Six. That’s how many years we’ve hosted American Field. It’s also the number of times our traveling market has made it to Boston, MA.
For that reason, we’re proud of what this weekend represents. It’s a celebration of your unyielding passion for American-made items. It’s a testament to the value of taking pride in your craft. And it’s a chance for those unfamiliar with American quality to get a first-hand, immersive perspective. How exciting is that?
What’s more, we’re thrilled to be returning to the Innovation and Design Building (IDB) in Boston’s booming “Seaport” neighborhood.
The IDB is a gorgeous 1.4 million square foot, eight-story, acre-long, innovative industrial building in Boston’s Seaport/Innovation District. Like many of the makers you’ll see this weekend, the building itself has quite a history—one that spans almost 100 years.
The IDB complex was constructed by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1918 as a waterside storehouse for the South Boston Army Base. During World War II, 50,000 people worked around the clock at the base repairing American ships and distributing a wide range of military supplies.
In 1983, the land was acquired by the City of Boston, where they established the Boston Marine Industrial Park and paved the way for a space that could fuel Boston’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Today, this park is home to more than 200 businesses, over 3,000 employees and hosts one of the country’s largest working dry docks.
In 2013, the IDB was purchased by American Field sponsor, Jamestown L.P. Thanks to their thoughtful stewardship and ambitious plans for revitalization, the IDB is now at the center of a dynamic mix of companies and industries. These include the world's largest start-up accelerator program for early-stage entrepreneurs, a community of skilled artisans and craftspeople, architecture and creative service studios, specialized manufacturing facilities, research and development firms, and New England’s premier antiques market.
Most recently, the IDB has activated a majority of their ground floor with food vendors. Uniquely, Jamestown L.P. decided to forego traditional storefronts in favor of unique shipping-container kiosks. These details pay homage to a strong shipping legacy found only at the IDB.
At American Field, we’re proud of our role in helping Jamestown L.P. rebuild one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods. Our events are poised to drive new interest in the Innovation District, the IDB and the many ways American-made goods have a role in Boston.
When asked about hosting American Field, Jamestown L.P. President Michael Phillips said, “It raises awareness about the variety of goods that are being made in urban manufacturing centers across America. [The event is] a perfect complement to the current mix of tenants at IDB, which includes many influential contributors to Boston’s thriving maker community.”
Over the next two days, thousands of Bostonians will descend on the IDB to shop, cut, stir and taste their way around the best America has to offer. We invite you to join the celebration.
Here’s what you need to know:
Dates: September 16-17
Address: 21-25 Drydock Ave Boston, MA
Time: 11am-6pm
Cost: FREE and open to the public
DIRECTIONS
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
American Field is located on the Silver Line, SL2 Branch, Dry Dock Avenue stop. The Silver Line is accessible via South Station, located on the Red Line.
BICYCLE
There are two Hubway stations located directly on Drydock Avenue adjacent to American Field, and there are ample locations for safely locking your bicycle.
FOOT
5min walk from Harpoon Brewery, 10min walk from Seaport WTC and harbor-side restaurants, 20min walk from South Station.
CAR
From Downtown Boston: American Field is located on Drydock Avenue, one mile down Summer Street from the intersection of Summer and Atlantic directly adjacent to South Station.
From 90: Take exit 25 and follow Mass Haul Road until the traffic circle. Take the first exit onto Northern Avenue. Continue on Northern Avenue and take a right onto Tide Street, followed by a left onto Drydock Avenue.
From 93: Take exit 20 towards South Station. Proceed past South Station and take a right onto Summer Street. Continue for one mile down Summer Street.
A special thank you to Jamestown L.P for providing us with information on IDB and for their unwavering support of our movement.
