About CraneOutdoors: Juneteenth Choate Island Kayak and Hike
The land that is now the Crane Estate has been shaped by many stories, some that are well known, and some that have yet to be shared. One important story that has been obscured is the story of enslaved people on Choate Island, including Jane and Violet, two enslaved girls who came to their final resting place on Choate Island in the early 1750s. Jane and Violet were two of the 7 children of Edward and Sabina, Africans enslaved by the Choate Family on their Island Farm in the 1700s. In the early 1750s, the teenaged girls fell ill after working late in the cold barn and are buried on the Island. In spring 2026, The Trustees will install a historic marker to recognize this important story, thanks to research and advocacy by a local student and a descendent of Edward and Sabina.
This June, come learn more about this important history and visit the site at which this story took place. In honor of Juneteenth, join us for a kayaking and hiking tour focused on the history of Jane, Violet, and their family. Our kayak guide interpreters will lead a paddle around Choate, Round, and Long Islands. You’ll land on Choate Island and stretch your legs by hiking to the highest point on the Island. On the hike, you’ll learn the story of Jane and Violet and their family and visit the girls’ burial site. You’ll also hear about Maddie, a student advocate who inspired a communication & signage project to honor the girls, and Debbie, a descendent who is working with The Trustees to tell this important story. Visit the recently installed historic marker honoring Jane and Violet and learn what we know about their parents, Ned and Sabina, and siblings: Margaret, Cesar, Peter, Titus, and Edward.
This event is part of ongoing work at The Trustees to publicly acknowledge the history of enslavement on the island, in collaboration with descendants and community partners, and to honor the lives of Jane and Violet and their family.
While learning, you will enjoy views of Essex Bay, the tidal marsh that interconnects all three islands, and the historic buildings that sit on them, including the c.1808 Proctor Barn, the c.1945 White Cottage, and the c.1725 Choate House, which is the site where Jane and Violet and their family lived.
Please note: Participants must be competent swimmers and age 15 or older. While appropriate for all levels of kayak skill, this trip is physically demanding and includes walking up to 2 miles on uneven terrain with moderate elevation gain. The starting location and other relevant details for all will be emailed to registrants the day before the event at the address provided upon registration.
Equipment policy: For each guest, we provide a sit-on-top kayak, paddle, and personal floatation device (a.k.a., PFD or “life-jacket”). You are also welcome to bring your own equipment. If you’d like to do so, please purchase your reservation and then email us at CraneOutdoors@TheTrustees.org with a brief description of the equipment you’d like to bring (e.g., 14’ sit-in kayak, paddle, PFD). Use of personal equipment is contingent on approval by Trustees staff and signing of liability waiver. There is no discount if you bring your own gear.
Weather cancellation policy: All trips will take place rain or shine with the following exceptions: If there is a high confidence that thunder and lightning will be present, we may cancel a trip up to one hour in advance. If the forecast is for steady and heavy rain all day, we may decide to cancel within 24 hours of the event. If either of these happens, all registrants will be notified by email with as much notice as possible and will receive a full refund.
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