At the closing of the hospital, the state burnt and then dynamited the buildings, and all that remains of it are stone gate posts and a small cemetery.

[9][4] Beginning in 1990, the island was used as a test site for efforts to reintroduce the endangered American burying beetle, which appears to have succeeded; by 1997 the population had persisted for at least five generations since the last release.

PIS aimed to provide an experience they hoped would help boys remanded to involuntary custody become productive citizens, instead of developing into adult criminals.

Penikese Island is a safe, serene, and unspoiled environment, providing the perfect setting for fostering environmental literacy and stewardship.

The new mission is to provide students with access to experiential, nature-based and STEAM-focused educational programs in the island’s unique and unspoiled natural environment.

Programming aims to expand scientific literacy, inspire curiosity and creativity, and build appreciation and understanding of the wider world.

PIS currently operates school trips during the academic year, and a STEAM camp for girls and gender expansive youth during the summer.