The History of Camp Kiwanee

Since February 2005, Camp Kiwanee's Needles Lodge has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As the first Hanson property ever listed, it's easy to see why this treasured building, and the entire facility, is a true gem.

Originally a summer retreat for Albert Burrage, a Bostonian lawyer and businessman, no exact date of the original building's construction is known. The land was purchased in 1899, and by 1904, Albert and his family were enjoying a summer residence at Maquan Pond. A devastating fire in 1907 destroyed the house and its contents. "The Needles" was rebuilt along with a stone firehouse and cottage, both built of concrete, with all construction complete by 1908. Mr. Burrage sold "The Needles" property to the non-profit Camp Fire Girls in 1922.

Originally known as Camp Kiwanis, a Native American word believed to mean "We get together" or "We make noise," the Camp Fire Girls opened the camp in June 1923. The store building, craft cabins, and other structures were erected during the Camp Fire Girls' ownership.

In 1979, the Town of Hanson voted to purchase the entire acreage. Today, we take pride in our history and want you to be a part of it. Thank you for considering our facility for your event. 

The Town of Hanson has a five-member volunteer board, the Camp Kiwanee Commission, which oversees Camp Kiwanee. We welcome any comments, questions, concerns, or new ideas. We'd love to hear from you. You can reach us at ckoffice@Hanson-ma.gov or by phone at (781) 293-2333.