A Most Endangered Historic Resource

Description:
Winter Island contains the colonial Fort Pickering, the site where the frigate Essex was built and launched in the 1790s, and two significant former Coast Guard structures.

Winter Island Listed (2000) Status-Signs of Improvement

Winter Island is one of the City's premier parks and historic landmarks and is listed on the National Register as a Historic District and Archeological site.
Major progress was made in 2003 to ensure the stabilization of the site’s historic structures. The 1934 Hangar has a new roof and is no longer open to the elements. We encourage the City to continue to consider how the hangar can be reused.

The former Coast Guard barracks and mess building is in great need of repair as it is still open to the elements. A recent City inspection has determined this building to be basically sound. The City was awarded a grant in 2005 from the Massachusetts Historic Commission for a feasibility study for the restoration of this building, expected to be completed in 2007. This study is a major step to the securing of funding to stabilize, restore and reuse the building. Securing the roof of the Coast Guard Barracks is the next step logical step in the process.
Rebel Shakespeare’s use of Fort Pickering in the last two summers brought new attention and appreciation for the fort.. Fort Pickering still requires significant preservation efforts as outlined in the comprehensive survey and planning study completed in 2004 of Forts Pickering and Lee. The decision in 2005 to establish ten new RV parking sites on Fort Pickering is a major step backwards, and we recommend that it be discontinued.

We are very grateful to Doug Sabin who is orchestrating an important oral history of Coast Guard Station Salem, as well as leading several tours of Winter Island to help cultivate support for restoration of this premier park and historical resource.

We encourage the better utilization of the historic structures of Winter Island to tell its fascinating history. The interpretive sign system needs revision and better interpretive brochures should be developed. We encourage the City to look into the possibility of devising a guided tour program designed to promote public interest and support for the restoration of the historic structures on Winter Island.

Most fees collected from Winter Island go into the City's general fund (as do the Witch House fees). We recommend that the City consider having a significant portion of these funds go into a separate fund dedicated for the maintenance and restoration of the historic structures in City parkland.

Historic Salem continues to believe that a comprehensive use, preservation and management plan is essential to the long-term management of this valued resource.

Photos: Page 1 | Page 2