From island prisons to a leper colony: Lecture series on Elilzabeth Islands continues

A lecture series by Seth Mendell detailing the history of the Elizabeth Islands continues with the third chapter, covering a proposed island prison and a leper colony.

Bartholomew Gosnold, sailing for the Queen of England in 1602, named the string of islands separating Buzzard’s Bay from Vineyard Sound the Elizabeth Islands for his Queen.

Mendell, in his previous lectures, traced in detail the colorful history of Cuttyhunk and Naushon Islands.

On Sunday, Sept. 2, he will talk about the remaining three islands of the Elizabeth chain. His comments will include the fishing camp on the island of Pasque, the proposed state penitentiary on Nashawena, and the leper colony on Penikese.

The lecture will be held at the Mattapoisett Historical Society at 5 Church St., Mattapoisett, at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call 508-758-2844 or email info@mattapoisetthistoricalsociety.org.