The rich estuarial environment, history and development of the Port Norfolk section of Dorchester will be highlighted in a free public tour along the Boston HarborWalk on Saturday, June 23, 2018.
The two-hour, 1.75-mile walking tour along the mouth of the Neponset River begins at 10 a.m. and is sponsored by Friends of the Boston Harborwalk (FBHW). Participants should meet by the Venezia Restaurant, 20 Ericsson St. in Dorchester.
Located in the southeastern corner of Dorchester, Port Norfolk is notable for its mid-19th century Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. The area once hosted a nail manufacturing plant, lumber mills, shipyard and other industrial and maritime uses, spurred by a railway line built in 1844. Today, a host of new residential, commercial and maritime developments are being considered along this waterfront.
The tour will be led by three long-time Dorchester residents and subject matter experts. Tour leaders include Ed Roche, AIA, former member of the Boston Redevelopment Authority with an in-depth background in Boston harbor and waterways development, issues and regulations. He will be accompanied by Maria Lyons, a marine biologist, and John Lyons, a real estate and zoning attorney, who will discuss the successful expansion of Pope John Paul Park.
Tour organizer is Sarah Ritch, FBHW volunteer. While admission to the tour is free, space is limited. Reservations can be made via this link: https://friendsportnorfolktour.eventbrite.com.
The MBTA #201 bus is available within a half-mile walk to and from the restaurant. The FBHW is a volunteer organization, affiliated with Boston Harbor Now, that regularly hosts educational tours and other events along Boston’s 43-mile-long HarborWalk. The group’s mission is to promote greater awareness and public enjoyment of the Boston HarborWalk.
