USS Kearsarge Memorial Rededicated in South Boston After 92 Years Without Restoration

BOSTON — July 19, 2026 — Boston rededicated the USS Kearsarge Memorial at Marine Park in South Boston on July 19, after 92 years without restoration. Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Michelle Wu, and U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch headlined the ceremony, which formalized the completion of a three-year conservation and reinstallation project led by restoration artist Robert Schur of Skylight Studios and managed by DCR Preservation Planner Kevin Allen. The project was initiated in 2019 when the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, led by outgoing Commander Dave Falvey, partnered with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation to apply for grant funding; the City of Boston's Community Preservation Act program provided additional city-level support, with private donors including Kelly O'Shea, Dave Mateo, Dave Winnick, Mike McGaw, and Jim O'Donoghue filling a budget gap. The rededicated monument now bears two plaques: one recreating the original 1930 text honoring Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I veterans, and a new rear panel extending the tribute to Naval veterans of all subsequent conflicts. Commander Billy Farrell of the USS Constitution led the official rededication, and Acting DCR Commissioner Stephanie Cooper announced that Susan McDonough will succeed Falvey as SBAWVC Commander.