The Baldwin Home

Father Damien recognized the special needs of children at the Kalawao settlement and in 1886 organized a home for boys. By 1894 the home included 29 separate structures on this site, with the line of tall palms bordering the far side of the field marking the rear boundary of the complex. In 1895 the home was named in honor of its benefactor, Henry P. Baldwin of Maui, and that same year four Brothers of the Sacred Heart arrived to care for its residents. The residents remained here until December 24, 1932, when they were moved to the new Baldwin Home at Kalaupapa. Brother Joseph Dutton arrived in 1886 to work as a volunteer at the settlement, and as a Civil War veteran seeking atonement for earlier sins, he devoted himself to a life of penance and service. He cared deeply for the boys and performed many medical and nursing duties, while also serving as stonemason, architect, gardener, druggist, secretary, and postmaster, and helping complete many of Father Damien's projects. His faithful correspondence kept the outside world informed about life at the settlement, and he died in 1931 after 44 years of dedicated service at Kalawao.

Kaunakakai, Hawaii · United States