A Rainy Forecast Means a Great Day at the Boston Harbor Pop Up Museum

What do you do when a rainy forecast cancels your trip out to the beautiful Boston Harbor Islands but you still want to learn more about Boston's beautiful natural resources? You join Save the Harbor/Save the Bay at the Boston Harbor Pop Up museum. 

The kids from BCYF Jackson Mann and Youth Empowerment Services were disappointed they wouldn't be able to see the islands today but we were able to provide an indoor alternative while learning and having some fun. 

Even though we couldn't be on the Islands themselves today, Harbor Historian David Coffin taught us all about the history of Spectacle and Georges Island and the  Boston Harbor Clean-Up. The story not only shares the remarkable history of one of our country's greatest environmental success stories, but also shows what you can accomplish when a large group of committed people pull together in the same direction.  And what better way to demonstrate that in real time than by joining David in a rousing rendition of Save the Harbor's official sea shanty "Haul Away Joe"! 

David Coffin Leads the BCYF Jackson Mann kids in "Haul Away Joe"

The beauty of the Boston Harbor Pop Up is that it brings the beach into the city. Despite the weather restrictions, everyone got a chance to experience the beach activities they would have been trying out on the Island, including sand raking, sing, as well as flat fish printing, or Gyotaku, an art form used by Japanese fishermen in the 1800s to track their catch. During this activity they also learned about the life cycle of  a flounder and how flounder are related to the Boston Harbor cleanup.

Another great print is made from our local species, the Winter Flounder

But just because you are at the Pop Up Museum doesn't mean you can't get some up close contact with the Harbor itself! The rain let up and everyone tried their hand at fishing and crabbing off the Harborwalk behind the building at 226 Causeway, which coincidentally is the site of some of the best bass fishing in New England. 

One more fisherman is born on the Harbor

Thank you to the kids and staff from BCYF Jackson Mann and YES. The overcast skies couldn't stop us from having another great day on the harbor.

And thanks to our youth program funders and project partners at Invesco Real Estate, CB Richard Ellis - N.E. Partners, LIP and Colliers International, Boston for their support and for making the Boston Harbor Pop Up a reality.