Contributions to the History of North American Ornithology

Abstract

The Massachusetts Audubon Society (MAS) was established in 1896, becoming the first state Audubon society and a model for scores of state and local Audubon societies established in the first half of the twentieth century. Initially focused on eliminating use of feathers of wild birds in the millinery trade, its vision rapidly expanded to encompass a broad spectrum of educational and conservation initiatives. MAS printed educational leaflets, bird calendars, and beginning in 1917, a Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society that was issued nine times a year. A junior membership category, together with classes, programs, and summer camps, emphasized educational objectives that have been the hallmark of MAS since its inception. The first president of MAS, William Brewster, was a leader in conservation matters nationally, especially in the formation of the American Ornithologists' Union. He thus was able to link MAS with national concerns including passage of national and international bird protection legislation. Brewster typified the strong leadership that MAS had in its formative years. Another early president, Edward Howe Forbush, was the first state ornithologist for Massachusetts. Habitat preservation became a major concern of MAS; with acquisition in 1916 of Moose Hill, in Sharon, MAS began a sanctuary system that developed into a statewide network of bird sanctuaries and centers for local education programs. MAS played an important role locally and nationally in the development of sport "birding," an effort that continues to generate support for conservation nationally. Unlike many local and state Audubon societies, which became branches of the National Audubon Society, the Massachusetts Audubon Society has remained independent throughout its existence.On a January afternoon in 1896, Harriet L. Hemenway of Clarendon Street, Boston, went to have high tea with her cousin Minna B. Hall.