion of Boston’s Municipal Harbor Plan including TBHA’s Vivien
Li.

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JUNE

June 3 – Islands Management Plan Public Meeting
Saturday, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
John F. Kennedy Library
Columbia Point, Dorchester