Penikese Island: A Sanctuary for Lepers, Birds and Boys
Penikese is now a bird sanctuary owned by the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and was a school for delinquent boys.
Penikese is now a bird sanctuary owned by the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and was a school for delinquent boys.
Lone dock welcomes visitors to the island.
Lone dock welcomes visitors to the island.
Welcome sign greeted boys to their safe haven.
Welcome sign greeted boys to their safe haven.
A memorial to Gosnold.
A memorial to Gosnold.
Few trees grace its hilly plains, and rocks cover its jagged shores.
Few trees grace its hilly plains, and rocks cover its jagged shores.
Penikese is inhabited by gulls, oystercatchers, terns, snakes and rabbits.
Penikese is inhabited by gulls, oystercatchers, terns, snakes and rabbits.
Gull rookery.
Gull rookery.
Next generation of gulls.
Next generation of gulls.
Gate at intersection marks the leper side of the island.
Gate at intersection marks the leper side of the island.
Structures remain from the island’s time as a leprosy colony in the early 1900s.
Structures remain from the island’s time as a leprosy colony in the early 1900s.
Path to the school campus.
Path to the school campus.
The school buildings are built on the foundations of the John Anderson School of Natural History.
The school buildings are built on the foundations of the John Anderson School of Natural History.
An old basketball court is leftover from days as a boys home.
An old basketball court is leftover from days as a boys home.
Remains of an old forge.
Remains of an old forge.
Situated just north of Cuttyhunk and Nashawena, Penikese is a state-owned island in Gosnold spanning 75 acres. The island is inhabited by gulls, oystercatchers, terns, snakes and rabbits. Very few trees grace its hilly plains, and rocks lace its jagged shores.