Oral History 1: Roseway and the Boston Harbor Pilots

A unique perspective on Roseway as a Boston Pilot Boat

Gary MacDonald’s father, Capt. Malcolm MacDonald, was a Boston Harbor Pilot for 50 years, nearly always on board Roseway, which has given Gary a uniquely personal understanding of the history of the schooner. While onboard Roseway in 2022, Gary gave a fascinating account of the history of pilot boats in Boston, including their role in World War II and his own memories of his father’s experiences with Roseway, and how, in later years, Gary had his own, sometimes unusual, experiences with this historic schooner.