History and bird watching at Pier 53

Long before the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation thought to turn Pier 53 into a park, it was the place where many European immigrants first set foot on U.S. soil.

Local historian Susan McAninley will Saturday morning lead a talk about that history, and a walk to check out the birds who now use the pier and surrounding land and water.

Work has just begun to transform the pier into a wetlands park with a boardwalk, overlook, and focus on the pier’s immigration station and industrial past. The pier park will connect with the uplands portion, Washington Avenue Green, which is already open, and boasts the active Friends of Washington Avenue Green.  When DRWC announced work was beginning, WAG got a nod for their work, and a wish was made that they’d adopt the new park, too.

It would seem that’s already happened. McAninley, a member of Washington Avenue Green, has been compiling research on families – many of whom still live in Pennsport, where the pier is located – who entered the country through the station. About 1 million people came through the station between 1873 to 1915, from countries including Italy, Poland and Germany.

The event begins at 10 am at the pier. The path to Pier 53 is located at the foot of Washington Avenue  between the Coast Guard station and the sheet metal workers hall.

 

Warm refreshments and light finger food will be provided. RSVP here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/236390883152003/

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