Needham Free Public Library Offers Two New Museum Passes

Submitted by the Needham Free Public Library

The has expanded its museum pass program to include the Boston Harbor Island Ferries, which departs from Boston’s Long Wharf, and the Fairbanks House located in nearby Dedham. 

The Boston Harbor island pass allows library members to purchase one ferry ticket and to receive a second one free with a limit of two free tickets per member per day. The ticket prices are relatively inexpensive prices at $15 for adults and $9 for children.  

The Library Pass users can visit Spectacle, Georges or Peddocks Islands, with each island offering a different experience. Spectacle offers five miles of hiking trails, a beach with a changing station and lifeguards, fishing from the pier, and lunch and snack offerings. Georges’ main attraction is Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort that visitors can explore on their own or with a guided park ranger.  Peddocks island is one of the largest and most diverse islands in the harbor featuring historic structures, hiking trails, unique geologic features, and even solar energy instillations.

There are more than 150 free programs offered on the Boston harbor islands throughout the season ranging from concerts to yoga to children’s programs and kayaking.  Programs are sponsored by Boston Harbor Island Alliance and the library pass program is sponsored by BHIA and Boston’s Best Cruises. 

For more information, visit bostonharborislands.org. Reservations may be made by calling 617-770-0040. 

The Fairbanks House is North America’s oldest timber frame house and is located in nearby Dedham. The House was built by English immigrants Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks, circa 1637.   

The Fairbanks house is owned and operated by the Fairbanks Family in America, a member-based non-profit organization which has studied, preserved, and interpreted their ancestral home for nearly 100 years. Visitors are welcome May 1 through Oct. 31. 

Adult regular admission is $12, children ages 6-12 admission is $6 and children under 6 are admitted free.  The library’s pass allows for two free admissions per usage. 

For more information, visit fairbankshouse.org .