Massachusetts Humane Society

The Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, better known as the Massachusetts Humane Society was founded in 1786 by a group of Boston citizens who were concerned about the needless deaths resulting from shipwrecks and drownings and wanted to find ways to save lives.

[1] It was based on the Royal Humane Society, a similar organization established in Great Britain in 1774.

It also offered rewards to individuals who successfully rescued people from the state's waters.

By the early 20th century the society operated more than 50 support stations along the state's coast, and provided all manner of equipment for the use of rescuers.

[1] The Society's current focus continues to be on water-based lifesaving activities and general medical facilities.