Camp Burkes Mill Pond Anniversary Exhibit Now Open in Gloucester Museum of History

On September 10th, 2022, the Camp Burke's Mill Pond anniversary exhibit officially opened at the Gloucester Museum of History! Many thanks to the museum’s director, Robert Kelly, for taking the lead in creating the exhibit. The exhibit, which will be available through 2023, tells the story of the camp as it celebrates 50 years of operation. It showcases 12 objects, including camp wear and official Girl Scout items from the 1970s. The exhibit also includes photographs and archival documents allowing guests to make connections with the thousands of Girl Scouts who have attended the camp over the past 50 years. 

“Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast is excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Camp Burke’s Mill Pond in partnership with the Gloucester Museum of History,” Council CEO Tracy Keller said. “The exhibit will certainly bring back memories for many, while offering some history of Girl Scouting in the area for all.” 

Camp Burke’s Mill Pond was established in 1972 near the site of an old flour mill. The mill pond had become a popular place for fishing and swimming and the site was quickly transformed into a Girl Scout camp. During the first years of Camp Burke’s Mill Pond, a small log cabin was constructed, and swimming, canoeing, and horseback riding were the main attractions. Other activities included crafts, camping, hiking, local history lectures, fishing, cooking, and an introduction to wildlife. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the camp grew with new activities and increased visitation from local and regional troops. 

Among the guests at the opening was Ingrid Peterson, the granddaughter of Lorna Wass - the key volunteer in originally securing the property for Girl Scouts. Lorna, who was known for her dedication to Girl Scouting, died in 2018; however, her Girl Scout story and how the camp came to be were captured on video in 2012 and can be seen here  https://bit.ly/3d5FeP1. The event was also an opportunity for many Girl Scout alum to share their memories with today’s Girl Scouts. Kelly Hasty Kale, who helped develop the camp as a Girl Scout Senior and is now a pharmacist in Williamsburg, shared her story with a Girl Scouts currently working on refurbishing the Treakle Cabin as their Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Award projects. 

The exhibit will be on view until next fall, so plan to visit. The Botetourt Building, now the Gloucester Museum of History, was built in the year 1770. This 251-year-old historic building was once a tavern used by travelers as they made their way to do business at Gloucester Courthouse. Today, the Museum of History is home to over 3,000 objects, ranging from archival documents and photographs to large antique agricultural tools. It is open Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  – closed on Sundays.  

The museum will also be listed in the upcoming Explore Gloucester patch program that is being developed by volunteer Jennie Hawkins and her troop! 

Robert Kelly, back and center, of the Gloucester History Museum on opening day. 

Kelly Hasty Kale, Girl Scout alum.

Ingrid Peterson, granddaughter of Lorna Wass.