Island History: Pirates in Our Region by Pierce Rafferty On Block Island On July 12, 1690, the residents of Block Island were alarmed when a small fleet—consisting of one bark, one ketch, two sloops and smaller craft—appeared off their coast. Although the vessels were flying English colors, there was no certainty of their allegiance to
In December 2017, the Museum received a generous five-year grant from the Jeanann Gray Dunlap Foundation to make the Museum’s collections more interactive and accessible for its members and visitors. In 2018, the first year of the grant, the Museum chose several thousand images and hundreds of historical documents from our archives that were
The muddy paw prints running across my kitchen floor are a sure indication that spring has arrived. The Museum has been just as active in preparing for a great summer season as my dog has been in the spring puddles. I am very pleased to announce that over the winter, the Museum has hired two fantastic
by Bob Miller We are delighted that Jack Schneider has become our Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator. Jack came to us early this year with a wealth of experience in planning, project management, budgeting, fundraising, and communications. He was animal curator at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Mystic Aquarium, and The Oklahoma City Zoo. As director
Eelgrass dampening wave action, Barley Field Cove, F.I. Photo: seagrassli.org. What Is Seagrass, and Why Should We Care About It? by Elizabeth McCance Commonly mistaken for seaweed, seagrass is a flowering plant complete with roots, stems, and flowers that is adapted to life underwater. Globally, there are about 60 species of seagrass. The
American mink (Neovison vison). Photo by Pdreijnders from Wikimedia Commons American Mink (Neovison vison) by Terry McNamara Each year there are reported sightings of a chocolate to dark brown weasel-like animal about two feet in length with a bushy tail. Detailed observations mention white on the animal’s chin and throat and a tail
Minus 9 Windchill. Photograph by Marlin Bloethe, February 14, 2016 Spring has arrived, and the Museum is gearing up for a great summer season full of new exhibits, hands-on children’s programs, stimulating lectures, and restorative nature walks. Many of you will remember last year’s popular exhibit, Photographers of Fishers Island, 1880s to 1930s. This
View of F.I. Sound from Chocomount Cove Sanctuary, May 2018 by Bob Miller In 2017 the Museum’s Land Trust was extremely fortunate to acquire the land of the new “Chocomount Cove Sanctuary” through the generosity of the C.V. Ferguson Family. This exceptional five-acre parcel extends from the East End main road to Fishers
M.V. Islander after conversion for service in World War II. by Polly Edmonds Director’s note: The following account of ferry transportation in the 1940s is from the December 1967 issue of “Polly’s Letter,” a newsletter distributed by realtor, shop owner, and Ferry Commissioner Polly Edmonds. It was sent out semi-annually from 1964 until
Water surging over Money Pond during the hurricane. From The Henry L. Ferguson Museum Newsletter 2018 The following account of the 1938 Hurricane’s effect on Fishers Island was found in the Museum’s files. It was unsigned. Please contact the Museum if you are able to identify the author. Please note that September 21,
Untitled
F.I. Sketchbook 2005
