Tuesday, June 9th at the Tall Ship in East Boston, hundreds of supporters, partners, public officials, and friends came together for Spectacle on Boston Harbor, a celebration of not only Boston Harbor Now’s 10th anniversary, but our Boston Harbor community’s shared mission. The evening reflected the collective commitment that has fueled a decade of progress. It was a powerful reminder that this work is only possible because of a community that believes deeply in the future of Boston Harbor and the role it plays in connecting people to place, to one another, and to opportunity.
In addition to a decade of impact, the evening celebrated our 2026 Spectacle on Boston Harbor Honorees, Pembroke Real Estate and the East Boston Community.
Boston Harbor Now President & CEO Kathy Abbott told the room the evening was both a celebration and a call to action.
“Ten years ago, we promised a Harbor for All,” said Abbott. “In the decade ahead, we will continue building belonging beyond the water’s edge, strengthening resilience across the waterfront and Harbor Islands, and advancing a Harbor grounded in innovation that supports our region’s economy and quality of life.”
Boston Harbor Now Board Chair Kishore Varanasi said that, with waters rising, storms getting stronger, and summers getting hotter, Boston Harbor was once again at a defining moment in its history, but that its story was one of opportunity rather than risk.
“We have an opportunity to create one of the great urban harbors of the world—a harbor that is resilient, welcoming, prosperous, and accessible to everyone, a harbor that truly becomes the heart of our region and a home for all.” said Varanasi.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu thanked Boston Harbor Now for a decade of leadership on Boston Harbor, its waterfront, and the islands, and for the organization’s close partnership with the City.
“Thank you to the entire Boston Harbor Now team, you all are a treasure for the City of Boston and for our entire coastal coalition of communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.
Our 2026 Honorees: Pembroke and the East Boston Community
From left: Spectacle on Boston Harbor emcee and WCVB Chief Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon; Pembroke Real Estate Senior Vice President, Design and Development Andy Dankwerth; Boston Harbor Now President & CEO Kathy Abbott. (Photo: Arlan Fonseca)
Pembroke was honored for its leadership in the development of Commonwealth Pier. Pembroke demonstrated a clear, long-term approach to waterfront development and transforming a historic site into a resilient mixed-use destination that strengthens connections between the harbor and surrounding neighborhoods through improved access and intentional design.
“This is a story of transforming a Boston landmark at the end of its useful life into a modern and resilient building fit for its next generation of use while honoring its past,” said Andy Dankwerth, Pembroke Senior Vice President, Design and Development. “It is also the transformation of an underutilized waterfront into a public realm worthy of its prime harbor location.”
The East Boston Community and founders of Eastie Week were honored for more than a decade of leadership in shaping a vibrant and accessible East Boston waterfront. Through dedicated community-led collaboration, they have helped create a waterfront that is inclusive, welcoming, and resilient, activating public spaces and offering programs that bring people together, foster a strong sense of belonging, and deepen connection to place. Their work reflects the core of Boston Harbor Now’s mission by strengthening access to blue-green spaces while advancing social connection and climate resilience. They were represented on stage by MA State Rep. Adrian Madaro, MA State Sen. Lydia Edwards, and Stephan Marin, East Boston Liaison for Boston City Councilor Gabriella Coletta Zapata’s office.
“Boston Harbor Now is one of those partners that rolled up their sleeves and worked with our community to ensure that we have access to our waterfront, and that this waterfront is dynamic and engaging for East Boston residents and for visitors alike, and here at the Tall Ship is a prime example of that investment,” said Rep. Adrian Madaro.
We are extremely grateful to Mayor Wu, Rep. Adrian Madaro, Sen. Lydia Edwards, our emcee WCVB Chief Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon, our Board Chair Kishore Varanasi, our generous sponsors, and everyone who joined us in supporting our mission: making our harbor more welcoming, accessible, and resilient for all.
For making this night possible, we want to extend our special thanks to our Harbor Visionaries Charter Development Company, the Cummings Foundation, Eastern Salt Company Inc., Jamestown, and the James M. & Cathleen D. Stone Foundation; our Resilience Leaders AR Products, CBT, FM, Massport, Ocean Havens, and Vertex; our Waterfront and Community Partners, Friends, and In-Kind sponsors; our media sponsor WCVB; the National Park Service, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Mayor Wu’s office; and to our Host Committee.
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