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.
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.
The City of Boston has officially kicked off its neighborhood engagement campaign for Imagine Boston 2030 with the launch of the Textizen mobile platform. This is an opportunity for everyone who lives, works and plays in the City of Boston to help shape its future.
This platform will allow people to use mobile technology to engage from anywhere. To participate, simply text the letter of your top choice in response to the question below to (617) 860-3745:
My life in 2030 will be better with (pick your top choice)…
A: Housing I can afford
B: Safer neighborhoods
C: Better transportation options
D: Quality education for all
E: A more environmentally friendly city
F: Great parks and public space
G: A more innovative and creative city
H: Expanded job opportunities
I: More vibrant neighborhoods
There are also other ways to be a part of the conversation:
Take the Imagine Boston 2030 survey and sign up for email notifications on their website.
Follow the project on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and post comments and suggestions using the hashtag #ImagineBoston.
Look for suggestion boxes around the city where you can submit your ideas on paper. Suggestion boxes will be at libraries, City Hall, on the City Hall To Go truck and more!
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.
Wollaston Beach is the largest Boston Harbor beach, providing more than one and a half miles of shoreline access. This urban beach features a continuous walkway, seawall, and concession stands on the land side of Quincy Shore Drive. The Brett Bathhouse contains outdoor showers and enclosed changing areas. Easy access is available to park areas and a new tot lot at Caddy Park. Recent improvements of Wollaston Beach include new sand and improved handicapped access. Future plans to be completed within three years include additional resanding, traffic calming measures and new, safer pedestrian walkways and crossings that will provide access to a multi-use pathway, shade shelters, benches and tot lots. Construction of these improvements should begin in early 2003. Wollaston Beach is owned and operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The City of Quincy, the MDC, The Boston Harbor Association, and the Wollaston Beach Task Force are currently working together to resolve water quality problems. As part of the plan to address these issues, The Department of Conservation and Recreation recently filed an Interim Assessment for Quincy Shore Reservation, Wollaston Beach Restoration Project. The document identifies the impacts and mitigation measures related to five main elements of the restoration project, including the proposed beach nourishment, stormwater management, shore protection, site amenities and landscaping, and transportation. The replacement of catchbasins and installation of particle separators will be key in removing total suspended solids and improving water quality. Copies of the Assessment are available by calling 508-903-2078. Many of the recommendations for water quality improvements are outlined in the “Plan to Restore Water Quality at Wollaston Beach”, 1999. Copies of the Plan’s Executive Summary are available from TBHA by calling 617-482-1722.
Access:
Wollaston Beach is directly accessible by foot from the many residential neighborhoods along Quincy Shore Drive. Ample parking is also available. Take Wollaston Beach/Ashmont Bus #217 from the MBTA Red Line’s Wollaston station, or walk along Beach Street from the Wollaston T Station.
