Published in the September 12, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD — In honor of the 375th anniversary of the town, the Wakefield Historical Society has planned a full day of activities, tours and events on Wakefield Heritage Day, Saturday, September 28.
In addition to a Museum Open House at the West Ward Schoolhouse, 39 Prospect Street, there will be scheduled demonstrations of the traditional crafts of shoemaking and white-coopering, with the generous assistance of shoemaker Sarah Guerin and historic craftsman David Workman. A fall farm-stand featuring mums and pumpkins will decorate the schoolyard. Visitors in historic costume will stop by as well.
Narrated historic trolley tours featuring our favorite Old Town Trolleys will depart hourly from 10 a.m – noon, with an optional trolley on hand for a 1 p.m. tour if there is demand. (Because of space limitations, reservations and advance tickets are strongly suggested.) See the buildings that you pass every day with new eyes, as the history of the town is revealed through the town’s historic buildings.
A dramatic presentation entitled “A Revolution of her Own” will feature the story of Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the American Revolution. The hour-long presentation will take place at 3 p.m. at the historic Americal Civic Center’s Heritage Room (tickets available in advance.)
With the generous help of our neighbors and friends, other important historic sites will be open. The Hartshorne House and gardens at 41 Church Street will be open to the public from 1-3 p.m. With the courtesy of the First Parish Congregational Church, two very special tours featuring the beautiful sanctuary and stained glass windows will be open for two tours at noon and 2 p.m.. (Reservations strongly suggested.)
The town’s oldest church building, the Unitarian Universalist Church will be open for the Season Opener of the Linden Tree Coffeehouse at 8 p.m.
Full information about all of these events and activities, along with some ticket information, is listed on the Society’s website, wakefieldhistory.org, and will, of course, be advertised in the Wakefield Daily Item. (Watch for more information and details.)
The Wakefield Historical Society invites the public to spend the day experiencing and enjoying the history of our town — and possibly enjoying a meal or two in the town’s wonderful restaurants, on Saturday, September 28.
For more information, see wakefieldhistory.org, email wakefieldhistory@gmail.com or call 781-246-3070.
