Meet Our New Communications Team [April Fools!]

[April Fools! We’re not planning to use homing pigeons for our communications needs. Sorry to disappoint! In fact, we just launched an all-new website. Far from traditional, the new nbss.edu has a refreshed look and feel, is more accessible, and is an all–around improved way of sharing great activities and events from our community.]

NBSS is going old school! In favor of a more personalized experience, we are adding a unique “new” tool for communicating with you: homing pigeons! Caring for these highly skilled avians is a tradition in our North End neighborhood, and we felt a great reflection of our longstanding roots in the community since 1881.

One of the oldest forms of long-distance communication is the messenger pigeon. This domestic bird is derived from the rock dove, and were in use dating back to the Ancient Egyptians in 3000 B.C. and up to the U.S. military in WWII. Carrier pigeons have been used to send messages, film, medications, and even laboratory specimens between hospitals. While scientists are unsure how the birds are able to find their way, some have theorized that the pigeons use the Earth’s magnetic field, the sun, visual cues, or a strong sense of smell and hearing.

Our new communication system has been in the works for over a year. Last spring, our Carpentry students built coops, while our Locksmithing & Security Technology students fitted the coops with latches. Students from all programs volunteered to help build their nests using wood shavings and leftover fabric. We employed our international alumni community to set up pigeon posts around the world. Training the pigeons took about three months, and now they are ready to get in-touch will all of you!


Meet the new staff joining our Communications Team! These are the brave birds we have trained to stay in touch with all of you!

Sign up for our mailing list to have a pigeon with the latest NBSS news and events sent to your home!

Editors note: April Fool’s! Sadly, we will not begin the use of homing pigeons as our new mode of communication (though Shaw is a great namesake for our Founder, don’t you think?) Instead, we’re going in the other direction with a brand new website, coming to you in May! Stay tuned for an all-new NBSS experience that we can’t wait to share with you. 🐦