This project funded the restoration of one of the only remaining mossing sheds in the area. This shed is located in the Scituate Marine Park. Repairs included: replacing rotted roof boards and installing a new red cedar shingle roof, sill interior frame restoration, reshingling the sidewalls and trim repair, window repair and a new main door replicated and installed.

Mossing sheds of this kind were at one time located all over Scituate, keeping Irish Moss dry until pickup. This mossing shed is now the only one left of its kind in the area.

This project fully meets the requirements of the Town’s CPC goals for historical resources by recognizing, preserving and enhancing the historical heritage and character for the Town’s current residents and future generations.

One hundred years ago there were many Irish Moss storage sheds along the Scituate waterfront. These sheds were used to storage the dried Irish Moss, a type of seaweed, until a buyer came along. Irish Moss was used as an emulsifier in the production of many different products, including chocolate milk, toothpaste, mayonnaise, salad dressing, cosmetics, and various other items.

Heading off the beach in small dories at slack tides, the mossers used 14-foot-long rakes to scrape the moss off the rocksand haul it into their boats. Bringing it ashore, they washed it in salt water, as fresh water would destroy it, and lay out on the beach to dry. When it had gone from slimy and black to brittle and white, the moss was ready for sale.

Describing the beauty of the life of a mosser, one anonymous Scituate gentleman told American Magazine in 1942, "It's a great farm we have out there. We don't have to plow it or plant it, but it gives us four crops a season."

Today the Moss Shed at Scituate Marine Park is the only example left. Before the Scituate Historical Society secured funding from Community Preservation funds this shed was in danger of collapse. This shed is unique since many mossers names are written on the interior walls. The shed is now used to store small boats used by the Scituate Recreation Commission.