You (Yes, You!) Can Make History

Would it interest you to make history? If so, please consider volunteering for the Castle Island Association (the other CIA), the volunteer organization that operates the activities within Fort Independence – guided tours (summer weekend afternoons), sunset viewings (summer Thursday evenings), and an annual gala Halloween Party. First, a few historic facts: The first of eight successive forts on Castle Island was built in 1634, four years after the Puritans settled Boston. Fort Independence was originally called Fort William, and it was on an island, later known as “Castle Island”. Even later, Castle Island was connected to South Boston by a bridge, a causeway, and then a full-fledged road (Day Boulevard). Please be aware that volunteering for the Castle Island Association involves no heavy lifting. Anywhere from once a week to a couple of times a month, you’ll be asked to help out with tours of Fort Independence that take place from Memorial Day till October. You’ll be trained; you can start by assisting other tour guides (primarily keeping the tour guests together as the tour proceeds). Think about helping out with the Thursday evening sunset viewings as well – they are beautiful. And if you didn’t already guess, please be assured that the Fort is closed on bad weather days – no need to bring your umbrella anytime you volunteer. Are you new to South Boston? There is no better way to become acquainted with South Boston’s residents than volunteering – in many ways, South Boston is America’s “volunteer city”. And here’s another idea: If you are a young adult and you need to write a college paper, or you need something to put on a college application, consider volunteering to help out at Fort Independence. It is one of the earliest forts in the New World. Edgar Allen Poe (under an assumed name) once served there. It’s the last place where the British set foot on Evacuation Day, March 17, 1776. It was once commanded by Paul Revere. The last Fort was built by West Pointer Sylvanus Thayer. Etc., etc., etc. Interested? Call Bill Spain, CIA President, at 617-268-8870, or snail mail the CIA at Box 342, South Boston 02127. Or just Google up a contact. And you really will make history. You’ll make it real to yourself and others; you’ll help make it last forever; you’ll make it come alive and stay alive. See you at the Fort this summer.