Meet the Martha’s Vineyard Polar Bear Group

Did you know there are polar bears in New England? In this season 4 segment of Weekends with Yankee (episode 412), we talk to Caroline Hunter, a current member of the Polar Bear Group on Martha’s Vineyard. The Polar Bears were founded by Black workers in 1946 and to this day, they can be found swimming every morning on Inkwell Beach. The group is one of the most democratic on the island and welcomes all ages from infants to elders. Not only does the Polar Bear group promote general health and well-being; it also acknowledges the presence of a flourishing Black community that has and continues to overcome adversity and thrive.

About Weekends with Yankee

Produced by GBH, Boston’s preeminent public media producer, Weekends with Yankee is a Telly Award–winner in theTourism/Travel category and was recently nominated for Best New Series and Best Travel Program by The Taste Awards. Series funding for Weekends with Yankee is provided by New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Development, Maine Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, The Barn Yard, American Cruise Lines, and Grady-White Boats.